Collaborative Research Project Selection

Shaping Research Together to Address Industry Priorities

There's no single roadmap for the energy transition. Our holistic, end-to-end research and modeling capabilities examine how energy is produced, stored, moved, and used, helping each member think through the shifts reshaping their industry and region. Through the Trienens IAP collaborative research selection process, members have a direct hand in defining, down-selecting, and shaping the systems-level research that matters most to them.

The Project Selection Process

IAP members shape research activities through an annual, member-led cycle. Members define priorities, select project ideas, and help select industry-relevant proposals for funding and implementation. The 2026 selection process runs from August through November. Trienens Institute leadership will announce projects selected for funding and implementation at the Institute's November 2026 Executive Council meeting.

Process timeline for 2026
Process Timeline for 2026 Project Selection
Defining Priorities Early August	Members and invited companies share industry priorities to shape upcoming research directions.
Down-Selecting Project Ideas Early September	Members and invited companies vote to advance one to two priority project ideas into the proposal stage.
Call for Proposals Mid-September	A call for project outlines is issued to a broad range of Northwestern researchers.
Proposal Submission Early October	Researchers submit outlines detailing objectives, a preliminary budget, and reviewer abstracts.
Evaluation and Selection Mid-November	Participating IAP members evaluate proposals based on their alignment with industry needs, potential to accelerate the energy transition, and scientific merit. Institute leadership announces the winning cohort at the November 2026 Trienens Executive Council meeting.

Get Involved

Contact the Industry Affiliates Program team to learn how to participate in the collaborative research project selection process.