"We have been extremely pleased with the interest shown by Faculty in the previous two rounds of Provost's Fund grants," noted Fineberg. "We have been fortunate to support some exciting work and are looking forward to assisting more faculty in their cross-faculty efforts."

Faculty may apply for grants of up to $10,000 from the Fund. Typically, the fund will support "working groups" of faculty. To be eligible for support, each group should have a designated leader, and at least six faculty members from at least three different schools. The Fund will cover expenses of the working group such as meeting costs, student assistance, and travel costs for outside experts.

The first round of grants was awarded in January 1998 to 17 working groups.

Five additional interim grants were awarded in September 1998. These working groups have covered topics as diverse as mathematical biology, the current state and future of feminist thought, exploring ways to think about architectural history, and prevention of adolescent nicotine/alcohol addiction. Nearly 300 faculty from all schools in the University have been members of working groups.

Working groups that have been awarded grants previously are eligible for a renewed grant on a showing of substantial accomplishment to date and specific plans for taking the work to the next stage.

The Fund has a Web page where working groups being formed may be described. Faculty who want to recruit others interested in joining their working groups, or to explore whether there is sufficient interest in a topic to support a working group, can post listings on the site. Groups that have been awarded grants in the previous two cycles are also described there.

The grants awarded in this round will cover the academic year 1999-2000. More detailed information, including how to submit an application, is available on the Provost's Fund Web page, http://www.pr ovost.harvard.edu/provost_fund, or by contacting the Office of the Assistant Provosts at (617) 496-5775. Questions may also be directed by e-mail to pfic@harvard.edu.