Since 2014, the RTI University Scholars Program has provided support for distinguished academic researchers to spend scholarly leave time at RTI International to actively collaborate with our experts. The program, administered by the University Collaboration Office, is designed to drive growth, foster collaboration, build scientific stature, and develop opportunities for externally funded joint projects.
The RTI University Scholars Program invites Expressions of Interest for the 2025-2026 academic year from tenured or research-track faculty members at the Associate Professor level or higher with a commitment to collaboration and a research project related to RTI practice areas.
The University Collaboration Office at RTI International invites faculty from UNC System universities and Duke University to attend an Information Session on the RTI University Scholars Program on October 21 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., via Zoom.
Deadlines:
- Required Expression of Interest: Jan. 23, 2025
- Invited Full Proposals: March 26, 2025
The RTI University Scholars Program prioritizes proposals for projects related to:
- 2025-26 Priority areas to be announced soon
While the RTI University Scholars Program welcomes Expressions of Interest based on collaborative interdisciplinary research projects, or “clusters,” applicants need to apply individually. Application evaluations are based on the merits of the individual as well as the project. To advance excellence and diversity, RTI encourages applications from underrepresented faculty.
The RTI University Scholars Program invites Expressions of Interest from faculty from the University of North Carolina System’s 16 universities and from Duke University. The program is designed for tenured or research-track faculty members at the Associate Professor level or higher, who are eligible for scholarly leave or sabbatical, and interested in collaborating with RTI researchers.
Applicants must partner with RTI staff who serve as a host or hosts and co-create a collaborative research project to pursue during the scholar’s appointment.
The RTI University Collaboration Office covers:
- Half of each selected scholar’s salary and fringe (with the other half covered by the scholar’s home institution)
- Direct costs for supplies, publications, and other expenses, such as conference registrations, typically with a $5,000 ceiling
These funds are paid directly to the scholar’s university.