AGENCY: Research Corporation PROGRAM: Research Opportunity Awards OBJECTIVES: This program provides funding for scientists of demonstrated productivity and creativity seeking to explore new areas of computational, experimental or theoretical research in the fields of astronomy, chemistry and physics. The Research Corporation has traditionally sought to assist those with meritorious ideas, especially projects that have high potential for the advancement of science. The Corporation will evaluate candidates based on (1) the scientific significance and originality of the research, (2) the potential for enhancement of the applicant's career, (3) evidence of support from the department and institution, (4) the candidate's past record and potential to mount and sustain a competitive research program, and (5) evidence of the applicant's vigor and self-motivation. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS: The chair of a Ph.D.-granting astronomy, chemistry, or physics department may annually nominate up to two tenured faculty who are without major research funding (<$30,000 per year). Following a review by Research Corporation, selected nominees will be invited to submit a full proposal. DEADLINES: FUNDING INFORMATION: Grants are up to $50,000, with a one-for-two match from the institution or department of up to $25,000. Cost-sharing is required on a one-for-two dollar basis. Other external funds should not, in most instances, exceed $30,000 per year. Overhead or indirect costs, tuition, common supplies, library costs, page charges, and secretarial services are not provided. AGENCY CONTACT: REMARKS: An internal deadline has been established to coordinate institutional cost-sharing commitments for this program. Faculty members who have been nominated by their Department Chair should forward a memorandum to their Associate Dean by March 21, 2008 for the May 1 agency deadline or by August 22, 2008 for the October 1 agency deadline. In the memorandum, (1) briefly describe the proposed project, (2) list key participating faculty, (3) itemize all cost-sharing commitments being requested from the University, within the context of a fully developed project budget, and (4) cite any program features which should make it particularly competitive for Research Corporation funding. The memorandum should be countersigned by the relevant department chair/center director to indicate endorsement of the project. After the Dean's assessment, if a commitment of Provost funds is required, the memorandum will be forwarded to Associate Provost Joan Kirkendall for review and then to the Office of the Provost for authorization. PIs will then be advised of authorized institutional cost-sharing commitments in time to complete the project budget and process their nomination material. PIs are encouraged to consult with the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) for assistance with the preparation of the project budget. Nominations to the Research Opportunity Awards program consist of a nominating letter from the department chair accompanied by the candidate's statement and brief curriculum vitae. Detailed guidance on the preparation of the nominating letter and the candidate’s statement can be found in the program guidelines available at the website listed above. After the Research Corporation’s review of nominations, complete proposals will be invited from selected nominees for submission, external evaluation, and review at Research Corporation's subsequent advisory committee meeting. Please distribute this notice to any faculty or staff members who might be interested in the information. For more information, please contact the OSP at X3-4365 or ospinfo@bu.edu, or visit the OSP web site at http://www.bu.edu/osp. |
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