Special President’s Research Grant
on Motherhood
The Special President’s Research Grant on Motherhood, established by the President’s Office, supports innovative scholarship that explores the many dimensions of maternal experience and its impact on individuals, families, and society. Open to Sofia University students, faculty, and alumni, this grant encourages interdisciplinary research that advances academic knowledge while creating meaningful, real-world impact.
Grant Award
The President’s Office will award one or more research grants during Sofia University’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony on September 26, 2026.
- Award Amount: $750–$2,000
- Recipients will be notified in writing prior to Commencement.
- The number and value of grants awarded will be determined by the President and the Executive Committee.
Research Focus
Applicants are encouraged to submit research proposals that deepen our understanding of motherhood through disciplines including, but not limited to:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Leadership
- Public Health
- Business
- Technology
- Other related fields
Successful proposals should demonstrate scholarly rigor while honoring the resilience, labor, wisdom, and lived experiences of mothers. Research should have the potential to advance academic knowledge and improve the lives of mothers, families, and communities.
Eligibility
The grant is open to:
- Enrolled Sofia University students
- Sofia University faculty
- Sofia University alumni
Applicants from all academic programs and disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Application Requirements
Applications and all questions regarding the grant or application process should be submitted via email to Chief of Staff Bernadette Zimmerman at Bernadette.Zimmerman@sofia.edu
Student Applicants
Please include:
- Current CV
- Research proposal (500 words or fewer) with references to current literature and a plan for future presentation, publication, or other dissemination of findings
- Professional biography (300 words or fewer)
- Faculty recommendation (300 words or fewer) from a Sofia faculty member
Faculty Applicants
Please include:
- Current CV
- Research proposal (500 words or fewer) with references to current literature and a plan for future presentation, publication, or other dissemination of findings
- Professional biography (300 words or fewer)
Alumni Applicants
Please include:
- Current CV
- Research proposal (500 words or fewer) with references to current literature and a plan for future presentation, publication, or other dissemination of findings
- Professional biography (300 words or fewer)
- Name of a Sofia faculty member who may be contacted by the selection committee for a recommendation
2026 Application Deadline: September 7, 2026
All application materials must be received by the President’s Office no later than two weeks prior to Commencement.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by the President and the Executive Committee, with research proposals also reviewed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) as appropriate.
Selection is based on:
- Fulfillment of all application requirements
- Quality and relevance of the proposed research
- Alignment with the grant’s objectives
- Potential scholarly and community impact
Award decisions are final, and all committee deliberations remain confidential.
Award Distribution
Recipients will be notified in writing no later than the date of Commencement. Grant funds will be distributed by check through Sofia University’s Accounting Office.
Confidentiality of Applications
Submitted applications become the property of Sofia University and will remain on file for one year following the application deadline. After that time, application materials will be securely destroyed. Application contents and committee evaluations are confidential and will not be released to applicants or any third party.
