Advance Research That Strengthens a Free and Open Society
IHS funds rigorous, independent scholarship on the institutional, economic, constitutional, and cultural foundations of a free society. Each RFP poses focused research questions; we fund work that best engages them. Awarded scholars retain full independence over design, analysis, conclusions, and publication.
Requests for Proposals
In a moment marked by rising illiberalism and the declining trust in institutions, there is a growing opportunity to explore the ways that technologies of freedom like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and encryption can be deployed to build high-trust, liberal societies.
Nuclear energy has re-emerged as a central component of US climate and energy discussions, driven by interest in advanced reactors, growing electricity demand, and renewed attention to permitting reform. This creates an opportunity to better understand how nuclear energy is governed and how regulatory processes and public trust shape what infrastructure is built and used.
The contemporary crisis of liberal democracy has led to an increased interest in deliberative processes and democratic innovation. There’s a growing confidence that citizens’ participation in deliberation can enrich the policymaking process, reduce polarization, and strengthen institutional trust.
IHS invites academic scholars to apply for funding for research that uses the Cost of Living tool in ScholarsEdge. The Cost of Living tool in ScholarsEdge is an AI-powered research application that aggregates a wide range of economic, social, and environmental data at the ZIP-code level, allowing scholars to quickly analyze and compare local conditions across the US.
Common Questions
Yes. If your research is genuinely relevant to multiple open RFPs, you may submit separate applications. Each will be reviewed on its own merits.
No. Applications are open to any eligible scholar at an accredited institution. Prior participation is not required.
Closely. Funding decisions turn primarily on how well a proposal engages the questions posed by the RFP. Proposals that reframe or sidestep the central questions are unlikely to be competitive.
Yes, if your research supports a free and open society, you may be eligible for funding. Scroll down to see other programs like Advancing the Tradition support for research strengthening a free society.
Questions?
Also Consider
If an RFP isn’t the right fit for your current project, IHS offers additional funding pathways for faculty and doctoral researchers.