John C. Mascaro Faculty Programs in Sustainability
The John C. Mascaro Faculty program is designed to enhance the university’s mission of interdisciplinary excellence in sustainability research and education. Faculty members from ALL disciplines across ALL campuses of the University of Pittsburgh are encouraged to apply. The goal of these awards is to elevate sustainability across Pitt’s academic landscape and catalyze new cross-disciplinary collaborations.
See the list of current and past John C. Mascaro Faculty Awardees.
ELIGIBILITY
All University of Pittsburgh faculty (appointment and tenure stream) are eligible to apply. Faculty are encouraged to discuss their ideas with the MCSI leadership team prior to submission.
FUNDING
Funding is in the range of $5,000-$15,000 and will be considered based on the scope and broadest impact of the proposal. Projects with the potential for sustained impact across disciplines and/or with external partners will be considered for the high funding levels. Allowable costs include:
- Faculty salary
- undergraduate and graduate student support
- post-doctoral support
- course release
- equipment
- supplies
- travel
DEADLINE
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Rolling Application. First round reviews: March 2026.
APPLICATION
Proposal (three-page maximum)
Please include the following sections in order:
- Title, applicant contact information, and faculty mentor information
- 100 Word Abstract
- Based on the project scope, please consider addressing the following questions:
- How does incorporating Sustainability into your work fit into your long-term professional goals?
- How will the proposed actions and directions jumpstart a new concept or tie into your work to date?
- How will your research enhance sustainability in your discipline and/or across disciplines?
- How will your proposal accelerate MCSI’s mission of Research, Education and Engagement?
- How will your proposed activities enhance the student experience in university-wide sustainability programs?
- How will your proposed activities catalyze growth in the university’s sustainability research portfolio?
CV (2-page maximum)
Letter(s) of Support
- A one-page letter of endorsement from your department chair/supervisor is required.
- If appropriate, a letter of support from a community partner organization should also be included.
Check the Funding Programs page for additional faculty funding opportunities.
Additional Fellowship Opportunities
Arts & Humanities Microgrants in Sustainability
Arts & Humanities Microgrants support smaller-scale projects or individual faculty or teams in the arts and humanities. These grants are intended to enhance the internal funding opportunities which enable faculty to support and expand university-wide interdisciplinary sustainability programs as they relate to education, research, and engagement.
View Arts & Humanities Microgrant recipients.
Past Opportunities
Global Engagement in Sustainability Awards
The Global Engagement in Sustainability Grant is a joint initiative with the University Center for International Studies. This fellowship enables faculty to share, develop, and expand their research, teaching, or professional practice beyond the University's campus. These include national and international partners anywhere in the world, from either inside or outside of higher education, working in areas that strongly align with UN Sustainable Development Goals.