The Minerva Research Initiative's University Research Announcement is a funding opportunity provided by the Department of Defense (DoD) to support innovative basic research in the social sciences. The initiative aims to advance understanding in areas of strategic importance to U.S. national security, focusing on social, cultural, behavioral, and political dynamics. Minerva seeks to enhance DoD’s intellectual capital in the social sciences by fostering research that informs policy and strategic decision-making. The program encourages collaboration among universities, research institutions, and scholars worldwide to address specific research topics identified by the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

The program supports research in six major topic areas: societal cohesion and conflict, advancing influence measurement(s), the Arctic at the polar crossroads, cultural resilience and human security in Oceania, the social impact of technological change, and deterrence and competition across military and civilian spheres. Research proposals should focus on developing theoretical foundations, methodologies, and applied insights that contribute to the understanding of these areas. Teams of university investigators are encouraged, especially for projects requiring interdisciplinary expertise. The Minerva Research Initiative does not require substantial government involvement in award execution but aims to facilitate collaboration between academia and defense policy communities.

The total estimated funding for this program is up to $30 million, with individual grants reaching a maximum of $1,000,000 per year for up to five years. Approximately 15 awards are expected to be made. Grants will be issued for an initial three-year period, with possible extensions for an additional two years. Cost-sharing or matching funds are not required. Proposals must be submitted in two stages: white papers are due by November 29, 2024, and full applications must be submitted by February 28, 2025, through Grants.gov. Awards are anticipated to be announced by April 16, 2025, with projects commencing on June 1, 2025.

Eligibility is open to U.S. and foreign institutions of higher education, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Institutions (MIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Non-profit institutions and commercial entities may participate as subawardees but are not eligible to apply as lead institutions. Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs) may collaborate but are not eligible to receive direct funding. Each proposal must designate a single Principal Investigator (PI) responsible for technical and administrative project oversight.

Applications must include detailed research proposals with methodologies, relevance to defense priorities, management plans, and budget justifications. White papers undergo an initial review, and select applicants will be invited to submit full proposals. Evaluation criteria include scientific merit, relevance to DoD research priorities, potential contributions to security-relevant social sciences, qualifications of key personnel, and cost realism. Proposals aligning with the 2022 National Defense Strategy and supporting the Minerva Research Initiative's goals will be prioritized.

For inquiries, applicants may contact Dr. David Montgomery at David.w.montgomery61.civ@mail.mil for technical questions. General questions regarding the initiative can be directed to Jonathan Bertsch at jonathan.e.bertsch.civ@mail.mil. More information, including the full research topics of interest, is available at Minerva Research Initiative.