2026 USAIN Research Fellows Award Call for Applications

The USAIN Professional Development Committee is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for the annual USAIN Research Fellows Award.

Up to $3,000 for each of two awards in 2026 will be applied to the costs of conducting research on agriculture, food, natural resources and the environment, sustainability, human ecology, and rural sociology information.  This fellowship provides funding for one or more USAIN members to conduct original research. Examples of eligible expenses include but are not limited to: transcription, travel to an institution for research, student worker support, etc.  Professional development activities are not allowed (e.g. workshop, trainings). As a 501c3 organization, funding awards from USAIN are designed to provide as much of the funding from the award as possible for research. This award does not cover indirect costs (facilities infrastructure and administrative cost) to host institutions. These are not grants and are not able to be processed through Office of Sponsored Programs as such. A maximum of 50% of the funds may be used to disseminate research results (e.g. conference attendance, publishing fees).

To apply, please complete the application form that outlines your proposed research, describes financial support needed, provides a proposed timeline, and justifies the importance of this research award to your research objectives and explains how this research will benefit USAIN and the profession.

Applications will be judged on the applicability of research to the USAIN mission and Library & Information Science profession, and adherence to application guidelines. Non-USAIN members are welcome to apply with the understanding that USAIN membership is required prior to award funds transfer.

Link to application: https://forms.gle/K72PhyCK68AULG277

Deadline is April 1, 2026.

Award recipients will be notified during USAIN’s 20^th Biennial Conference, May 31-June 3^rd, 2026.

Questions can be directed to Suzanne Stapleton (suzanne@ufl.edu ) or Maggie Albro, (malbro@utk.edu) Co-chairs, USAIN Professional Development Committee.

Thank you for your interest in the USAIN Research Fellows Award!