UPBI Seed Funding Program FAQ
Question: Is my project appropriate for this seed grant program?
Answer:
Some additional detail is available at this link. http://braininstitute.pitt.edu/opportunities/internal-funding
Beyond what is there, I would emphasize that the goal of this seed grant program is to facilitate successful applications for large scale funding over the next 2 years by Pitt faculty. By "large scale" I mean center-grant-scale activity ($1-5M+/year opportunities) from any external source. The evaluation of specific proposals for seed funding will be based the strength of the case that the PIs make that subsequent large scale funding from other sources is likely to occur if a seed grant is awarded. The success of this seed grant program will be assessed by how many large grants started as proposals for seed funding that eventually were turned into successful applications for seed funding.
Given that this is the goal, I would anticipate that a strong proposal will consist of:
1) A description of an existing or future opportunity for large scale funding from an external source. This could be, for example, an NIH center grant, an NSF Science and Technology Center, a declared White House Initiative, or a stated priority of the Federal Brain Initiative etc.
2) Assembling an outstanding team of investigators that has the expertise needed to be competitive for the large-scale external funding mechanism. This could include partners from outside the University of Pittsburgh, although for the seed funding, subcontracts are not allowed.
3) A description of a project or resource that would be competitive for such large scale funding in the coming years and description of how early stages of this project could be supported by this seed grant mechanism.
So, if your project fits these criteria, I would certainly encourage you to apply. If you want more information I would encourage you to attend the information session on May 5th at 5PM in Biomedical Science Tower 3, Room 6014.
Question: Can a person be a PI or Co-PI on more than one proposal?
Answer:
Yes.
Question: Is a group that is already working together and/or funded eligible to apply for this seed funding?
Answer:
Such groups are certainly eligible. In such a case, it would be important to make a strong case that the seed grant would be likely to lead to significant new funding by describing the possibilities for future funding. Seed funding to support the renewal of funding - even a competitive renewal - would be unlikely.
Answer:
Some additional detail is available at this link. http://braininstitute.pitt.edu/opportunities/internal-funding
Beyond what is there, I would emphasize that the goal of this seed grant program is to facilitate successful applications for large scale funding over the next 2 years by Pitt faculty. By "large scale" I mean center-grant-scale activity ($1-5M+/year opportunities) from any external source. The evaluation of specific proposals for seed funding will be based the strength of the case that the PIs make that subsequent large scale funding from other sources is likely to occur if a seed grant is awarded. The success of this seed grant program will be assessed by how many large grants started as proposals for seed funding that eventually were turned into successful applications for seed funding.
Given that this is the goal, I would anticipate that a strong proposal will consist of:
1) A description of an existing or future opportunity for large scale funding from an external source. This could be, for example, an NIH center grant, an NSF Science and Technology Center, a declared White House Initiative, or a stated priority of the Federal Brain Initiative etc.
2) Assembling an outstanding team of investigators that has the expertise needed to be competitive for the large-scale external funding mechanism. This could include partners from outside the University of Pittsburgh, although for the seed funding, subcontracts are not allowed.
3) A description of a project or resource that would be competitive for such large scale funding in the coming years and description of how early stages of this project could be supported by this seed grant mechanism.
So, if your project fits these criteria, I would certainly encourage you to apply. If you want more information I would encourage you to attend the information session on May 5th at 5PM in Biomedical Science Tower 3, Room 6014.
Question: Can a person be a PI or Co-PI on more than one proposal?
Answer:
Yes.
Question: Is a group that is already working together and/or funded eligible to apply for this seed funding?
Answer:
Such groups are certainly eligible. In such a case, it would be important to make a strong case that the seed grant would be likely to lead to significant new funding by describing the possibilities for future funding. Seed funding to support the renewal of funding - even a competitive renewal - would be unlikely.