Future Research Projects
Burgun Research Fund by the Sprague Foundation
The Sprague Foundation has allocated $40,000 for the Burgun Research Fund for the 2026-28 cycle.
Established in 2015 and administered by the Foundation for Health Environments Research (FHER) on behalf of the Sprague Foundation, this funding supports the mission of the Facilities Guideline Institute: to establish and promote consensus-based guidelines and publications, advised by research, to advance quality healthcare.
The Burgun Research Fund opportunity is open to applicants from both the public and private sector. Favorable consideration will be given to research proposals that are carefully planned to result in shareable knowledge that supports design practice. While the Burgun Research Fund aims to fund research that is relevant to professional design practice, most successful applications include or are comprised of individuals with formal, advanced training in research methods.
Selected Topic:
The 2026-28 cycle of the Burgun grant invites research on a single topic: Flexibility for Patient Safety – How can design and architectural strategies promote the flexibility and resilience of healthcare facilities to support patient safety?
Applicants are encouraged to propose studies examining the effectiveness of design solutions that enable healthcare spaces to adapt to safety needs—such as infection control, prevention of cross-contamination, mitigation of environmental hazards, and reduction of workflow disruptions that may lead to adverse events.
Application Process:
Applications should be submitted via email as PDF files to hsmachry@ku.edu, by February 23, 2026, 11:59 p.m., Central Time.
Review Process:
The FHER Board of Trustees will announce the successful applicant(s) on or before March 30, 2026. A review panel convened by the FHER Board of Trustees and the Sprague Foundation will review applications. The panel will recommend selected projects for approval to the Board and the Sprague Foundation.
Grant Application Guidelines – PDF
Contact
Please contact Dr. Herminia Machry, Co-Chair of the Research Grants Committee, hsmachry@ku.edu