2020 Deans’ Research Micro-Grants for Probationary Faculty

Background: In response to the continuing disruption of research due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, CLAS deans have pooled their unused personal research/travel funds to provide a small number of “micro-grants” of up to $2000 each to probationary tenure-track faculty ($17,000 total funding; ~8-12 micro-grants will be awarded).

Eligibility: All tenure-track probationary faculty in CLAS. Funds must be utilized by the end of FY21 (June 30, 2021 deadline; no carryover of funds will be allowed).

Allowable expenses include:

• Travel, where possible (costs must be incurred prior to June 30, 2021, though travel may take place after that date). Purposes include attending research conferences, visiting collaborators, traveling to collections or sites, etc.
• Registration fees for online webinars, conferences, or professional development opportunities.
• Supplies and materials, such as reagents, laboratory equipment, artistic materials, books, publications, or digital subscriptions not otherwise obtainable at UI.
• Software, computer equipment, or peripherals necessary for a clearly-defined research purpose (funds may not be used for personal computers).
• Fees for research cores or service centers utilized for a defined research purpose.
• Memberships in scholarly societies important for professional development.
• Funds may not be used for salaries or student support.

Applications: Please include the following in a single PDF
 (#1-3 should not exceed one page total):

1. One paragraph description of research project
2. One paragraph justification including financial need (indicate that other funds are unavailable or cannot be used for this purpose) and how the micro-grant will contribute to your research and professional development.
3. Brief itemized budget (not to exceed $2,000 total)
4. CV
5. Brief statement from the DEO confirming that the requested funds are not available to the applicant from existing departmental sources

Submit this single PDF file to Allison Bierman (allison-bierman@uiowa.edu) no later than 4 PM on Friday, October 23.

Review: Applications will be reviewed by CLAS Deans based on quality of research, demonstrated need, and impact on professional development. Depending on size of individual requests, approximately 8-12 micro-grants will be awarded by the end of November. 

Questions: Joshua Weiner, Associate Dean for Research (joshua-weiner@uiowa.edu)