COE Internal Funding Opportunity: Build a New Interdisciplinary or Cross-Institution Collaboration

Opportunity Overview

This funding opportunity supports the development of new interdisciplinary and/or cross-institution collaborations that broaden research capabilities and create new knowledge or solutions that would not be achievable independently. The goal is to foster partnerships that lead to multiple proposal developments and long-term research opportunities.

Eligibility

• The proposed collaboration must involve researchers from different disciplines from ISU and possibly from partnering or institutions/industry.
• The effort must demonstrate mutual benefits, enhancing research capabilities for all parties involved.
• The anticipated proposal submission(s) must be within 6 to 24 months.

Project Justification

Applicants must demonstrate that the proposed collaboration will:

• Establish a new research partnership across targeted disciplines.
• Enable novel research directions that would not be feasible independently.
• Strengthen ISU’s research portfolio by expanding expertise and capabilities.
• Lead to the development of multiple large proposals.

Funding Justification

The requested support should be used to facilitate targeted activities and research that:

• Highlight the unique benefits of collaboration.
• Generate new knowledge or innovative solutions in one or more research sub-areas.
• Position the team for future funding opportunities.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Project Summary – A brief description of the collaborative research effort, including:
   • The disciplines or institutions involved.
   • The research challenge or opportunity driving the collaboration.
   • The anticipated outcomes and impact of the partnership.
2. Proposed Work Plan – A detailed description of planned activities, including:
   • Research efforts that showcase the benefits of the collaboration.
   • Key milestones and objectives.
   • Expected knowledge generation or problem-solving contributions.
3. Funding Opportunity Alignment – A discussion of specific funding opportunities the collaboration aims to pursue, including:
   • The likelihood of securing funding in the proposed research area.
   • Potential alignment with multiple funding agencies and programs.
4. Long-Term Viability – A statement on the sustainability of the collaboration beyond this funding period, including:
   • How the partnership will be sustained and strengthened.
   • Potential for additional research and proposal development.
5. Budget Justification – A breakdown of the requested funding and its intended use in supporting the proposed activities.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Long-Term Viability – The potential for sustained interdisciplinary or cross-institution collaboration.
• Likelihood of Funding – The alignment of the collaboration with targeted funding opportunities.
• Broader Funding Potential – The ability of the research area to attract funding from multiple sources over time.

Submission Deadline & Process

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• Submit materials to COEfunding@iastate.edu
• Awards will be announced as soon as the review is completed.

Final Report

• A brief report must be submitted within three months of completion with the follow-on proposals’ details.
• Submit the final report to COEfunding@iastate.edu

For any questions, please contact Arun K. Somani. Discussing the initial idea with him before preparing the proposal is highly recommended.