How to Get Started

On what subject or issue are you looking for thought partners?

• Choose a topic or question that is broad enough to benefit from multiple perspectives but focused enough to be manageable.
• Consider areas that are interdisciplinary and can attract scholars in different fields.

Connect with colleagues who have expertise or interest in your chosen topic.

• Aim for a group with diverse backgrounds and skills to enrich the project.

Talk to each other about what you want to do and how you want to do it.

• Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each team member to ensure accountability and smooth collaboration.
• Review our models of collaboration in theory and in practice.

Develop a plan to get started. New groups typically start small and spend the first year learning how to work together and plan for the future.

• Outline your main goals and objectives.
• Select a Research Cluster that best aligns with your group.
• Prepare a budget that includes funding for each activity you are proposing, including funds for guest speaker travel/honoraria, group meals, and other expenses.

• During the Spring CFP period, submit a Corridor proposal with a group description, goals, and a budget outline for activities for the next year.

Funding notifications go out in early May with feedback.

• If your proposal is declined: Not all groups are funded in any given year. Review the feedback provided. Regroup and consider submitting a proposal for the next cycle.
• If your proposal is funded: Congrats! Here are some next steps.