The Hay Research Grant Program 2025: Call for Proposals

Invitation to Apply

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.


Research Theme

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

Feasibility Studies

  • 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.

Pilot Studies

  • 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.


Research Output

  • 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.

Program Details

  • Application Period: Opens January 31, 2025
  • Deadline: June 16, 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.

Application Requirements

  1. Eligibility Statement: Proof of eligibility.
  2. Research Category: Indicate whether it is a Feasibility or Pilot Study.
  3. Project Abstract: Maximum 250 words.
  4. Project Description: Background, objectives, methods, expected results (max 4 pages).
  5. CV: Max 2 pages per applicant.
  6. 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.


Selection Process

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.
Previous recipients may not apply again; however, previous applicants may.
We invite the maximum of one application per research team per application cycle. One person cannot participate in more than one research team.
Verification might entail providing written confirmation on the funding source’s letterhead or similar.
ANFA does not cover indirect costs for Hay Research Grants.
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.
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).
The hypothesis advanced by the research theme should be well-motivated. Preliminary data is one (but not the only way) to provide such motivation.
Research must, in some fashion, engage the 2025 theme, “Building and Mental Health,” as either a feasibility study or a pilot study.
The interdisciplinary emphasis of the grant is fundamental, so both science and architecture must be represented on the research team.
Funds are intended to be used for actual research activities. Applicants should detail how they intend to allocate funding.
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.
The Hay Grant is not intended to cover indirect expenses.
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.
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.
It should be detailed clearly enough, within the four-page limit, to support the proposal.
Expectations will vary according to topic and methodology. Refer to the “Research Output” section of the Call for Proposals.
The report should include all standard sections of a peer-reviewed article—abstract, motivation, methodology, results, discussion, and references.
The only requirement is that the journal be peer-reviewed.
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.
Members of the ANFA Board of Directors and Advisory Council may be excellent resources for identifying potential collaborators.
Yes.
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.
The theme is intentionally broad. In your application, clearly explain how your project addresses the relationship between buildings and mental health.
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.
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.
Grant recipients retain copyright to their work. ANFA reserves the right to present research findings and other data on its website, to the extent that this does not compromise the research team’s ability to publish results in a peer-reviewed journal.