2024 Call for Seed Research Proposals

SUBMISSION DEADLINES:

Summary page: March 19, 2024, 9:00 AM PDT

Full proposal, presentation slides, and short video: April 2, 2024, 9:00 AM PDT

Proposal discussion with CIFE members: April 11, 2024, 8:00 AM PDT 

Our economic, environmental, and social sustainability depends, in significant ways, on the performance of the built environment. By formalizing impactful and scalable engineering and management methods, CIFE aims to improve the performance of buildings and infrastructure. These methods should not only minimize the negative impacts of the built environment, but rather move the industry towards measurably improving the sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness of the built environment.

 CIFE is seeking seed proposals that envision a contribution in this broad area of research. Proposals must be led by a Stanford academic council member and should last one year with an expected budget in the range of $80k to $120k. There is, then, an opportunity to apply for a second year of funding in next year’s seed proposal cycle. The intent of these seed grants is to enable a small research team to explore the feasibility of a larger research effort. The following topics illustrate focus areas that have been identified by CIFE’s Industry Advisory Board as particularly critical at this point. However, proposals can cut across these topics or address other topics in the broad research area outlined above.

• Incentive Integration: Implementing shared pain/shared gain structures to align major participants and stakeholders (owner, GC, subcontractors, communities) towards common project outcomes and collaboration.
• VDC Deployment: Creating the foundation for VDC-enabled (Virtual Design and Construction) workflows; developing innovative visualization tools to accelerate collaborative workflows; enhancing performance measurement and communication.
• Data Utilization: Leveraging construction and facility operations data for creating digital twins, supporting or even automating real-time decision-making, creating digital feedback loops, and facilitating better design and processes for new builds and renovations.
• Technology Integration (including (gen)AI): Integrating technology into design, logistics, and production processes to simulate expected performance, to enhance communication with non-AEC stakeholders, and bridge the gap between grassroots and leadership levels.
• Research and Knowledge Sharing: Conducting research on value chains to develop integration solutions and gather reliable data throughout the value chain and exploring disruptive business models.
• Laying the foundation for a learning culture to address future challenges through deep R&D capabilities.

Regardless of the research focus, all proposal submissions should clearly demonstrate how the proposed research drives measurable improvements across the industry. Several CIFE affiliates have expressed interest in working with Stanford research teams to define specific research opportunities.

If you want to be in touch with a CIFE member for a particular topic please contact us at cife-mail@stanford.edu.

Timetable and requirements for projects for funding during AY 2024-25