Exhibit Columbus University announces the annual Design Research Fellowship Competition. This year, University Design Research Fellows (UDRFellows) will be awarded to full-time university/college professors in any area of design, architecture, art, and landscape architecture. UDRFellows will be shortlisted by the 2022–23 Curatorial Partners and then selected by a local team of Community Jurors based on the Request for Qualifications process. Upon application and acceptance, participants are able and required to participate in the 2022 Symposium, 2023 Design Presentations, and ultimately, in the 2023 Exhibition to design/ build a public installation that showcases their research.

The University Design Research Fellowship is a key part of Exhibit Columbus. Goals for this cycle’s UDRF component are:

• Respond to recommendations provided in the Downtown Activation Study by James Lima Planning + Development; 
• Grow interest in the Midwest as a place where design connects with innovative and community-based ambitions; 
• Create singular opportunities for university students (and others) to engage with and learn through the process.

Applicants must be:

• Full-time university or college professor(s);
• Person(s) who can showcase a body of research that will form the basis of their concept and eventually an installation proposal for the 2023Exhibition;
• Interested in connecting with a community that loves the modern legacy of Columbus. 

Project Prompts:

• Describe what you would like to bring to Exhibit Columbus University Design Research Fellowship (please don’t create or submit a drawing);
• Describe your vision/process for engaging students and others in your proposed project;
• Is there a specific part of the Downtown Activation Study that your project will address, if so please describe?;
• Will your project be able to be disassembled/be removed at the closing of the exhibition (could it go to another community)? 

Evaluation Criteria:

• Applicants must present a body of innovative, research-based work that relates to and addresses recommended strategies for creating a more diverse, accessible, and active downtown presented in the Downtown Activation Study by James Lima Planning + Development;
• Work and ideas presented must address audience engagement that is broadly accessible both physically and conceptually;
• An opportunity for student involvement that is meaningful for university students who may participate in the project, as well as students of all ages that visit the exhibition.