The University of Toledo

STEM Innovation Program

Letter of Intent Deadline: 2 December 2013

 The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs invites faculty to submit research proposals focused on high impact and innovation in any STEM discipline that has the potential to change the direction of a particular area of study.   This program supports the University’s strategic plan to advance research and creative activities. Awards of up to $50,000 for one year will be used to generate preliminary data sufficient for submission of an NSF- or DOE-type grant proposal. Funds can support graduate student stipends, nonprofessional personnel, equipment, materials, supplies and animal costs.

Eligibility: Although tenure-track faculty may apply, the focus of this program is directed to established researchers and senior faculty.

Submission Requirements

Letter of Intent
Deadline: 3 December 2013

Applicants will submit a letter of intent (LOI) form, not to exceed four (4) double-spaced pages. Submit this LOI by e-mail to elsa.nadler@utoledo.edu no later than 5 PM on the deadline date. The Research Council will review the LOI and invite full proposals.

Full Proposal
Deadline: 21 January 2014
See "Submission Procedures" for instructions.

Full proposals must be no longer than 12 double-spaced pages using one-inch margins and Arial or Palatino Linotype 11-point. The 12 pages must include

1) an abstract describing the work in language understood by a broad audience
2) a statement of the significance of the problem and its impact on the field of study
3) a statement describing the innovative aspects of the proposed studies
4) a section outlining the specific goals of the project and how they will be accomplished
5) a description of the studies to be completed, including preliminary studies supporting the research plan

Additional documents to be included

a) a cover page
b) a list of references
c) a budget and budget justification
d) an NSF-style biosketch (maximum 2 pages)

The proposal should include a projection of outcomes and a list of agencies where future grant applications will be submitted.

Evaluation: Proposals will be reviewed by the Research Council. The Research Council may obtain outside reviewers depending upon the expertise needed to fairly review the application and provide scientific expertise. Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1)      expertise of the PI
2)      importance of the problem
3)      how well the research plan fulfills the goals of supporting innovative and potentially high impact research
4)      potential for generating future extramural funding

Within three months of the conclusion of the award period, the PI will present a written summary of accomplishments, a list of manuscripts, a list of agencies where grant applications have been sent and a list of scientific meetings or seminars where work supported by this mechanism has been presented.

Award Notification
See General Guidelines.