The Illinois Water Resources Center (IWRC) requests proposals to fund exploratory research or educational projects that enhance water sciences research and higher education throughout Illinois. Although we are interested in supporting all water resources studies that affect Illinois, our 2026 priority topics (in alphabetical order) are:
- ecohydrology
- emerging water quality issues
- socioeconomics in water resources management
- synergy among multiple-scale
- spatiotemporal complex water systems
- water for artificial intelligence infrastructure
- water and rare earth elements (REEs)
- water reuse technologies and/or strategies.
- Notification of Intent due December 1, 2025, 5 PM CST
- Full Proposal due January 12, 2026, 5 pm CST
- Notification of Intent submission form
- Full proposal submission form
- Proposal checklist
- More information
- Contact for questions: Amy Weckle
We are particularly interested in supporting projects that will help grow the body of research in Illinois, including proof-of-concept projects that may help researchers attract larger grants. Proposals continuing the work of previous IWRC Annual Research Grants will not be accepted. This is an open call contingent on funding availability.
For more information, see the full request for proposals. If you have any questions, contact Amy Weckle at aweckle@illinois.edu or 217-300-2101