Spark Research Grants

Resources

LIVE Spark Research Grants are designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration for the innovation of new learning technologies. They will stimulate applied exploration of novel learning technology ideas and directions with strong potential for impact in formal, informal, or workplace learning contexts. Working with learners of any age (from early childhood through the later phases of adult life), successful proposals will include advanced planning for real-world viability through a vision for partnerships with schools, communities, industry or through an entrepreneurial model We encourage proposals that include novel applications of emerging learning technologies and particularly those that explore the use of AI and analytics to improve learning and/or training. Priority will be given to individuals with a history of active participation in the LIVE community.

Awards

LIVE Spark Research Grants will provide up to $10,000 in financial support and also come with generous in-kind resources to increase projects’ success. These include access to LIVE’s:

Research Engineer, skilled in Web API and cloud infrastructure, Unity (Desktop / AR / VR applications), Backend development, and programming in C / C++, C#, Rust, and Python (including some AI model training)
Specialty hardware and software (including Tobii Pro 3 Eye tracking glasses and analysis software, VR/AR equipment).
Newly renovated facilities in the 17th & Horton building (including team workspaces, Human Interaction Viewpoint and Embodiment (HIVE) Lab and soon the EngageAI Classroom of the Future and Meta VR Cave)
Extensive network of expertise in topics as diverse as mixed reality, human-centered design, multi-modal analytics, and social entrepreneurship models
Recruiting network for students available for project work
Relationships with a wide variety of teachers, students, and schools throughout Nashville
Collaborative forums for engaging with colleagues and students deeply invested in learning and technology

Evaluation Criteria

Significance: How important is the learning challenge being addressed?
Originality: Does the proposed approach introduce innovative methods or concepts?
Feasibility: Is the proposed plan of work realistic and achievable within the project’s timeframe?
Cross-Disciplinary: Does the project genuinely integrate knowledge and techniques from multiple disciplines, reflected in both the team composition and methods?
Impact: Could the project, if successful, significantly advance or transform learning practices and/or outcomes? Does the project ensure the solution is accessible and beneficial to a broad spectrum of learners?
Sustainability: Does the project outline a clear path for continuation or expansion beyond the grant period?
Scalability: Does the solution hold potential to be effectively expanded or adapted for broader application?

Eligibility & Terms

All full-time Vanderbilt faculty and research scientists are eligible as PIs / Co-PIs
Proposals must be made by a interdisciplinary team of individuals (generally coming from at least 2 different departments)
Proposals may request a budget of up to $10,000
Previous Spark Research Grant winners may apply, but priority will be given to first-time awardees
Faculty may submit up to one proposal as PI and one as Co-PI, however, applicants are encouraged to focus their efforts on a single proposal to ensure the highest quality of submission

Any external funding or industry partnerships arising based on work from a Spark Research Grant must be coordinated in collaboration with LIVE

Allowed Use of Funds

Graduate student, postdoc, and staff wages
Term limited consultants / skilled workers
Equipment expenses
Materials and supplies
CORE Charges
Participant incentives

*Exclusions: Spark Research Grants cannot be used to pay faculty salaries, or for tuition / financial aid for students.

2025 Spark Research Grant Cycle

Important Dates
- March 21 – Proposals Due
- April 18 – Awards Announced
- May 1 – Grant Work Begins
- December 31 – Grant Work Complete
- Jan / Feb 2026 – Spark Research Grant Results Shared at LIVE Learning Innovation Session + Final Report Due
Proposal Submission Process
Submit your application materials here
- Title
- Abstract (max 100 words)
- Project Description (max 1500 words, upload as PDF)
  - Challenge: The learning challenge you aim to address and its importance
  - Objectives: The goals of the project.
  - Approach: Explain how your approach is novel, how it leverages emerging learning technologies, and why you expect it to work. You should consider both technological and non-technological components of your solution.
  - Methodology: Detail any methods, technologies, data and resources you plan to use.
  - Short-term Outcomes: What immediate results do you expect by the end of the grant period? How will you make these happen?
  - Long-term Impact: How could your project transform learning practices or outcomes? Address opportunities for scalability if relevant.
- Work Plan (max 500 words, upload as PDF)
  - Timeline: Provide a detailed timeline of project activities and milestones. Include any needed data controls and/or IRB approvals.
  - Team Composition and Roles: Detail each team member’s expertise, role in the project, and how they will collaborate to integrate knowledge and techniques across disciplines.
  - Sustainability Plan: Outline a plan for how the project will continue beyond the grant period, including potential paths for external funding or partnerships or entrepreneurial models coordinated in collaboration with LIVE.
- Detailed Budget with Justification (upload as PDF)
  - Itemized budget up to $10,000, categorizing expenses under allowed headings (e.g., wages, materials). Justify each expense’s necessity for the project’s success.
  - Detail desired use of any in-kind resources.

For any questions regarding Spark Research Grants please email LIVE@vanderbilt.edu