Salata Institute Energy and Climate Research Clusters Program (ECRC) FAQs 

Will proposals on topics outside of those listed in the RFP be considered in this cycle?

Proposals must fit into one or both of the broad categories of (a) energy technologies, markets, and systems or (b) remote sensing and/or climate/environmental measurement in the context of climate, environment, and ecosystem challenges.

How important is interdisciplinary and cross-School collaboration?

Harvard has tremendous strengths in the labs and researchers across its Schools, but often that work is siloed. The big problems in climate, energy, and the environment, however, reach across School boundaries. One goal of this program is to create cross-School, interdisciplinary teams that together are better able to tackle these big problems than conventional discipline-based teams. For this reason, an accepted and launched Energy and Climate Research Cluster must have PI and co-PI(s) who represent at least two Schools. Although funding need not be spread equally across the represented Schools, there should be a commitment to intellectually diverse teams. Preliminary concept proposals (Step 1) do not need to have co-PIs from multiple Schools but should explain what other School(s) and other disciplinary area(s) could be part of the Cluster.

Why have a three-step review process?

Because working across Schools is not the norm at Harvard – nor is interdisciplinary work the norm for many external funding programs – this program is designed to provide a low-cost way for colleagues to learn about others at Harvard with similar interests and complementary skills. For this reason, the first step is an opportunity to pitch a concept for an Energy and Climate Research Cluster to faculty colleagues. The Salata Institute’s Faculty Research Committee will engage with first-round proposers to explore collaboration across other proposed clusters, and, if necessary, to modify the scope of the proposal. The process may yield a revised proposal (Step 2). From these revised proposals, a small number of cluster teams will be invited to prepare a detailed proposal (Step 3).

Will external reviewers be involved in evaluating proposals?

Yes, external reviewers will be recruited to serve in two separate capacities: non-anonymous reviewers on the selection committee, and anonymous external referees who will consider the scientific/intellectual merit, novelty, and importance of the proposal.

What is the timetable?

PIs should submit a 500-word concept proposal by September 28, 2026, using the Salata Institute’s application portal. The Salata Institute will invite all PIs to make one-slide presentations of their concept notes and to network with their peers at an event, scheduled on October 2, 2026. PIs may subsequently opt to modify their proposals, merge their proposed projects with those of others, as broad collaborations will be encouraged. Updated and extended Step 2 proposals are then due on October 16, 2026.  Based on those proposals, a small number of groups will be invited to submit full proposals, which will be due on January 8, 2027. Awards will be announced in late February 2027.

How can Harvard faculty members or other researchers who are not ladder faculty participate in the program?

Yes, as co-investigators or collaborators.

Can Clusters include collaborators from government and non-governmental organizations?

Yes.

Will this program allow overhead/indirect cost expenses?

No, budgets should not include overhead/indirect cost expenses. Clusters should plan to use existing administrative capacity in their home schools, and they may plan to hire staff to assist in project coordination and financial administration.

Research expenditure guidance: Can funds be used for research conducted outside Harvard?

The purpose of this program “is to build research capacity for the long term, and to better position Harvard to make even more powerful contributions after the grant period.” To this end, the grant program is an investment in Harvard’s people and research capacity, and expenditures need to align with this goal. External collaborations (e.g., with other universities or organizations) can be included where appropriate to accomplish the research, but:

• No sub-awards are allowed.
• Researchers at other institutions may not receive salary support from this funding.
• Full budgetary authority should remain with Harvard PIs.
• The core of the cluster’s activity and budget should be centered at Harvard.
• Equipment purchased under this program will be owned by Harvard.
• Expenditures for Harvard faculty, staff, and students working at remote sites (field work) is allowable.
• Other allowable expenses include services or products from third party vendors that are needed for the research, for example data purchases, software licenses, etc.

May I submit more than one concept proposal in the first step of the application process?

Yes.

What is the expected time commitment and will research space be provided?

Each cluster will require significant time commitment from its members, as well as a high level of interaction among them. This interaction will involve co-locating regularly to facilitate the fruitful exchange of ideas and to hasten the synthesis of research findings. The Salata Institute will provide this meeting space at no cost, or the space can be provided by the cluster PIs. Limited space will be provided for postdocs or graduate students; specifics should be discussed with the Salata Institute.

Will any concept proposal be disqualified after Step 1 (September 28, 2026)?

No. By submitting a concept proposal, PIs gain access to the consultative process that is described in the RFP.

Could research clusters leverage this funding to raise matching funds?

Yes, the Salata Institute encourages the use of Energy and Climate Research Cluster funding to raise additional resources. Indeed, a purpose of this program is to lay the foundation for a Cluster acquiring further external funding.

Could cluster funding be used to seed collaborations with other universities?

Yes, subject to the guidance in the Research Expenditure Guidance FAQ.

Could research cluster funding be used to purchase instruments or data?

Yes, see the Research Expenditure Guidance FAQ.

What are the reporting requirements of each Energy and Climate Research Cluster?

Clusters are to meet annually with the Salata Institute’s Research Committee to discuss the status of the project. Clusters are also expected to organize presentations of their research periodically.

Where should I address any additional questions?

Please address any other questions to Salata Institute Associate Director James Clem at  james_clem@harvard.edu.