The University of Michigan’s Biosciences Initiative has issued its third and final request for applications in two categories of funding that seek high-impact research projects from U-M faculty as they aim to solve critical problems in the biosciences.
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In the last two rounds of this RFA, launched in 2018 and 2019, BSI awarded $65 million to 13 projects. This next and final round will offer U-M biosciences researchers funds to pursue cutting-edge science alongside colleagues with different areas of expertise.
“This program incentivizes researchers with different types of expertise and knowledge to work together on difficult and important problems. It taps into U-M’s outstanding depth and breadth to promote unique and impactful research discoveries,” President Mark Schlissel said. “Dr. (Roger) Cone and I encourage all interested faculty to utilize the excellence here at U-M, seek out collaborators and apply for these funds.”
BSI is accepting proposals from Ann Arbor faculty in two categories for this RFA: Scientific Research Initiatives and Exploratory Funding.
Scientific Research Initiatives are efforts designed to advance major new directions in transdisciplinary discovery. These projects are led by faculty with appropriate expertise, in coordination with department chairs and institute directors. Applicants may request funds for up to three faculty positions and additional expenses.
Exploratory Funding supports early stage research activities. These projects may include workshops, sabbaticals and fostering partnerships between U-M and other organizations.
The BSI Coordinating Committee reviews each application. An additional council of external content experts review and provide feedback on the Scientific Research Initiative submissions.
“In this final round, we want as many high-impact proposals as we can get, showcasing the breadth of excellence across campus. I encourage every interested faculty member to participate. After this year, the Biosciences Initiative won’t be offering these funds again,” said Cone, vice provost and director of BSI.
“Take advantage of this opportunity to address critical challenges in the biosciences and launch your research to novel areas and great heights.”
All Ann Arbor campus faculty are eligible to participate. Check the BSI website and sign up to the newsletter for updates, announcements and events to address questions applicants may have.
Letters of intent (not required for Exploratory Funding) are due Aug. 30. Invitations for full proposals will be sent Sept. 18, with proposals due Dec. 18. The awards will be announced in April 2021.
