Hello,
I am writing to invite applications for our NSF-funded Institute on Expanding the Methods of Education Research with Generative AI (EMERGai), a partnership between the University of Minnesota and NC State University. In short: we provide participants with stipends, training to use GenAI in a research project of their choice, and supports to complete that research project.
The institute consists of an in-person workshop (Raleigh, North Carolina, on July 20-24, 2026) followed by an online community of practice during the academic year.
Overall, EMERGai is intended to address a critical need in STEM education research by empowering early- and mid-career researchers employed at resource-limited colleges and universities to effectively and ethically leverage Generative AI tools and processes in their research workflow, including literature reviews, data collection, data analysis, interpretation, and writing. By participating in this program, researchers will be able to engage in innovative, rigorous, responsible, and ethical GenAI-supported STEM education research practices across the research workflow and cultivate the mindsets and skills necessary for pursuing long-term learning, enhancing their career trajectory, and contributing to scientific progress beyond the institute.
Institute participation is limited to those who are
- Early- or mid-career STEM education researchers (e.g., postdoctoral researchers through associate professors, or equivalent roles, within 14 years of highest terminal degree).
- Employed at a US resource-limited institution.
We define resource-limited colleges and universities as those operating with constrained budgets, smaller/limited endowments, and little infrastructure or support services for advanced research. This may include institutions located in rural or remote regions and smaller public or private colleges or universities with limited capacity for large-scale research initiatives.
If you’re not eligible, please also consider forwarding this invitation to colleagues who may be eligible.
Applications are now open and will close on April 1, 2026.
For more information, including institute structure, stipends, and expectations, and to apply, please visit our website.
Please email me directly if you have any questions. My email is available on our website.
Clay Whetung
EMERGai Research Assistant
College of Education and Human Development
University of Minnesota