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Cornell University

Office of the Dean of Faculty

Connecting & Empowering Faculty

Podell Endowment Awards for Research and Scholarship Program

Overview

CAPE is pleased to offer the Podell Endowment Awards for Research and Scholarship (PEARS) Program, generously endowed by Cornell alumnus, Albert Podell (‘58). The goal of the PEARS Program is to support research, scholarship, and outreach that can make the world a better place.

Fall leaves radiate in the afternoon sun on the Engineering Quad.Eligibility

Applications may be submitted by any CAPE member. CAPE members may apply for support for work in collaboration with colleagues who are not retired. There is a three time award limit per person.

The PEARS projects must focus on work that will be useful to the world; potential for widespread dissemination is also desirable. Projects can serve as a capstone to the applicant’s academic career or support new work in retirement.

Representative areas of study may include: Climate Change, Migration and Immigration, Enhancing the World’s Food Supply, Energy Supply and Demand, Keeping Communities Healthy, Law and Conflict Resolution, COVID-19, Alleviation of Poverty, Improving Health and Nutrition, Improving Education, Water and Land Resources, Economic Well-Being or similar fields of study. 

Past Awards for 2025:

  • “Sharing and Archiving Voices of Cornell’s Prison Education Program” Judith Appleton and Maddie Reynolds
  • “The Effects of Climate Change on Wildflowers: Interpreting the Impact for Garden Visitors” David Weinstein
  • “The FoodKeeper: The Review and Revision of a Dynamic Food Database” Robert B. Gravani
  • “Enhancement of Databases of Food Ingredients and Plant-based Products Impacted by Climate Change” Michael P. Hoffmann
  • “Improving Textbooks for Technical Apparel Designers: Education to Support Sustainable Clothing Design” Susan P. Ashdown
  • “Distinguishing Healthy Aging from Mild Cognitive Impairment: Transition from Research to Practice” Barbara Lust

Award Details

Award funds can be used for the main project, as well as technical or computational support, equipment, supplies, and essential travel.

In previous years, grants have ranged from $2, 000 to $11,000 for a one-year project.

How to Apply

Applications must be double-spaced, 12pt font, and no longer than five pages, not including the short CV.

Please include:

  • Title of project.
  • Name and affiliation of the applicant.
  • Abstract (100 word maximum) that describes how the proposed work will help improve the world including who will benefit and how. Note: abstracts of funded projects will be posted to the CAPE website.
  • Description of the proposed work and its significance and how the work will be disseminated.
  • Any collaborative arrangements.
  • One-year timeline for completion of project.
  • Detailed budget for one year of support (renewals can be requested in a subsequent year).
  • Any current and/or pending funding support for the proposed project.
  • A 1-2 page CV of the applicant with relevant publications and/or lectures. (Please do not provide a full multi-page CV.)

Email pdf files to cape@cornell.edu

Applications that do not follow these guidelines may be rejected without consideration.

Applications must be submitted by November 14, 2025

PEARS awards announcements made in January 2026

Post-Submission Details

The PEARS Selection Committee, comprised of CAPE members, evaluates the applications and selects the award recipients. PEARS Selection Committee members may not apply.

The CAPE office will administer the funds through the recipient’s department at Cornell.

Successful applicants are expected to submit a final project report and give a brief presentation to CAPE members on their project, either in person or via Zoom, in January 2027.

Send questions to cape@cornell.edu