The D^3 Associate Program is designed to support and accelerate faculty research into the ways AI and digital technologies are reshaping companies, organizations, society, and practice. It aims to achieve this by engaging with faculty members at Harvard Business School and the broader Harvard research community, as well as partners in industry and government, offering funding for both new and ongoing research projects. One-year awards start at $50,000.
Interested faculty members are invited to submit project proposals that outline their research design, data sources (even if data have not yet been acquired), and research methodologies. Examples of potential research areas include:
- Ethics and Responsibility
- Healthcare Delivery
- Life Sciences
- Government Policy and Strategy
- Data Privacy and Generative AI
- Intellectual Property
- Teaching, Learning, and Pedagogy
- Labor Market Implications
- Governance
- Sustainable technology
- Digital Inclusion and Accessibility
- User experience and design thinking
Proposals should include topics that address how society and business are interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies. Projects with a collection of interdisciplinary faculty or that engage faculty from across schools are welcome. All groups must have at least one Harvard-affiliated faculty member.
Deadline:
Applications should be submitted by end of day on September 30, 2024. Notifications will occur on October 30, 2024, with a project start date of January 1, 2025.
Notification of award will occur on October 30, 2024, with a project start date of January 1, 2025.
To apply, submit an application using the link below, and please include a proposed budget using the template provided. Please note that this application cannot be partially completed and permanently saved; once you start, you will need to finish and submit it in one sitting. We strongly advise you to use this document to prepare your responses beforehand.
Post Award Program Requirements
D^3 offers a range of ways for Associates to actively engage with the D^3 community and both contribute to and benefit from the Institute’s platforms and resources. These include:
- D^3 Research Workshop: Present and share project insights, receive feedback, and exchange ideas with peers and researchers.
- D^3 Events: Showcase your project’s outcomes to D^3’s broad audience, highlighting the impact of your research.
- Industry Member Day Presentation: Foster connections with industry and strengthen the practical applicability of your research.
- Learning Products: Collaborate with the Insights and Experiences team at D^3 to create learning content that translates your research into practical and impactful materials (e.g., interviews, recorded instructional videos, and/or short learning activities).
Progress Check-ins: The D^3 research team will be in touch with the project teams to facilitate progress check-ins.
Questions?
Check out our FAQs or send us an email at d3associates@hbs.edu.
FAQs
Who is eligible?
Individual faculty members and collections of faculty, including faculty from across disciplines or schools, are welcome. All groups must have at least one Harvard-affiliated faculty member.
What type of projects are eligible for funding?
Projects should align with D^3’s mission and explore how society and business interact with AI and digital technologies. Applications should include concrete and finalized ideas with research objectives and input data identified, clear outcomes, and impact.
Can ongoing research projects apply for funding?
Yes, but the proposal should describe how the additional support will enable unique insights or broader impact.
Can I apply for multiple projects?
Yes, but faculty members are only eligible to receive a single award.
What is the award amount?
Starting at $50,000
How long is each award for?
1 year, starting January 1, 2025
How do I apply?
Follow this link:
Fill out a proposed budget:
When is the application due?
Round 1 is due September 30, 2024 11:59PM ET
When will the notification of award be made?
Round 1 notifications will be made October 30, 2024 with a project start date of January 1, 2025.
What are the post-award requirements?
Award recipients must submit mid-term and final reports. In addition, they must actively engage with the D^3 community through participating in the following:
- D^3 Research Workshop
- D^3 Community Event
- Industry Member Day
- Creating a Learning Product
Further details on post-award requirements will be shared once selected.
How often will project progress be monitored?
Progress will be monitored through mid-year and final check-ins.
What kind of support will D^3 provide during the project?
D^3 does not provide administrative support for research projects for this program. Resources for the development of external content will be supported by D^3.
Who can I contact for more information or assistance with the application?
Please email d3associates@hbs.edu with any questions on the application process.