University Research Institute (URI)

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE (URI) PROPOSALS 2024-2025 - GUIDELINES

UTEP Faculty members are invited to submit research proposals for funding supported by Research & Innovation (R&I) and the University Research Institute (URI). 

Purpose

UTEP’s University Research Institute is a competitive mechanism that supports faculty research and programs that advance the University’s research productivity, scholarly output, and creative endeavors.

Policies

Recommendations for URI awards are made to the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI) by the Faculty Senate Research Committee. This Senate committee, whose membership is composed of faculty from each college, solicits applications for funding from faculty members, reviews proposals submitted, and recommends projects for funding to the VPRI. The committee recommends funding for those proposals that:

1. Assist in the professional development of new junior faculty members.
2. Assist in developing research programs that will attract external sources of funds.
3. Make maximum use of resources and facilities available within this institution.

Timeline

• Applications Opened: Monday, October 21, 2024
• Application Deadline: URI proposal applications must be submitted through InfoReady on or before 5 p.m. MT on Sunday, November 10, 2024.
• Award Announcement: January 15, 2025
• Awarding Period: The overall budget period will be from February 1, 2025, to  August 31, 2025(plan to finalize financial transactions according to fiscal year-end processing deadlines). 

Expectations

By  October 31, 2025, 5 p.m. MT, the grantee must submit a report through InfoReady . This report should contain an executive-style summary of the key research findings, a list of any publications and presentations stemming from the research conducted, a list of proposals submitted (or in progress), a statement of personnel development, and any other details that can be used to evaluate the utility of the funds provided. If such an appropriate report is not forthcoming, this absence will jeopardize future funding for the grantee’s home department.

Faculty Status

Since the URI grants are intended to produce long-term benefits for the University and the grantee, awards will be made only to individuals in full-time positions for which research productivity is expected. Such positions include tenured and tenure-track positions, Research Assistants, Clinical Professors, etc. Non-tenured or tenure-track applicants must provide evidence (such as a letter from their Chair or Dean) verifying the research requirement to fulfill their duties.

Priorities

The Faculty Senate Research Committee prioritizes those high-quality proposals submitted by early and mid-career faculty members (at the Assistant and Associate Professor Rank) and projects with potential extramural funding. Proposals should include a statement of plans to seek and attract outside funding. Only one proposal from a faculty member as Principal Investigator will be considered in any funding cycle. Principal Investigator(s) who receive a URI grant must wait two years after completion of the grant before another URI proposal will be considered; however, documentation of productivity accomplished with the previously awarded URI must be provided.

Use of Existing Resources

The researcher should ensure they are not requesting available equipment or materials on campus.

Salaries/Wages

URI funds cannot be used for faculty summer salaries. Still, they can be requested to support graduate or undergraduate students if the project's success depends on student salary support. Because of the source of funds, URI awards cannot be used for fringe benefits (including health insurance) or tuition to supplement student salaries. 

Project Goals

Each proposal must define the proposed research, contain clearly stated goals, and demonstrate that the goals can be reached with the requested funds. The expected results of this research (devices, patents, publications, further proposals, etc.) must also be clearly stated.

Clarity

The applicant must present a clear, consistent, and comprehensive proposal to the committee. Since external reviewers review the proposals, applicants should address their proposals to a general audience, as the reviewers may not have specific knowledge of the applicant's field. Writing the proposal in plain language is to the applicant’s advantage. 

Suitability

The committee makes no moral or political judgments upon proposed projects. However, a researcher must thoroughly investigate the intended research's legal ramifications before submitting a proposal to the committee. The proposal must not entail any potential violation of either civil or criminal law. Proposals for research with third parties must contain appropriate certification, permission, or commitment documents and include IRB or IACUC approval as necessary. The IRB or IACUC approval can be obtained after the project is funded; however, it must be submitted before the investigator releases the funds.

Budgets

The URI [Faculty Senate Research Committee] will fund only expenses clearly described and justified in the research proposal. The University can award a limited number of these proposals with available funds. Thus, URI awards for individual projects must not exceed $5,000. However, the Committee may make budgetary adjustments if deemed necessary.

The URI [Committee] will not fund the following:

• travel to professional or scholarly meetings
• foreign travel
• faculty summer salary
• personal computers
• entertainment expenses (food, drinks, etc.)

The URI [Faculty Senate Research Committee] will fund the following if justified as required for the success of the proposed work:

• travel to research sites
• proposals for equipment only
• consultants
• student salaries
• research computers
• research supplies
• participant support/payments (surveys, incentives)

Because of state policy, URI does not offer funds for foreign travel. Travel funds to foreign sites must be obtained through other mechanisms.

Proposal Format

1. Cover Sheet with Abstract: The abstract and proposal must be written for a general audience, which aligns with the instruction to use non-technical language in the abstract. 
2. Approximate 3-5 Page Project Description: The proposal should be written clearly and contain clearly stated goals, suitable for a general audience. 
3. Proposal Requirement: 
   1. Discussion of research topic  
   2. Explanation of significance in relation to existing literature 
   3. Description of work, including the plan and participants 
4. Student Participation: URI funds can support student salaries if justified as necessary for the project’s success. 
5. Specific Outcomes: Proposals must define the expected outcomes (e.g., publications, further proposals). 
6. Summary of Previous URI Award (if applicable): Documentation of productivity from previous awards is necessary before applying again. 
7. Relevant Experience (3 Pages Max): Applicants must list prior funding and demonstrate relevant experience. May include biosketches. 
8. Budget with Justification: Budget must be detailed and justified; only allowable expenses will be funded. 
9. Letters of Support and Commitments: Non-tenure-track applicants must provide a letter verifying position and research responsibilities. Collaboration letters are required for partnerships. 

Note: Use Times New Roman, 12pt font, 1” margins. Single space. 

  To apply, please submit your application through InfoReady .