Additional Information
Research Themes and Requirements
Research projects supported by the REAI span a broad range of topics relevant to the practice of real estate and urban development. Research themes recognized by the research committee include, but are not limited to:
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Real estate finance
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Urban regional planning
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Urban economics and public finance
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Urban history
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Urban design
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Urban politics and land use policy
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Architecture and landscape architecture
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Construction and project management
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Transportation
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Economic development
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Organization management and strategy
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Sustainable building practices
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Materials science
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Environmental stewardship
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Environmental science
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Public health
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Sociology (crime, poverty, education)
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Real estate law and governance
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Proposals involving interfaculty cooperation and/or demonstrating a distinctive interdisciplinary methodology will be given priority. Of particular interest are those proposals which explore real estate and sustainability, real estate and governance, poverty and affordable housing, and real estate and financial restructuring. However, all proposals that further the mission of the Initiative with respect to improving the built environment will be considered. Regardless of theme, each research proposal should address the policy and practice implications of the study and its relevance to issues of importance for actors in real estate and related industries.
Submission
The REAI Research Committee will review applications two times each academic year. Deadlines for 2009-2010 are: November 13, 2009 and March 12, 2010. The time frame for completion of research projects will be 9-12 months from the grant date.
Funding
The REAI provides funding for Harvard faculty and student research along the following guidelines*:
Interdisciplinary Faculty Grants: up to $200,000
Single discipline/faculty projects $10,000-$25,000
Doctoral thesis research $5,000-$10,000
Graduate thesis research $2,000-$4,000
Undergraduate thesis research $1,500-$3,500
Major interdisciplinary, multi-year grants are now being considered, particularly where early phases of these projects involve a publishable component. Faculty interested in pursuing these projects should consult with the Faculty Director prior to submission of proposals. Support for interdisciplinary courses that significantly enhance the quality of real estate education at the University may also be considered.
Product Expectations
It is expected that all REAI-supported projects will culminate in a published or publishable article suited for a refereed academic journal. Further, a 600 – 2000 word research brief is required by all grant recipients. Also, all REAI-supported projects and research products may be published in an REAI working paper series. Grant recipients may also be asked to make a presentation to the REAI International Advisory Board within 9-12 months of grant and provide an executive summary to be posted on REAI website and/or a publication précis for distribution to Board members.
