AIA Upjohn Research Initiative

About this program

Offered by the AIA College of Fellows, the Upjohn Research Initiative awards up to six applied research grants annually of $15,000–$30,000 to projects that enhance the value of design and professional practice knowledge. Grants fund projects to be completed within an 18-month period, and recipients’ findings are published online by AIA. The current call is closed; submissions for 2026 will open in the fall, and applicants must propose applied research directly advancing design and professional practice (questions: upjohnresearch@aia.org).