Donovan J. Welch Award: Home

• $2000 to support the development of the proposed solution. The award may be used for equipment, materials, or technology costs. 
• Space in the library and use of library equipment such as 3D printer.
• Dedicated faculty mentoring that can support either the technical or commercial aspects of the project.

• All full-time UF students
• Students with any major may apply  
• We welcome applications that involve diverse approaches and disciplines that apply to STEM, liberal arts, and business including machine learning, computer science, robotics, language technologies, economics, psychology, sociology, public policy, business administration, human-computer interaction, and statistics.

• Submit progress updates monthly.
• Present the research at the Library Leadership Board Meeting during or following the term of the award.

The proposal should develop a prospective technology, application, or tool that focuses on one of the following five categories:

• Promote research in an area of global concern
• Solve a university-wide social challenge
• Focus on a local issue, one that is important to the Gainesville (Florida) community
• Promote inclusiveness in learning
• Enhance virtual/remote access to education

The Donovan J. Welch Award is a program that hopes to redefine the educational model for developing innovative and collaborative leaders. The overall goals of the award are to:

• Develop a novel technology
• Solve real-life challenges
• Create a network of partners who share the same ideals
• Launch a commercial venture

To apply for the award, go to: http://ufl.libwizard.com/Donovan-J-Welch-Award-Application to submit:

1. A business proposal (no more than 3 pages) that describes the proposed work to be conducted. This proposal should answer the following questions:
   • Which problem will be addressed?
   • What main questions drive the work?
   • What new technique, idea, approach or method is proposed to solve the stated problem?
   • How will success be expected and determined?
   • What are the timeline and expected outcomes?
   • What resources are needed, if any, namely in terms of data, collaborators, and computing, to complete the proposed plan?
   • What will you spend the funds on?
   • What is the impact of your project?
   • What is the scale of your solution (e.g., users, customers, businesses)

2. A CV or resume
3. Name, email and phone number for two references, to be contacted prior to final selection.

Research proposals for Spring 2025 will be due by midnight EST on December 16, 2024, with a start date in early January 2025.

The work should be completed in one semester but may be presented during the following semester.

The research proposal will be judged according to its innovation, feasibility, and the overall quality of the project as measured by its contribution to fundamental research and potential broader impacts in addressing one of the categories listed above. The evaluation committee will consist of George A. Smathers Libraries faculty. 

We expect to make one award under each call.