What began as conversation became collaboration — and then proposals.
Interdisciplinary Research for a Complex World
THRIVE 2.0 is a signature initiative of the Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR) and Integrated Venture Development at The University of Alabama.
Building on the success of THRIVE’s inaugural cohort, THRIVE 2.0 brings together PI-eligible researchers who are open to applying their disciplinary expertise in new, collaborative ways. The program supports researchers willing to engage across fields, explore shared questions, and co-develop ambitious solutions-oriented research agendas.
THRIVE 2.0 provides structured facilitation, planning support, and proposal development resources to help interdisciplinary teams more efficiently from ideas to competitive submissions.
Why THRIVE 2.0?
The most pressing societal challenges require perspectives that cross disciplinary boundaries.
THRIVE 2.0 is designed to:
- Bring together diverse forms of expertise
- Foster open, interdisciplinary collaboration
- Support co-creation of fundable, high-impact research agendas
This program prioritize impact, integration, and outcomes — supporting researchers whose work informs practice, policy, and real-world decision-making.
Big ideas don’t always start serious—but they end that way.
What THRIVE 2.0 Offers
Interdisciplinary Team Formation
- Organically formed teams of PI-eligible researchers from diverse disciplines
- Facilitated workshops that encourage exploration, alignment, and shared problem framing
- Guided development of a shared, fundable research vision
Strategic Grant Planning & Development Support
- Planning funds available for teams
- Support for pilot work, exploratory analyses, and writing retreats
Proposal Readiness & Expert Facilitation
- Experienced facilitators focused on team science and collaboration
- Iterative feedback on proposal concepts and narratives
- Direct support from UA Research ASSIST Office
2026 Research Focus Areas
THRIVE 2.0 is organized around three broad domains that serve as lenses for interdisciplinary collaboration. PI-eligible researchers bring their disciplinary expertise to these domains with openness to new questions, perspectives, and applications.
Critical & Emerging Technologies
Social science perspectives on how people interact with, govern, and make decisions alongside advanced technologies.
National Security, Safety & Community Resilience
Research examining human performance, preparedness, risk, adaptation, and community resilience in complex, high-stakes, or disrupted environments,
Health & Human Flourishing
Work focused on health, well-being, recovery, and functioning across individuals, teams, and communities.
Is THRIVE 2.0 Right for Me?
THRIVE 2.0 may be a strong fit if you:
- Are open to interdisciplinary, team-based research
- Want to bring your expertise into collaborative problem-solving
- Are curious about applying your work in new contexts
- Are motivated to pursue large external grants (e.g., NIH, DOD)
- Value structured collaboration and facilitation
- Can commit to active participation from August 2026 — April 2027
You do not need a fully formed proposal to apply. Bring your expertise. THRIVE helps shape what comes next.
THRIVE creates space for PI-eligible researchers to think bigger — together.
Program Timeline & Expectations
- Application period opens: January 30, 2026
- Application deadline: March 2, 2026
- Final selections announced: April 2026
- Program launch: August 2026
Participants should expect:
- A multi-day kickoff event
- Biweekly team meetings
- Monthly seminars
- Writing retreats
A required program outcome is active participation in the development and submission of a THRIVE-generated interdisciplinary NIH or DOD proposal in 2027, aligned with relevant funding deadlines.
Application Requirements (At a Glance)
Applicants will submit:
- One-page statement of research interests and alignment with THRIVE 2.0
- One-page statement describing interdisciplinary experience and collaboration interests
- Chair or supervisor letter of support
- Current CV
Applications are reviewed by external evaluators based on interdisciplinary alignment, innovation, research productivity, and commitment to team science.
Ready to THRIVE?
If you’re ready to contribute your expertise, collaborate across disciplines, and help shape high-impact research for a complex world, THRIVE 2.0 is your platform.
Let’s build solutions — together.
THRIVE brings PI-eligible researchers together to turn interdisciplinary ideas into fundable research.
Call to Action
View the application before you apply.
Start your interdisciplinary journey. Apply to THRIVE 2.0. — The THRIVE 2.0 application period has closed. Please be on the lookout in January 2027 for THRIVE 3.0.
What THRIVE Fellows Are Saying…
…About Why They Joined THRIVE
“I am interested in pursuing larger, team-based grant opportunities, particularly in this challenging funding environment. Several other grants are coming to their end, and, therefore, it is a good time for me to move more directly to submitting additional proposals for external funding.”
“I want to join an interdisciplinary team/cluster to seek opportunities to connect my research expertise to solve real-world problems across various disciplines. Also, it is kind of my practice to get to know various fields I haven’t experienced before and find places educational science can contribute to.”
…About What They Liked Best About THRIVE mid-way through the year
“I got more opportunities to get familiar with different programs such as NIH, DOD, etc. I also improved my teaming efficiency.”
“Getting to know the other THRIVE fellows and learn about different areas of research. Also, learning more about large-scale grants at the NIH and DOD.”
“The facilitated brainstorming/ideation activities from KI [KnowInnovation].”
“Everything! This is such a wonderful initiative and I’m so grateful to be part of it.”
“Access to ISSR staff has been the most helpful.”