The Humanities Research Centers on Artificial Intelligence program will create new centers of scholarly discourse and learning, each one a nexus for collaborative efforts that reach across disciplinary lines to gain a more holistic understanding of AI in the modern world and especially its implications for the United States. Applicants must propose to create a center with a specific research focus related to the social and cultural aspects of AI and how such knowledge can improve and advance our nation’s leadership position in AI. A center is a sustained collaboration among multiple scholars focused on exploring the humanities implications of AI through two or more related scholarly activities. Competitive centers typically identify a specific topical, methodological, or disciplinary lens through which though which to study AI and its societal implications. NEH is particularly interested in projects that explore the ramifications of AI for the nation, including its economic competitiveness and national security as well as civil rights, civil liberties, privacy, and human flourishing. Centers should aim to advance humanities research on their chosen topic beyond the grant period.

In addition to establishing the center, projects should engage in at least two activities that support research into the social and cultural aspects of AI as well as a plan to disseminate the results of each activity. Appropriate activities may include, but are not limited to, collaborative research and writing efforts; education and training; convenings, such as conferences, symposia, and workshops; lecture series; and the creation of digital tools to increase or advance scholarly discourse about AI. Centers should leverage the visionary nature of their research to promote a more informed public discourse about AI through education and outreach efforts and to build the next generation of scholars. Centers are encouraged to include educational and public programming to increase AI literacy at the K-12 as well as college and university levels. Centers are also encouraged to enhance public awareness of humanities perspectives on AI.

NEH is particularly interested in projects that explore the impacts of AI-related technologies for the nation’s values, including civil rights, civil liberties, privacy, and human flourishing, as well as on America’s economic competitiveness and national security.

Projects must start between May 1, 2026 and April 1, 2027.

UD White Paper Deadline: August 27, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET
Full Application Deadline: October 1, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET
Link to Solicitation Here

Institutional Limit: Each institution may submit only one application under this notice

PI Eligibility:  Individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as a Principal Investigator (PI) are invited to apply. Individuals from underrepresented groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply.

Application Information: All UD limited submission white papers must use this template found on the Research Office limited submission webpage. Applications not adhering to this requirement will be returned without review.

Merit Review Criteria: White papers will be reviewed based on the criteria detailed in the NEH solicitation.