Stanford’s Plant-based Diet Initiative (PBDI) researches plant-based solutions for improving health and sustainability.

Twice a year, the PBDI solicits proposals for a round of seed grants, distributing a total of $25,000 in direct costs spread across multiple one-year pilot projects centered around plant-based nutrition. Individual grant amounts typically range from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the number of selected proposals. This is an internal opportunity open exclusively to Stanford faculty, fellows, and students.

The Plant-Based Diet Initiative (PBDI) champions the positive impact of plant-based diets on individuals and the environment. Our semi-annual seed grant program, open to all Stanford faculty, fellows, and students, funds innovative one-year projects exploring various plant-based nutrition topics. 

This is a great opportunity to fund a pilot study for future research. Grants range from $2,500 to $25,000 and support interdisciplinary collaborations. The number of awarded projects per cycle depends on proposal quality, promise, and requested funding.

Research areas may include:

• Role of plant-based meat alternatives in reducing meat consumption
• Strategies for promoting behavioral change in adopting plant-based diets
• Identification of plant foods and micronutrients as alternatives to animal-based foods
• Investigation of health benefits of fiber, plant-based starch, and carbohydrates
• Translation of nutrition science into public policy

Funds can cover salaries, materials and supplies, patient care costs, incentives, recruitment, data storage, and domestic conference travel.

Applications are accepted semi-annually with spring and fall deadlines.