The Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (SyracuseCoE) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Faculty Fellows Program. Faculty members are invited to submit proposals of up to $15,000 for innovative research and development projects related to healthy and efficient buildings, clean energy and resilient, low-carbon communities.
This program is open to faculty members who hold full-time appointments at Syracuse University, SUNY Upstate Medical University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). Proposals must include engagement with one or more industry partners. SyracuseCoE welcomes proposals that engage multiple faculty members, including interdisciplinary teams from multiple departments, colleges and/or institutions.
Faculty Fellow funding may be used for expenses associated with research, development and demonstration projects, including (but not limited to): use of laboratories and equipment, research materials and supplies, and student employment. Faculty members are encouraged to review the full solicitation for details on eligibility, funding restrictions, proposal format and reporting requirements.
“SyracuseCoE Faculty Fellow awards are an excellent opportunity for researchers to build collaborative relationships with New York state companies that can grow into mutually beneficial R&D partnerships,” says Jianshun “Jensen” Zhang, mechanical and aerospace engineering interim department chair and executive director of SyracuseCoE.
Awards will be announced in December 2025. Selected Faculty Fellows will have the opportunity to join SyracuseCoE’s innovation ecosystem, contributing to educational programming, industry collaboration and future sponsored funding proposals. Fellows will also present their work at the annual Innovation Showcase in August 2026.
The Faculty Fellow Program is supported by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (ESD/NYSTAR). Since 2015, SyracuseCoE has allocated over $1 million to research and development projects led by more than 70 SyracuseCoE Faculty Fellows at Syracuse University, SUNY ESF, SUNY Upstate Medical University and SUNY Oswego.
Applications must be submitted through Syracuse University’s InfoReady portal. The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 21. Questions about the program can be directed to Tammy Rosanio, associate director of partner programs .
