For the 20th year, the University Center for Social and Urban Research will be giving out two Steven D. Manners Faculty Development Awards.

The awards, named in honor of the long-time assistant director of the center, will support pilot research in the social, behavioral and policy sciences that has the potential of leading to larger, externally funded projects of interest to local and national foundations or state and federal agencies.

The center will award two grants of $20,000 each, contingent upon the quality of applications and availability of funds.

The proposed research must align with Center for Social and Urban Research’s mission of working collaboratively to conduct interdisciplinary research that improves communities and addresses social, economic, health and policy issues most relevant to society.

The awards are open to all full-time faculty, post docs and research associates from all of Pitt’s campuses. The funds may be used to cover the direct costs of carrying out the research and may include the salary of a research assistant or graduate student. Costs that are not allowed include the investigator’s salary, travel for conferences or seminars, dues for professional societies, and subscriptions to journals.

Applicants are required to submit a one-page letter of intent to describe the proposed project by March 2. Those selected to submit a full proposal will be notified within two weeks. Final applications are due May 7. Awards will be made by June 25. Start dates for awards can be any time after July 6. Projects should be completed within a one-year period.

Letters of intent and applications must be submitted electronically to Anna Aivaliotis at annaca@pitt.edu. For questions, contact Judith Matthews at jtmatt@pitt.edu.