The University of Michigan is launching a new research funding program designed to support faculty whose federal grant proposals received strong peer-review evaluations but were not funded or remain pending amid recent shifts in the federal funding landscape.
The program, launching this month across all three U-M campuses, will provide short-term support to help principal investigators maintain research continuity, support research staff and remain competitive for future external funding. The Medical School is coordinating a similar program for its faculty.
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University leaders announced the program in a Jan. 20 message to the research community, emphasizing the institution’s continued commitment to its research mission during periods of uncertainty.
“When external conditions shift, we remain committed to our research mission, our people, and the momentum of discovery that drives our vital public mission,” the message stated.
The communication was signed by Robert A. Hewlett III, interim executive vice president and chief financial officer; Laurie K. McCauley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs; David C. Miller, executive vice president for medical affairs and CEO of Michigan Medicine; and Arthur Lupia, vice president for research and innovation.
Eligible principal investigators may request up to one year of partial support. Under the program, PIs may apply for up to 35% of the average annual direct cost budget requested in their federal proposal, with a maximum award of $150,000 for one year. Central university support will cover up to 50% of eligible research costs, with the remaining expenses covered by the PI’s school, college or unit.
Funding is intended solely as short-term support while investigators pursue new or revised external grant applications. All awarded funds must be spent at U-M, and subcontracts or similar arrangements with other institutions are not permitted. All applications must include a plan for pursuing new external funding.
“This program is not intended to replace federal funding or create a long-term safety net,” Lupia said. “It is a targeted, one-time investment to help outstanding U-M researchers transition in a time of change and continue to do important work that serves the people of Michigan and the world.”
Automatic qualification pathways include proposals submitted to the National Institutes of Health and other agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Science Foundation, and other federal sponsors that receive strong peer-review scores.
Additional eligibility criteria apply depending on career stage. Assistant professors and other PI-eligible faculty within their first three years are automatically eligible if their proposal meets the peer-review criteria. Other PIs must have previously served as a principal investigator on a federal grant and must not hold more than $250,000 in discretionary funds or more than $500,000 in externally sponsored support.
Full eligibility criteria, required documentation and application instructions are available on the Office of the Vice President for Research website. Applications are submitted through InfoReady. Faculty with questions about eligibility or the application process are encouraged to consult their school or college research office or contact [email protected].
