Program Guidelines

Investigator-initiated research is faculty-generated, centered within professional interests and expertise, and will expand upon the field of investigation. Remaining grounded in what you know best is a critical ingredient of success, especially for the new investigator with a relatively short track record.

The seed grant recipient is expected to make a long-term commitment to work with an external mentor as outlined below; prepare a full-scale extramural proposal to a nationally-recognized sponsor; subsequently evaluate the sponsor’s critique and, if not initially funded, prepare a revised application for the next available application cycle. The entire process may take 12-18 months, and thus could extend beyond the funding period of the seed grant.

Mentorship is a new component of the revised UP Seed Grant Program. The seed grant committee will identify an external mentor with research expertise and successful grant-writing experience in an appropriate discipline, who will be paired with the seed grant recipient. The mentor will offer guidance, advice and reasonable editorial support for drafting a full-scale extramural research proposal. The awardee must adhere to documented mentorship activities over the course of the funded period, and may, if they wish, suggest names of appropriate mentors in their application.

All full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty are eligible to apply, with the exception of the faculty members serving on the Seed Grant Committee (who may apply in subsequent years if they are no longer serving on the committee). Junior tenure-track faculty are particularly encouraged. The most meritorious proposals will be considered for funding and the final recipients must provide a declaration of commitment to a sustained period of professional development that will extend beyond the period of the initial Seed grant through submission of research proposals for extramural funding.

A proposal requires documented evidence of preliminary contact with a Program Officer (or equivalent) at an appropriate funding agency that will be targeted for subsequent external funding. This early communication is an opportunity for faculty researchers to discuss their research ideas with the technical divisions of sponsoring agencies, seek advice and determine whether a full proposal is within the scope and interests of the prospective sponsor. This procedure will substantiate that the specific aims proposed are consistent with the sponsor’s mission-based, priority funding objectives, and is expected to improve chances for success. As such, applicants must provide evidence in the form of emails or other documented evidence of such engagement as part of the proposal application.

Proposals will be evaluated by an FDU committee of tenured faculty. Those considered most meritorious will be recommended for funding and a final award determination made by the University Provost. Success will be achieved through a dynamic partnership of tenured and tenure-track faculty with the guidance and support of independent external mentors; and measured through published achievements, and submission of grant proposals for extramural funding.

The University Provost’s Seed Grant program will be announced each year contingent upon the availability of funds. The award will provide up to $3,000 to be used for various project costs. In addition, it will provide resources to ensure some research protected time and cover a stipend for an assigned external mentor. Award funding may not be used for attendance at conferences, licensing of computers or other costs that encumber the University beyond the scope of work proposed. The start date of a funded proposal shall commence on July 1st with a duration of 12 months.

The investigator’s conduct of research must adhere to research regulatory compliance as mandated by the University and government sponsors. At a minimum, seed grant recipients, including research students, must complete compliance training in Responsible Conduct of Research and undergo Human Subject Protections training as applicable.

Clearly articulate the purpose of the study with a well-conceived and organized research proposal, providing a straightforward formulation of your research inquiry. Be sure to state your particular emphasis.

Describe how the proposed activities address an important problem or barrier to progress in a field of investigation. Prior to getting started, a literature review is essential in gaining balanced and sufficient knowledge of the field. Describe how your research concept will impact the field of study, and advance knowledge.

Your specific aims are the major goals and objectives you propose to accomplish. Be sure all objectives relate directly to the central purpose of your proposal. They should be well conceived and organized.

Describe the general research methods that relate directly to the specific aims you have proposed. Describe your hypothesis if applicable or central purpose and how your approach, methods and analyses will contribute to the successful conduct of this investigation.

State you/your collaborators’ professional qualifications and capabilities and how these will contribute to the successful conduct of the research or program activities. Explain the investigator’s experience, ability and commitment to successfully prepare a comprehensive extramural research proposal. See below requirement for the Biographical Sketch.

Explain how the application challenges and seeks to shift current research by utilizing novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, instrumentation or interventions. State how innovative procedures are feasible and within your sphere of competencies. Indicate if the approach is novel to one field or if the proposed research has the potential to promote interdisciplinary and collaborative proposals.

Explain if there is access to appropriate resources and how conducting the research at FDU (i.e., academic environment, subject populations and/or collaborating with colleagues) will contribute to the probability of success. If external collaborations are proposed, state how the collaborative environment/resources will contribute to the success of the proposed research.