Application Deadline

The application deadline for 2025–26 Working Groups was April 9, 2025 (5:00 p.m.). The application deadline for 2026–27 Working Groups is April 8, 2026 (5:00 p.m.). This deadline applies to new applicants as well as directors of continuing groups.  

Eligibility

• At least one director must be a UI faculty member (on any track) or a P&S staff member whose position focuses on research. Please note: Working Group (co-)directors may (co-)direct only one Obermann Working Group per year. Working Groups may not have more than two co-directors.
• Upper-level graduate students may serve as co-directors and participants.
• Note: Obermann Working Groups have included graduate students, staff members, community members, and even, in some cases, long distance members who join via the internet. We welcome directors of the Working Groups to use this program to create space for inter-sectoral as well as interdisciplinary conversations.

Application Process

The application for both new and continuing groups is now on InfoReady. You'll need to login with your HawkID and password.

Note: The 2026–27 application link will be posted in Fall 2025. 

The application will ask you for the following:

• 1–2 directors' contact information (name, position, department/organization, office mailing address, and e-mail address)
• Short CVs (max 2 pages) for the director or co-directors
• Proposed name of the Working Group
• Description of your topic that concisely explains its significance
• A three-year timeline for the Working Group that includes each year's objectives and proposed activities, as well as how the group would spend its allotted $500 each year
• The names of at least six probable participants, along with their positions and departments/organizations