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 biannual 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 biannually with spring and fall deadlines.