👉 Dean Research, also known as Dean's Research, is a program at Harvard University that provides early-career faculty with significant funding and support to pursue innovative, high-risk research projects. Launched in 1979, it allows researchers to dedicate a substantial portion of their tenure to exploring novel ideas without the immediate pressure of securing large grants or publishing frequently. Dean Research is funded by a combination of Harvard's endowment and external grants, enabling faculty to take intellectual risks, collaborate across disciplines, and develop groundbreaking methodologies. This program has been instrumental in launching numerous influential scientific advancements, including work in neuroscience, immunology, and cognitive science, by fostering an environment where curiosity-driven exploration can flourish.
