In a world where ideas often stall due to lack of support, the University of Oklahoma's Data Institute for Societal Challenges (DISC) is changing the game. Through its Seed Funding Programs for faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers, DISC empowers scholars to pursue bold, interdisciplinary solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges. And the results speak volumes.
Since its inception, the Seed Funding initiative has led to 30 awarded grants, 33 peer-reviewed publications, and 34 conference presentations—providing early momentum that transforms promising ideas into real-world impact, according to information provided by seed funding recipients.
One standout project, led by Dr. Kun Lu, developed a prototype that uses cognitive computing to match oncology patients with appropriate clinical trials—achieving up to 89% specificity in trials using synthetic data. Similarly, Elizabeth Besozzi and her team leveraged seed support to build graduate student capacity through the CODE Workshop, fostering skills in grant writing, marketing, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
DISC’s support has also extended into the natural world. A project led by Dr, Daniel Becker used machine learning and weather radar to track bat migration and understand its role in pathogen dispersal. What began as a modest computational study evolved into a statewide research infrastructure, including Motus Wildlife Tracking System towers and PowerTagged bats migrating across borders, backed by additional grants and upcoming publications.
At the frontier of protein science, Dr. Ji Hwan Park developed a visual analytics framework, idMotif, to identify unique motifs in Cas9 protein sequences. Supported by a Department of Defense grant, this tool has already outperformed conventional methods in both precision and interpretability.
Beyond the bench, DISC-funded projects are addressing critical human and social challenges. Annabel Ipsen’s research tackled data gaps related to the pandemic’s impact on immigrant and refugee workers, offering insights for public health and labor policy. Meanwhile, Dr. Yutian Thompson’s work on national child welfare data systems uncovered disparities in data quality across the U.S., informing proposals for improved standards and future NIH funding.
Even virtual environments saw transformation: a partnership with Bethany Children’s Health Center led to a VR Multi-Sensory Environment prototype for children with developmental disabilities—featuring real-time biometric feedback for an enhanced therapeutic experience.
From urban climate modeling to advanced composite materials, the Seed Funding Program has catalyzed an ecosystem of discovery. It has supported faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers alike, while also laying the groundwork for continued investment from NIH, DoD, NSF, and private foundations, with follow-on proposals valued at up to $3 million.
The story of OU DISC’s Seed Funding Program is one of vision, versatility, and verified impact. It turns emerging ideas into pilot studies—and pilot studies into scalable, funded projects that create lasting societal value.
As the institute continues to invest in data-driven innovation, one thing is clear: small seeds, when nurtured, grow into powerful solutions for society.
