Request for Proposals: Directives and Limitations

Applications will be accepted from outstanding research universities world-wide. For definition purposes, a research university offers substantial doctoral programs in the sciences and other fields, pursues significant funded research in the hundreds of millions of dollars (or its equivalent), and has a faculty who possess credentials and achievements that are well-known and well-regarded both within and outside of the nation where it is located. No applications will be accepted from individuals.

An interdisciplinary committee should be formed at the host institution for the purposes of making this application. The interdisciplinary committee should meet on an on-going basis for study and exchange and to assess its progress. Funds from the grant should be allocated to support these meetings, probably on a monthly basis, including the purchase of books and publications for group study, the provision of gracious collegial meals, and the hosting of a number of outside speakers.

This interdisciplinary committee should also oversee the administration of the grant. A chairperson should be designated for conducting the business of the committee, including making this grant application. Funds from the grant should also be allocated to provide administrative support for the chair and the committee. Funds from the grant should also be used to provide compensation for the chair in the form of salary supplement or course reductions.

Each year of the grant, under the leadership of the interdisciplinary committee, the host institution is required to appoint a "Templeton Research Fellow" to give a series of public lectures known as "the Templeton Research Lectures on the Constructive Engagement of Science and Religion" at the host institution and resulting in the publication of a book length manuscript, as well as articles in peer-reviewed journals, popular magazines, and alumni publications. Direct or indirect compensation for the Templeton Research Fellow should not be less than $50,000 as indicated in the model budget posted on the project website. In the application for the grant, the host institution should list potential candidates for these annual lecture series and provide brief biographical narratives for envisioned candidates. Of course, the participation of such persons cannot be guaranteed until after the grant is awarded, an invitation issued, and a response received, so this list of potential candidates is meant to be indicative of the institution's vision and plan, and not a contractual obligation. In the event that a targeted candidate cannot participate, the host committee may substitute other suitable candidates to give the annual Templeton Research Lectures consistent with the aim and stipulations of this call for proposals.

The completion of written manuscripts and evidence of submission to a well-known academic press for publication by the Templeton Research Fellow is a requirement for continued disbursement of the grant. An annual six page narrative report, including financial statement, press clippings, brochures produced, and other material relevant to the project, is also required for continued disbursement of the grant. The host committee is also required to distribute and collect an audience survey for all public lectures and an annual questionnaire for all members of the interdisciplinary committee.

Thematic foci are encouraged, as long as an interdisciplinary approach is maintained. Utilization of grant monies to facilitate collaboration with scholars at other institutions may serve this goal in certain circumstances. The honoraria provided for the Templeton Research Fellows should be generous, within the limitations of the available funds, in recognition of the demanding scholarship involved in preparing original interdisciplinary lectures and publications. A significant portion of the honoraria for the annual Templeton Research Fellows should be linked to the completion of written manuscripts and submission for publication. Additional funds from the grant can also be used for staff support, course reductions, and other support for the lecturers and the work of the interdisciplinary committee. Fostering sustained, engaged, and original research that leads to innovative products and insights requires careful planning and commendable vision. The host committee is encouraged in their application to consider creative ways to reward exemplary achievement and participation in the project.

The project should evince an open and exploratory approach to the engagement of science and religion. Projects may be inter-religious or intra-religious as deemed appropriate by the applicants. The use of the sciences to promote narrow dogmatics or apologetics, however, would not be consistent with the aim of this project.

The core budget is $90,000 per year or $270,000 over three-years with the possibility of a fourth year extension. It is expected that overhead will be absorbed by the host institution. The Templeton Foundation is prepared to match actual cash contributions to the project raised by the host institution, up to $20,000 per year, thus increasing the funding for the project up to $130,000 per year or $390,000 over three-years with the possibility of a fourth year extension.

Budgeting allocations are left to the discretion of the host institution and the interdisciplinary committee, but should be noted in the proposal. A model budget is included on the project website.

Proposals will be selected by a panel of distinguished judges. Two awards in the three-year cycle will be given out each year. Re-submissions with modification are encouraged in future years for unsuccessful proposals.