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LGBT Public Policy Research Proposal Request

The Williams Institute invites researchers to apply for funding to support:

1.      New empirical research projects designed to inform legal and public policy issues that affect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations.

2.      Collaborations with Williams Institute Scholars on existing research projects

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The purpose of these funds is to encourage new empirical research focused on the LGBT population and policies affecting that population.  Applicants from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds including social sciences like economics, sociology, demography, psychology, law, and public policy are encouraged to apply.  This initiative is designed to promote two important goals:

·         Fostering sound empirical analyses focused on the LGBT population

·         Developing better understanding of the impact of public policies that affect the LGBT population 

Proposals should address both goals. Examples of topics appropriate for funding include:

·         Demographics and socio-economic characteristics of LGBT population, including same-sex couples, racial and ethnic minorities, the elderly, and youth;

·         Economic impacts of LGBT-related rights and legislation;

·         Use, impact, and evaluation of anti-discrimination statutes, hate crimes statutes, safe schools legislation, civil union, domestic partnership, and marriage legislation, domestic partnership benefits, and legal recognition of parenting rights for LGBT people or same-sex couples;

·         Size, demographics, and socio-economic characteristics of Transgender population;

·         Voting patterns and behavior of LGBT population; and

·         Analysis of public opinion data regarding LGBT rights.

While independent research proposals are strongly encouraged, funding can be used to support applicants who agree to collaborate with Williams Institute scholars on existing research efforts.  Examples of possible collaboration efforts include:

·         Replicating one of the Williams Institute's studies on same-sex couple populations for specific states using Census 2000 data for a new state.  Target States:  Maryland, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Wyoming.

·         Replicating one of the Williams Institute's studies on the economic impact on state budgets of extending the rights of marriage to same-sex couples for a new state.  Target states:  New York, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Wyoming.

APPLICATION

The full application should include:

1.      Research proposal

2.      A budget and narrative explaining all items

3.      A brief description of any human subject institutional review board (IRB) procedures that may be necessary

4.      Curriculum vitae for all personnel involved in the project 

The research proposal component should not exceed three pages, single spaced.  The research proposal should include the following sections:

1.      RESEARCH GOALS:  Describe the specific research goals and objectives of the project and describe how your project will contribute to the stated goals of this initiative. 

2.      PROJECT DESCRIPTION:  Describe the project and include the following information:

a.      Relevant scholarly literature that places the study in a broader research context;

b.      Research design, including a description of data and methods;

c.      A discussion of policy relevance; and

d.      Expected research publications, etc., that will result from your project.

3.      APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS:  Describe the qualifications of the applicant(s) relevant to this research project

PROPOSAL BUDGET

The total funding request for an individual project should not exceed $5,000. If the overall project budget is greater than the request to the Williams Institute, please describe any other sources of funding.

Project budgets should outline the amount requested and the basis for all cost estimates. Funding can provide both salary support and costs associated with acquiring and analyzing new or existing data sources. We cannot provide funding for indirect costs or overhead.

Be sure to indicate if the project involves using human subjects, and if so, which IRB process will be used.  All projects using human subjects must be approved by an appropriate IRB body.  If human subjects approval is necessary, funds will not be released until approval is obtained.

A full research proposal is not required for applications wishing to work in direct collaboration with existing Williams Institute staff.  Applicants should discuss this option in advance with Gary J. Gates, Senior Research Fellow, at the Williams Institute.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

All proposals must be received by May 8, 2006 and awards will be announced by June 1, 2007.  Projects should be completed by May 1, 2007. 

PLEASE SEND YOUR PROPOSAL TO

       Gary J. Gates

       The Williams Institute

       UCLA School of Law

       Box 951476

       Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1476

If you have questions, please contact Gary J. Gates: gates@law.ucla.edu