Opportunity Overview
This funding opportunity supports the development of new sustainable multi-disciplinary, inter-departmental and/or cross-institutional collaborations that broaden research capabilities or expand research programs to create new knowledge or solutions that would not be achievable by a single researcher or a small research team. The provided funds should be used to facilitate the creation of and enable the activities associated with the proposed collaboration. Building a successful partnership should lead to active collaboration, multiple proposal submissions, and a sustainable research program.
Eligibility
- The proposed collaboration must involve a minimum of 3 researchers from complementary disciplines in CoE and may include additional researchers from other colleges and partnering institutions and industries.
- The effort must demonstrate mutual benefits, enhancing research opportunities for all parties involved, and the long-term outcome of the collaboration should result in creating a new interdisciplinary research center or center-like collaborative entity.
- The initiative must lead to the development and submission of multiple collaborative proposals within 6 to 18 months.
Project Justification
Applicants must demonstrate that the proposed collaboration will:
- Establish a new research partnership across targeted discipline(s).
- Enable novel research directions that would not be feasible otherwise.
- Strengthen ISU CoE’s research portfolio by expanding expertise and capabilities.
- Lead to the creation of a new research center, laboratory, or similar entity in the long run.
- Be expected to secure multiple large proposals with external funders.
Funding Justification
The requested support up to 100K over the period of 6-18 months, fully justifiable and consistent with the required activities, should be used to facilitate targeted activities. They may include activities like:
- Highlight the unique benefits of collaboration to potential funding agencies/entities.
- Generate new knowledge or innovative solutions in one or more research sub-areas to make the proposals successful.
- Position the team for upcoming funding opportunities.
- Contribute to the creation of a research center, laboratory, or similar entity supporting inter/multi-disciplinary initiatives.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 of the funding period detailing new opportunities identified, actions planned and executed, outcomes, and follow-on activities for the next 12 months, including their timings.
- Must be submitted to COEfunding@iastate.edu