Hay Research Grant Program

Hay Research Grant Program is sponsored by Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture. Encourages interdisciplinary research on how elements of the built environment influence mental health and cognitive outcomes.

ANFA | Hay Research Grant Program The Hay Research Grant Program 2025: Call for Proposals The Hay Grant Research Program of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA) is designed to encourage interdisciplinary research that contributes to a body of knowledge that informs building design and incorporates principles derived from neuroscience research. For year 2025, the research theme is defined as Building & Mental Health .

How can neuroscience and architecture work together to improve mental health and cognitive fitness? ANFA seeks interdisciplinary teams to investigate how elements of the built environment influence users’ mental health, including emotional and cognitive outcomes of design. We invite applications for funding to support research on this theme.

Research Grant Categories The objective is to establish proof of concept for innovative research designs or methods of analysis within the field of neuroscience for architecture. The findings from these studies are intended to lay the groundwork for future, more comprehensive research projects.

The objective is to test a novel and specific hypothesis, providing a foundation for further investment of funds and time in the field of neuroscience for architecture. If successful, the study is expected to form the basis for future proposals submitted to other funding organizations. Research Team Requirements The research team must be interdisciplinary, including at least one neuroscientist and one architect.

Additional disciplines may be included as needed to support the study’s objectives. The proposed study must be completed within 12 months from its start and should establish a foundation for a more extensive investigation, ideally supported by a major funding agency. Mid-Project Progress Report : Highlights initial findings and progress, including any timeline changes or challenges.

Final Report : Presents research findings and their implications. Scholarly Article : Submission to a peer-reviewed journal is expected. Presentation at ANFA Conference : Required presentation of research outcomes.

Credit : ANFA should be credited in related presentations and publications. Application Period : Opens January 31, 2025 Award Announcement : July 31, 2025 Duration : One year, with the possibility of a second year. Funding : Up to $50,000, with a negotiated disbursement schedule.

Eligibility Statement : Proof of eligibility. Research Category : Indicate whether it is a Feasibility or Pilot Study. Project Abstract : Maximum 250 words.

Project Description : Background, objectives, methods, expected results (max 4 pages). CV : Max 2 pages per applicant. Budget : Detailed budget including proof of matching funds.

Submit your application by 5:00 PM Pacific Time on June 16, 2025 , to https://tinyurl. com/hayresearch2025 . A panel of neuroscientists and architects will evaluate applications based on originality, creativity, and feasibility.

Criteria include: Interdisciplinarity of the research team – must demonstrate representation from both neuroscience and architecture. Appropriateness of research design and methods – should be well justified and relevant. Rigor of research design and methods – methodological robustness is crucial.

Depth of understanding of the problem – should be supported by appropriate references and analysis. Frequently Asked Questions Can a single researcher apply, or does it have to be a team? We invite applications from the teams of at least two individuals, a scientist and an architect.

Can previous grant recipients apply again? Previous recipients may not apply again; however, previous applicants may. Is there a limit to the number of applications an organization can submit?

We invite the maximum of one application per research team per application cycle. One person cannot participate in more than one research team. How are matching funds verified?

Verification might entail providing written confirmation on the funding source’s letterhead or similar. Does ANFA support indirect costs for Hay Research Grants? ANFA does not cover indirect costs for Hay Research Grants.

Can the grant be used to cover salaries or stipends for team members? Grant funds are intended to be used to cover research expenses, but grantees can use up to 20% of their effort to support the salaries or stipends. How can we demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of our team?

Research teams must include at least two individuals, a scientist and an architect. Please describe their credentials in the application materials. For example, the scientist may list their key peer-reviewed publications and the designer may list their key works.

Architects could also provide evidence of licensure (jurisdiction, number, date). Is preliminary data required for the application? The hypothesis advanced by the research theme should be well-motivated.

Preliminary data is one (but not the only way) to provide such motivation. Are there any restrictions on the type of research that can be funded? Research must, in some fashion, engage the 2025 theme, “Building and Mental Health,” as either a feasibility study or a pilot study.

What happens if my team doesn't include a neuroscientist or architect? The interdisciplinary emphasis of the grant is fundamental, so both science and architecture must be represented on the research team. What expenses are covered by the grant?

Funds are intended to be used for actual research activities. Applicants should detail how they intend to allocate funding. Are there any restrictions on how the grant money can be used?

One restriction on the use of funds for salaries and/or stipends is that up to 20% of their effort to support the salaries or stipends. What is ANFA's policy about indirect costs? The Hay Grant is not intended to cover indirect expenses.

What happens if the project exceeds the initial budget? In the rare instance that the team finds the project exceeding its initial budget, it may petition ANFA for additional funding. Please note that there is no guarantee that such a petition will be approved.

What kind of preliminary data is required for the application? Preliminary data per se is not required in the application; to the extent that it exists and might strengthen the applicants’ proposal, it might appear in the abstract or project description. How detailed should the research methodology be?

It should be detailed clearly enough, within the four-page limit, to support the proposal. What are the expectations for the mid-project progress report? Expectations will vary according to topic and methodology.

Refer to the “Research Output” section of the Call for Proposals. What should be included in the final report? The report should include all standard sections of a peer-reviewed article—abstract, motivation, methodology, results, discussion, and references.

Are there specific journals where the scholarly article should be submitted? The only requirement is that the journal be peer-reviewed. What happens if the research does not yield expected results?

Unanticipated or null findings are still valuable. If your data fail to support the hypothesis, report the result in full, analyze possible reasons, and discuss how it refines or redirects future research. Are there any recommended ways to find collaborators from other disciplines?

Members of the ANFA Board of Directors and Advisory Council may be excellent resources for identifying potential collaborators. Can we include collaborators from outside our institution? What support does ANFA provide during the research process?

Feedback from the ANFA Conference presentation is one form of support, as is advice from ANFA members. Applicants with specific ideas about support from ANFA should elaborate on them in the Proposal. How can we ensure our research aligns with the theme of Building & Mental Health?

The theme is intentionally broad. In your application, clearly explain how your project addresses the relationship between buildings and mental health. What are the criteria for evaluating the originality and creativity of the proposal?

Alignment: The extent to which the project addresses the theme of Building & Mental Health. Novelty: The degree to which the proposal presents original hypotheses, methodologies, or perspectives. Potential impact: The degree to which even a feasibility or pilot study could open new directions or practical applications in building and mental health.

How can we address potential challenges in our research plan? Potential challenges will depend on your specific project. Identify whether they involve limited sample size, insufficient data availability, or technical constraints in analysis.

For each issue, outline how you will mitigate it: for example, by conducting a power analysis, sourcing alternative data, or adjusting your methodology to accommodate technical limitations.