Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General
What is the Research Growth Initiative (RGI)?
The RGI is an internal seed funding program intended to support high quality research projects in the early stages. Examples of activities funded by the program include archival work, collection of pilot data, establishing proof-of-concept, and manuscript and proposal preparation.
What is the goal of RGI?
The primary goal of RGI is to enhance our research excellence—by investing in research proposals selected through an independent and objective process. The RGI is about providing campus-wide access to the research funds we are currently spending. Because almost all grants are for one year only, most of each year's funds are available to anyone with a good research idea. Naturally, we hope that our enhanced national standing and competitiveness will allow us to increase our extramural funding, which, in turn, will allow increased support for all kinds of scholarly and innovative work.
Why is it needed?
Upfront investments in research will significantly enhance the depth and breadth of our scholarly activities, and, where appropriate, increase our competitiveness for extramural funding. The RGI is one of several initiatives supporting the Chancellor’s goal of $100M each year in extramural funding. The associated increase in indirect cost returns will allow us to increase our support for all of our research and scholarly activities, even those that are not tied to extramural funding. This would enable us to provide much greater—and broader—support for scholarship and innovation than is currently possible.
Who has been involved in defining, reviewing, and refining the RGI?
The RGI concept was developed through extensive consultation with the Chancellor's Cabinet, the Academic Deans' Council, and many faculty and staff groups on campus (the University Committee, the Academic Planning and Budget Committee, individual Schools and Colleges, and department chairs). It was approved by the Faculty Senate in November, 2005, with the stipulation that an annual report be given to the APBC.
Does the RGI mean that non-funded research is not valued?
No. Non-funded research will continue to play a highly valued and important part in our institution. Indeed, increased extramural funding and the associated indirect cost returns will allow us to support such activities more vigorously, for example through increased support for travel to scholarly meetings, work abroad, and technical journals.
Would RGI de-emphasize the Arts and Humanities?
No. The RGI gives faculty and staff from the Arts and Humanities access to research funds. Through the 2008-09 funding cycle, 12 of 26 proposals submitted in the Arts and Humanities have received awards. This funding rate is the highest of all divisions.
Does the RGI favor established researchers?
No. Through the first three years of the program, awards have been distributed by rank as follows:
| RGI 1-3 Combined |
# of Proposals | % of Pool | Success Rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Submitted | Funded | Submitted | Funded | ||
| Assistant Prof Associate Prof Full Prof Other |
255 149 141 60 |
50 34 24 9 |
42% 25% 23% 10% |
43% 29% 21% 8% |
20% 23% 17% 15% |
| TOTAL | 605 | 117 | 19% | ||
How will the program be assessed?
The RGI will be closely monitored at all stages of implementation, and adjustments made as needed. An annual report is made to the APBC. A general review will take place after five years.
How can I best take advantage of the RGI?
Participate! Think how you can take your activities to the next level. Ask what resources you need to do that. Assemble a team that would enable you jointly to deliver nationally competitive outcomes. Think how you can make this self-sustaining after the seed funding phase. Attend an RGI workshop.
Whom do I contact for program information?
Kathleen Koch, Senior Administrative Program Specialist (kjk@uwm.edu, x3699)
Whom do I contact if I have technical questions?
Shane Dunlap, Technical Resources Manager (jsdunlap@uwm.edu, x3160)
Proposal Preparation & Submission
What is the timeline for the program?
| 2010-'11 funding cycle | |
| Online application available | Mid-August 2009 |
| Submission deadline | Monday, October 5, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. |
| Panel review | January-February, 2010 |
| Award announcement | Late March 2010 |
| Award letters sent | April 2010 |
| Funds available | July 2010 |
How do I submit an application?
Applications are submitted through a password-protected secure Web site. This allows you to work on the application incrementally, and submit it when all components are complete. The application components are both Mac and PC compatible.
What are the components of an application?
- The basic project data (title, abstract, biographical data on PI(s), suggested external reviewers, keywords, deliverables and milestones, return on investment, budget justification, and space needs) are entered in the online application.
- The four-page project narrative (PDF).
- The budget spreadsheet (Excel).
Who needs to approve my application?
There is an electronic proposal routing process that collects required approvals from department chairs or directors, and associate deans or deans. This allows administrators to see your proposal before it is submitted.
What types of expense are eligible for RGI funding?
The RGI aims to give you what you need to succeed. As such, the guidelines for eligible expenses are broad. Here is a high-level list:
- Course buyout (set at 12.5% of your academic year salary).
- Travel support needed for successful completion of proposed project.
- Capital expenditures including equipment purchases, renovations, and library acquisitions needed for the project.
- Supplies and expenses needed for the project.
- Personnel (post-doctoral research associates, graduate assistants, student hourly help, etc.).
- Purchase of services needed for the project.
Is summer salary for faculty allowed under RGI?
No. Neither summer salary nor support for sabbatical salary replacement are supported by RGI due to the restrictions on the use of 101-4 funds.
What is the duration of the RGI funding?
Most projects will be funded for one year. Multiple year funding will be considered if required by the nature of the project.
May I submit more than one application?
Yes, but lead PIs are limited to submission of two proposals per application cycle.
I already received an RGI award, may I apply again?
Yes. Note, however, that the timely completion of milestones and deliverables from your past award(s) will be taken into consideration in future funding decisions.
Proposal Review and Award Selection
What is the review process?
There are two levels of the review process. In the first level, PIs are asked to submit contact information for potential reviewers who have the expertise to read the proposals, and who can provide critical comments and objectively evaluate the proposals. This list is used as a guide in matching proposals with qualified reviewers. Proposals that receive high ratings at the first level are read by a panel that identifies those recommended for funding. Initial reviewers and panelists are subject to the same conflict of interest guidelines as those used by national agencies.
Why use external experts to evaluate RGI proposals?
To provide an independent assessment of the proposals according to national best practices.
Why should a PI recommend reviewers?
Recommending reviewers helps ensure that your proposal will be read by someone who understands your particular area of research. It also shortens the review process.
How are the panelists selected?
Panelists are chosen on the basis of their expertise, breadth, independence, successful funding records, and past experience with proposal reviews. Suggestions from the campus community for panelists are welcome.
What are the review criteria?
At both levels of review, the proposals are evaluated on quality, reward, and risk:
- Quality of Proposal: Excellence and novelty of concept; appropriateness of approach or methodology; clarity of project plans; degree of scientific/intellectual merit.
- Risk of Failure: Availability of necessary skills and experience; likelihood of completing the project plan within the given timeframe.
- Return on Investment: Probability of securing extramural funding or engaging in commercialization; potential for self-sustainability after the seed investment phase. The expected return is three times the requested seed funding.
Who decides what proposals will receive awards?
The Chancellor, the Provost, and Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development will select the awardees based on the recommendations of the review panels.
If I receive an award, how is any resulting intellectual property handled?
Per standard practice and in accordance with UW System Patent Policy, you, your Co-Principal Investigators, and other project personnel—including graduate student assistants—agree to assign ownership of all intellectual properties conceived or reduced to practice as a result of this RGI award to the University for protection and development as the University deems appropriate. An Intellectual Property Assignment form must be completed. Sharing of any revenues resulting from the commercialization of such intellectual properties will be per our current guidelines. If you have questions regarding intellectual property issues, please contact Mark Doremus (doremus@uwm.edu or 229-6302).