The University Center for Social & Urban Research is now accepting applications for the 21st annual Manners Awards to 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/national foundations or state/federal agencies.

The awards are in memory of Steven Manners, who served as assistant director of the center for many years, in recognition of his contributions to the center and the University community.

Two awards will be given of up to $20,000 each. The proposed research must align with the center’s mission of working collaboratively to conduct interdisciplinary research that improves communities and addresses social, economic, health and policy issues most relevant to society.

Full-time faculty, postdocs and research associates from all of Pitt’s campuses may apply.

Funds from the award 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, participant payments, and other activities/costs directly associated with the conduct of the research. 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 5, 2021. Applicants selected to submit a full proposal will be notified within two weeks, and final applications are due May 7, 2021. Awards will be made by June 28, 2021. Start dates for awards can be any time after July 9, 2021.

Letters of intent and applications should be submitted electronically to Anna Aivaliotis at annaca@pitt.edu. Please refer all questions to Scott Beach at scottb@pitt.edu.