Intramural Funding

SMART Goals are Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic and Timebound. Setting these goals when writing your grant application can give reviewers a clearer vision of why you’re requesting funds and what you’re aiming to complete.

SMART Goals Template

1. Description/Purpose of Award

The UNT Health Bridge Funding Program provides targeted, short-term internal funding to support full-time faculty who have recently lost extramural funding for a federally funded, peer-reviewed research project. The program aims to prevent disruption in promising research programs and strengthen competitiveness for resubmission by funding critical data collection, personnel support, or proposal development activities. The ultimate goal is to ensure continuity of research and to enhance the likelihood of successful resubmission and long-term external funding sustainability.

This program embodies the values of We Care and Courageous Integrity. Bridge Funding Awards provide experienced faculty with encouragement and support via feedback and resources, fostering continued momentum of their research program which they have worked diligently to establish.

2. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be in a full time PI-eligible role at UNT Health with a demonstrated track record of extramural funding within the past three years and in good institutional standing (i.e., not under any performance improvement plan).
• Have experienced a recent lapse in external funding and be preparing a resubmission to a federal sponsor (e.g., NIH, NSF, DoD).
• Have submitted at least one recent, favorably reviewed application that was scored but not funded.
• Not have received Bridge Funding support within the last three fiscal years.
• Secure a 15% matching funds commitment from their academic unit.
• Be in good institutional standing (not under any performance improvement plan).
• Submit the application no earlier than six months before anticipated funding loss.

3. Application Format

Applicants will submit via InfoReady and must include:

• Cover Page- this should include a specific plan for how this funding support will be used to apply for a specified extramural funding announcement (1 page)
• Summary of how reviewers’ critiques will be addressed (1 page)
• Specific Aims (1 page)
• Research Plan for bridge period (2 pages)
• Plan for Obtaining Extramural Support, including SMART goals (2 pages)
• Biographical Sketch for PIs (use current NIH format)
• Summary Statement(s) from previous application(s)
• Detailed Budget and Budget Justification
• SMART Goals and Timeline
• Other Support, including internal funds, start-up, or pending applications
• Letter of Support from Department/School indicating 15% match
• Revised resubmission introduction (if applicable) (1 page)
• Vertebrate Section (if applicable)
• Human Studies (if applicable)

Formatting Guidelines

• Font: Arial, 11-point
• Margins: At least 0.5 inch on all sides
• Line spacing: Single-spaced
• Page numbers: Bottom right corner

4. Criteria for Evaluation/Review

Applications will be evaluated using the NIH Simplified Peer Review Framework, which focuses on the following core factors:

• Factor 1: Importance of the Research
  Assesses the significance of the proposed work and the innovation it brings to the field.

• Scoring range: 1 (exceptional) to 9 (poor)
• Factor 2: Rigor and Feasibility
  Evaluates the strength of the approach, including the methodology, analytical strategy, and overall design.
  • Scoring range: 1 (exceptional) to 9 (poor)
• Factor 3: Expertise and Resources
  Considers the qualifications of the investigative team and the adequacy of the institutional environment to support the work.
  • This factor is not numerically scored but will be marked as either sufficient or gaps identified, with justification required for the latter.
  • Specifically for Bridge Funding Awards, the following will be evaluated:
    • Evidence of active pursuit of external funding and diversification of funding streams
    • Likelihood of successful resubmission based on reviewer critiques and applicant response
    • Appropriateness and alignment of budget with program goals
    • Commitment and support from the department/school (including financial match)
    • Strength of the applicant’s research program and productivity; data on applicant’s publication and funding history will be provided to the RSC by the Research Finance Administration Team.
    • Alignment with Institutional Priorities
    • Feasibility and clarity of SMART goals

5. Duration of Award and Post-award Activities

• Bridge Funding awards are for a duration of up to 12 months. No cost extension (NCE) requests will be reviewed by the RAC on a case-by-case basis.
• SMART goals will be reviewed at regular intervals. Funds will be disbursed in tranches based on progress against these milestones.

6. Award Amount

Investigators can request up to $75,000.  Only one application can be submitted per funding cycle.

• Allowable Costs: Personnel (research staff, students, postdoctoral fellows, residents/fellows), core services, travel expenses for field work or other forms of data collection, supplies, publication costs, consultant and equipment costs (less than $5,000 and not otherwise available through the College, Institute, or DRI Core Labs).

Unallowable Costs: Faculty salaries, conference travel, office equipment/supplies, renovations, and alterations.

1. Description/Purpose of Award

The New/Early-Stage Investigator grant program is intended to assist investigators as they launch their independent research careers and establish research programs. The awards may be used for the collection of preliminary data necessary to strengthen an extramural grant application. Applications for basic, applied, and clinical research are encouraged. Faculty or staff with an approved UNT Health PI eligibility status can receive support through this program and are expected to collect preliminary data to submit a research proposal for extramural funding to be submitted within 6 months of the end of the proposed project.

This program embodies the values of Be Curious and Show Your Fire.  New and Early-Stage Investigators are eager and motivated to mobilize their research by expanding their horizons. This award translates passion and curiosity into robust, fundable research programs.

2. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be New/Early-Stage Investigators (as defined by the NIH) in good institutional standing and not under any performance improvement plan.

3. Application Format

Applicants will submit via InfoReady and must include:

• Cover Page- this should include a specific plan for how this funding support will be used to apply for a specified extramural funding announcement (1 page)
• Specific Aims (1 page)
• Future Specific Aims to be submitted to specified extramural funding after successful completion of proposed work (1 page)
• Research Strategy (6 pages)
  • Note- Should include description of how data will be used to advance the PI’s research program
• Grant Mentorship Plan (1 page)
• Biographical Sketch for PIs (use current NIH format)
• Other Support Documentation
• Detailed Budget and Budget Justification
• MPI Plan (if applicable- describe MPIs, if applicable, and team members and their scientific contributions to the project)
• References (not included in page count)
• SMART Goals and Timeline
• Letter of Support from Chair and/or Dean
• Vertebrate Section (if applicable)
• Human Studies (if applicable)

Formatting Guidelines

• Font: Arial, 11-point
• Margins: At least 0.5 inch on all sides
• Line spacing: Single-spaced
• Page numbers: Bottom right corner

4. Criteria for Evaluation/Review

Applications will be evaluated using the NIH Simplified Peer Review Framework, which focuses on the following core factors:

• Factor 1: Importance of the Research
  Assesses the significance of the proposed work and the innovation it brings to the field.

• Scoring range: 1 (exceptional) to 9 (poor)
• Factor 2: Rigor and Feasibility
  Evaluates the strength of the approach, including the methodology, analytical strategy, and overall design.
  • Scoring range: 1 (exceptional) to 9 (poor)
• Factor 3: Expertise and Resources
  Considers the qualifications of the investigative team and the adequacy of the institutional environment to support the work.
  • This factor is not numerically scored but will be marked as either sufficient or gaps identified, with justification required for the latter.
  • Specifically for New/Early Investigator Awards, the following will be evaluated:
    • Plan for a potential to submit subsequent R01 or equivalent applications, to receive additional independent research grant awards, to produce research results, and to author high-impact publications
    • Appropriateness and alignment of budget with program goals
    • Strength of the applicant’s research program and productivity; data on applicant’s publication and funding history will be provided to the RSC by the Research Finance Administration Team.
    • Alignment with Institutional Priorities
    • Feasibility and clarity of SMART goals

5. Duration of Award and Post-award Activities

• New/Early-Stage Investigator awards are for a duration of up to 12 months. No cost extension (NCE) requests will be reviewed by the RAC on a case-by-case basis.
• SMART goals will be reviewed at regular intervals. Funds will be disbursed in tranches based on progress against these milestones.

6. Award Amount

Applicants can request up to $50,000. Only one application can be submitted per funding cycle

• Allowable Costs: Personnel (research staff, students, postdoctoral fellows, residents/fellows), core services, travel expenses for field work or other forms of data collection, supplies, publication costs, consultant and equipment costs (less than $5,000 and not otherwise available through the College, Institute, or DRI Core Labs).
• Unallowable Costs: Faculty salaries, conference travel, office equipment/supplies, renovations, and alterations.

1. Description/Purpose of Award

To support the advancement of impactful intramural research, the Research Special Interests Award establishes a single announcement that targets three (3) areas of special research that reflect emergent opportunities and health challenges. The three areas of special Interest are:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)/ Digital Tools
• Population Health
• Health Disparities & Community Health

This Special Research Interest Award program embodies the HSC values of Be Curious by fostering an environment of exploration and experimentation towards creating novel solutions and engaging in continuous learning and discovery. The program also encourages applicants to Show Your Fire by supporting bold ideas and transformational change.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)/ Digital Tools Award. The digital landscape is evolving rapidly across all aspects of life, including research, healthcare, and education, transforming how we discover and deliver solutions. Awards from the Artificial Intelligence (AI)/ Digital Tools Award Program are intended to support projects that leverage AI and/or digital technologies to enhance research, healthcare, and education. The award encourages novel applications of AI, machine learning, data science, and digital solutions that exhibit measurable impact, scalability, adaptability, and potential for broad dissemination.

Population Health Award.  This program may be used for the collection of preliminary data, equipment, or research assistance necessary to strengthen an extramural grant application for new studies that examine health outcomes in groups of individuals, and/or focus on social, economic, and environmental factors influencing health. Applications for basic, applied, and clinical research are encouraged. Faculty or staff with an approved HSC PI Eligibility receiving support through this program are expected to collect preliminary data to submit a research proposal for extramural funding to be submitted within 6 months of the end of the proposed project.

Health Disparities & Community Health.  The Health Disparities and Community Health award program is designed to support the advancement of innovative and collaborative research that builds upon the institution’s existing strengths and infrastructure in this area. Funding will seek to foster projects that will 1) deepen our understanding of health disparities, 2) promote meaningful community engagement, and 3) facilitate collaborative research that spans multiple disciplines. The program is intended to support research that will facilitate pilot work necessary for securing extramural funding. Application types include but are not limited to basic, applied, and clinical research, as well as data-driven.

2. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be in a full time PI-eligible role at UNT Health in good institutional standing and not under any performance improvement plan. Collaborations across departments or disciplines are encouraged.

3. Application Format

Applicants will submit via InfoReady and must include:

• Cover Page- this should include a specific plan for how this funding support will be used to apply for a specified extramural funding announcement (1 page)
• Specific Aims (1 page)
• Research Strategy (6 pages)
  • Note: Should include description of how data will be used to advance the PI’s research program
• Biographical Sketch for the PI/Team Leader and each investigator (use current NIH format)
  • NIH biosketch should list current, pending, and past support.
  • Brief Summary of Team Members’ available time/effort to the project.
• Detailed Budget and Budget Justification
• MPI Plan (if applicable- describe MPIs, if applicable, and team members and their scientific contributions to the project)
• References (not included in page count)
• SMART Goals and Timeline
• Letter of Support from Chair and/or Dean
• Vertebrate Section (if applicable)
• Human Studies (if applicable)

Formatting Guidelines

• Font: Arial, 11-point
• Margins: At least 0.5 inch on all sides
• Line spacing: Single-spaced
• Page numbers: Bottom right corner

4. Criteria for Evaluation/Review

Applications will be evaluated using the NIH Simplified Peer Review Framework, which focuses on the following core factors:

• Factor 1: Importance of the Research
  Assesses the significance of the proposed work and the innovation it brings to the field.

• Scoring range: 1 (exceptional) to 9 (poor)
• Factor 2: Rigor and Feasibility
  Evaluates the strength of the approach, including the methodology, analytical strategy, and overall design.
  • Scoring range: 1 (exceptional) to 9 (poor)
• Factor 3: Expertise and Resources
  Considers the qualifications of the investigative team and the adequacy of the institutional environment to support the work.
  • This factor is not numerically scored but will be marked as either sufficient or gaps identified, with justification required for the latter.
  • Specifically for Research Special Interests Awards, the following will be evaluated:
    • Plan for a potential to submit subsequent R01 or equivalent applications, to receive additional independent research grant awards, to produce research results, and to author high-impact publications
    • Appropriateness and alignment of budget with program goals
    • Strength of the applicant’s research program and productivity; data on applicant’s publication and funding history will be provided to the RSC by the Research Finance Administration Team.
    • Alignment with Institutional Priorities
    • Feasibility and clarity of SMART goals

5. Duration, and Post-Award Activities

• Research Special Interests awards are for a duration of up to 12 months. No cost extension (NCE) requests will be reviewed by the RAC on a case-by-case basis.
• SMART goals will be reviewed at regular intervals.

6. Award Amount

Applicants can request up to $25,000 for one year. Only one application can be submitted per funding cycle

• Allowable Costs: Personnel (research staff, students, postdoctoral fellows, residents/fellows), core services, travel expenses for field work or other forms of data collection, supplies, publication costs, consultant and equipment costs (less than $5,000 and not otherwise available through the College, Institute, or DRI Core Labs).

• Unallowable Costs: Faculty salaries, conference travel, office equipment/supplies, renovations, and alterations.

1. Description/Purpose of Award

UNT Health offers an array of cutting-edge instrumentation and services through DRI UNT Health Research Core Labs, including Genomics, Histology, Microscopy, Flow Cytometry, and Preclinical Imaging; additionally, shared resources for Laboratory Animal Medicine Facility, and High-Performance Computation (coming soon to UNT Health) are available to UNT Health researchers. The Division of Research and Innovation offers the Core Utilization Facility Award to promote utilization of our core facilities and shared services/resources. UNT Health shared resources provide access to instruments, and analytical support at reduced costs to internal users. Interested applicants should contact the Director of the respective core facilities for a feasibility consultation and to learn more about the available in-house capabilities.

This program embodies the values of Better Together and Be Curious. Institutional core facilities and shared resources/services are a powerful way to reduce costs of individual labs, while facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration that motivates diverse and impactful research.

2. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be in a full time PI-eligible role at UNT Health in good institutional standing and not under any performance improvement plan.

3. Application Format

Applicants will submit via InfoReady and must include:

• Cover Page- this should include a specific plan for how this funding support will be used to apply for a specified extramural funding announcement (1 page)
• Aims & Research Strategy (3-page max), to include the following sections:
  • Overall project goal
  • Specific Aims
  • Description of how data will be used to advance the PI’s research program
  • Timeline for sample processing and plans for follow-up submissions
  • Sample Size Justification and Power Analysis
• Biographical Sketch for the PI/Team Leader (use current NIH format)
• Detailed Budget and Budget Justification, to include
  • Cost per sample or unit of service
  • Total number of samples or units proposed to process
  • Description of fund matching, if any
  • Source of other funds for the work, if any
  • Total amount requested
• References (not included in page count)
• Letter of Support from respective Core Facility indicating feasibility/approval of proposed method
• Letter of Support from Chair and/or Dean

4. Criteria for Evaluation/Review

Applications will be evaluated using the NIH Simplified Peer Review Framework, which focuses on the following core factors:

• Factor 1: Importance of the Research
  Assesses the significance of the proposed work and the innovation it brings to the field.

• Scoring range: 1 (exceptional) to 9 (poor)
• Factor 2: Rigor and Feasibility
  Evaluates the strength of the approach, including the methodology, analytical strategy, and overall design.
  • Scoring range: 1 (exceptional) to 9 (poor)
• Factor 3: Expertise and Resources
  Considers the qualifications of the investigative team and the adequacy of the institutional environment to support the work.
  • This factor is not numerically scored but will be marked as either sufficient or gaps identified, with justification required for the latter.
  • Specifically for Core Facility Utilization Awards, the following will be evaluated:
    • Plan for a potential to submit subsequent R01 or equivalent applications, to receive additional independent research grant awards, to produce research results, and to author high-impact publications
    • Appropriateness and alignment of budget with program goals
    • Strength of the applicant’s research program and productivity; data on applicant’s publication and funding history will be provided to the RSC by the Research Finance Administration Team.
    • Alignment with Institutional Priorities

5. Duration of Award and Post-Award Activities

• Core Facility Utilization Awards are for 12 months. No cost extension (NCE) requests will be reviewed by the RAC on a case-by-case basis.
• Funds will be directly distributed to the respective core facilities upon service completion and invoicing.

6. Award Amount

A maximum of up to $15,000 per award may be considered. Only one application can be submitted per funding cycle

1. Description/Purpose of Award

The Pilot Research Grant is intended to support innovative pilot studies that position faculty, or PI-eligible staff, for success in securing future extramural funding. This award provides essential early-stage resources to help faculty strengthen their research projects and enhance the competitiveness of subsequent grant applications. Funding may be used for:

• Preliminary Data Collection
• Research Equipment
• Research Personnel Support

The ultimate goal of this program is to support the development of focused pilot studies that address significant research questions. Faculty, or PI-eligible staff, awarded through this initiative are expected to generate preliminary findings that will serve as a strong foundation for a competitive proposal for extramural funding.

This program embodies the values of Be Curious and Show Your Fire.  Pilot projects endeavor to push conventional boundaries and facilitate new discoveries; these are prominent displays of our faculty’s, or PI-eligible staff, intrinsic curiosity and passion which drive innovation.

2. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be in a full time PI-eligible role at UNT Health in good institutional standing and not under any performance improvement plan.
• Have not yet received extramural funding for the proposed project.
• Be eligible to apply for future external grants (e.g., NIH, NSF, DOD, etc.).

3. Application Format

Applicants will submit via InfoReady and must include:

• Cover Page- this should include a specific plan for how this funding support will be used to apply for a specified extramural funding announcement (1 page)
• Specific Aims (1 page)
• Research Strategy (6 pages)
  • Note: Should include description of how data will be used to advance the PI’s research program
• Biographical Sketch for PI and key personnel (use current NIH format)
• MPI Plan (if applicable- describe MPIs, if applicable, and team members and their scientific contributions to the project)
• References (not included in page count)
• Other Support Documentation
• Detailed Budget and Budget Justification
• SMART Goals and Timeline
• Letter of Support from Chair and/or Dean
• Vertebrate Section (if applicable)
• Human Studies (if applicable)

Formatting Guidelines:

• Font: Arial, 11-point
• Margins: At least 0.5 inch on all sides
• Line spacing: Single-spaced
• Page numbers: Bottom right corner

4. Criteria for Evaluation/Review

Applications will be evaluated using the NIH Simplified Peer Review Framework, which focuses on the following core factors:

• Factor 1: Importance of the Research
  Assesses the significance of the proposed work and the innovation it brings to the field.

• Scoring range: 1 (exceptional) to 9 (poor)
• Factor 2: Rigor and Feasibility
  Evaluates the strength of the approach, including the methodology, analytical strategy, and overall design.
  • Scoring range: 1 (exceptional) to 9 (poor)
• Factor 3: Expertise and Resources
  Considers the qualifications of the investigative team and the adequacy of the institutional environment to support the work.
  • This factor is not numerically scored but will be marked as either sufficient or gaps identified, with justification required for the latter.
  • Specifically for Pilot Research Awards, the following will be evaluated:
    • Plan for a potential to submit subsequent R01 or equivalent applications, to receive additional independent research grant awards, to produce research results, and to author high-impact publications
    • Appropriateness and alignment of budget with program goals
    • Strength of the applicant’s research program and productivity; data on applicant’s publication and funding history will be provided to the RSC by the Research Finance Administration Team.
    • Alignment with Institutional Priorities
    • Feasibility and clarity of SMART goals

5. Duration of Award and Post-award Activities

• Pilot Research Awards are for 12 months. No cost extension requests (NCE) will be reviewed by the RAC on a case-by-case basis.
• SMART goals will be reviewed regular intervals. Funds will be disbursed in tranches based on progress against these milestones.

6. Dollar Amount

Applicants can request up to $50,000. Only one application can be submitted per funding cycle.

• Allowable Costs: Personnel (research staff, students, postdoctoral fellows, residents), core services, travel expenses for field work or other forms of data collection, supplies, publication costs, consultant and equipment costs (less than $5,000 and not otherwise available through the College, Institute, or DRI Core Labs).
• Unallowable Costs: Faculty salaries, conference travel, office equipment/supplies, renovations, and alterations.

1. Description/Purpose of Award

The purpose of this award is to support UNT Health Researchers in a variety of professional development endeavors.  This program embodies the values of Be Curious and We Care, providing resources and support that encourages faculty, and PI-eligible staff, to engage in activities that facilitate their learning and growth.

2. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be full-time faculty, or PI-eligible staff, at UNT Health in good institutional standing and not under any performance improvement plan.

3. Application Format

Applicants will submit via InfoReady and must include:

• Cover Letter (1 page)
• Justification describing the significance and expected outcomes of the proposed professional development activity (1 page)
• Budget and Budget Justification
• Letter of Support from the applicant’s Department Head, including:
  • Assessment of the application’s merit and alignment with the applicant’s career trajectory;
  • Commitment of necessary departmental or college resources (e.g., time, space)

Formatting Guidelines:

• Font: Arial, 11-point
• Margins: At least 0.5 inch on all sides
• Line spacing: Single-spaced
• Page numbers: Bottom right corner

4. Criteria for Evaluation/Review

The review will emphasize alignment with professional development goals:

• Relevance to Role and Career Goals
  • Does the proposed activity clearly align with the applicant’s current role at UNT Health and support their approved career development plan or long-term professional goals?
• Potential for Impact
  • Will the activity meaningfully enhance the applicant’s skills, expertise, visibility, or contributions to their department, school, or the broader UNT Health community?
• Clarity and Feasibility
  • Is the plan for professional development clearly described, and are the proposed activities feasible within the timeframe and budget?
• Institutional Support
  • Does the Department Head endorsement reflect support for the activity and confirm the alignment with institutional and departmental priorities?
• Use of Funds
  • Are the requested funds reasonable and appropriate for the scope of the proposed activity?

5. Duration of Award

• Awardees must use the funds within 1 year of receiving award for proposed activities. Only one application can be submitted per funding cycle.

6. Award Amount

Applicants may request up to $5,000 per one year. Funding will be dispersed in one payment.

• Allowable Costs: Travel, conference or training registration fees, fieldwork or data collection expenses
• Unallowable Costs: Faculty or staff salaries, Office equipment (e.g., computers, printers), Renovations or space alterations, Routine operating expenses

1. Description/Purpose of Award

The Education and Workforce Development Intramural Grant Program supports UNT Health faculty and staff in developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative initiatives that build a more skilled, and adaptable health and biomedical workforce. The program aims to:

• Advance educational innovation and training capacity
• Support scalable programs that align with institutional workforce goals.
• Equip faculty with tools and experiences that lead to external funding or institutional expansion.

Funded projects may include curriculum development, digital learning tools, faculty skill-building workshops, micro-credentialing programs, interprofessional training, or pilot programs that enhance learner readiness for high-demand careers.

This program embodies the values of Be Curious and We Care by fostering the development of novel training and educational programs which will better equip our student body and UNT Health team members for success in their health science careers.

2. Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants must be full-time PI-eligible UNT Health employees in good institutional standing and not under any performance improvement plan. Applicants must have demonstrated experience or interest in educational program design, workforce training, or faculty development. Collaborative applications, especially cross-departmental or involving community/industry partners, are strongly encouraged.

3. Application Format

• Cover Letter (1 page)
  • Should include Workforce/Education Need Statement (1 page), which defines the unmet educational or workforce need your project addresses.
  • Should include Impact Statement, which defines who benefits, how impact will be measured, and expected reach.
• Project Plan (5 pages)
  • Overview of goals, design, implementation strategy, and evaluation plan
• Plan for Sustainability or Extramural Leverage (1 page)
  • Identify long-term vision and potential for external support (e.g., NIH R25, HRSA, NSF grants, philanthropic support)
• Budget and Budget Justification
• SMART Goals and Timeline
• Biosketch(es) (use current NIH format)
• Letter of Support from Department Chair and/ or Dean

Formatting Guidelines:

• Font: Arial, 11-point
• Margins: At least 0.5 inch on all sides
• Line spacing: Single-spaced
• Page numbers: Bottom right corner

4. Criteria for Evaluation/Review

Proposals will be reviewed using a modified NIH-style evaluation and scored based on:

• Relevance to Workforce and Institutional Needs
• Innovation and Scalability of Educational Approach
• Impact on Learners, Faculty, or Community
• Clarity and Feasibility of Project Design
• Evaluation and Success Metrics
• Potential for External Funding or Institutional Integration
• Qualifications and Commitment of Team
• Use of Collaborative or Interdisciplinary Approaches

Reviewers will provide a summary statement with feedback and scoring (1–9 scale).

5. Duration of Award

Awards are for a maximum of 12 months.

6. Dollar Amount

Each applicant may request up to $25,000.  Only one application can be submitted per funding cycle.  No cost extension requests will be reviewed by the RAC on a case-by-case basis.

• Allowable: Curriculum development personnel (e.g., adjunct instructors, graduate assistants); Educational materials, software licenses, or tools; Stipends for student participants (as trainees or pilot users); Registration for professional development or teaching workshops; Travel for educational benchmarking, training, or program design
• Unallowable: Faculty salary; Equipment; Routine office supplies; Renovations or capital purchases; Publication or marketing expenses not directly tied to educational implementation.

1. Description/Purpose of Award

Interdisciplinary, team science (ITS) continues to drive biomedical and behavioral health discoveries. In recent years, the number of authors on publications derived from NIH-funded research grants has increased, which also corresponds to greater impact and citation influence. The Division of Research and Innovation (DRI), working with the DRI Research Advisory Committee (RAC), offers the ITS Award to promote interdisciplinary team science initiatives at UNT Health. This funding will support project/program development that will result in a competitive and fundable grant application to an external funding agency. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the establishment of major, sustainably funded initiatives which (1) capitalize on UNT Health research strengths and (2) address strategic areas of UNT Health research interest/growth. Proposals will be evaluated based on the merit of the scientific idea, alignment with strategic research initiatives, and the strength/synergy of the assembled team. Awards are for a two-year, non-renewable period. Projects within this pathway would involve investigators with different types of expertise addressing the same problem from different scientific perspectives.

This program embodies the values of Better Together and Be Curious. Collaboration among team members to develop a project requiring interdisciplinary skills and approaches that are essential to exploring and/or developing a novel approach and solution to an existing problem within an area of strategic research interest for UNT Health and/or UNT System.

2. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be PI-eligible full-time employees at UNT Health and in good institutional standing (i.e., not under any performance improvement plan). Co-Investigators (Co-Is) may be in any faculty category. Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and part-time faculty are not eligible to serve as PIs or Co-Is.

A faculty member can be a principal investigator (PI) on only one application per year. Existing discretionary funds (from the faculty member’s department or institute/college) must be committed at 5% minimum towards the endeavor.

3. Application Format

Applicants will submit via InfoReady and must include:

• Cover Page- this should include a specific plan for how this funding support will be used to apply for a specified extramural funding announcement (1 page)
• Specific Aims (1 page)
• Research Strategy (7 pages total)
  • The Research Strategy should propose a single integrated program of research addressing a significant scientific question with a single set of specific aims sufficient to accomplish a well-defined goal within the allowable period. The plan should be highly innovative, develop new concepts, address critical issues, and be sufficiently challenging that a single investigator alone is unlikely to advance the field.
    • Significance and Innovation (2-pages)
    • Approach (4-pages, which should include preliminary data and methods, alternative approaches, overall timeline, etc.)
    • Planned pipeline for future submissions/program growth (1-page)
      • Be sure to include a detailed timeline for the study, including data collection, and justify the need for the length of the proposal.
      • Provide details on how the data collected from this proposal will be used for future grant proposals, giving estimated deliverables and timeline where possible.
    • Biographical Sketch for PI and key personnel (use current NIH format)

• Team Management Plan (describe MPIs, if applicable, and team members and their scientific contributions to the project)

• References (not included in page count)
• Detailed Budget and Budget Justification
• Equipment justification and quote (if essential)
• SMART Goals and Timeline
• Letter of Support from Chair and/or Dean, which should include commitment for required 5% matching funds.
• Vertebrate Section (if applicable)
• Human Studies (if applicable)

Formatting Guidelines:

• Font: Arial, 11-point
• Margins: At least 0.5 inch on all sides
• Line spacing: Single-spaced
• Page numbers: Bottom right corner

4. Criteria for Evaluation/Review

Applications will be evaluated using the NIH Simplified Peer Review Framework, which focuses on the following core factors:

• Factor 1: Importance of the Research
  Assesses the significance of the proposed work and the innovation it brings to the field.

• Scoring range: 1 (exceptional) to 9 (poor)
• Factor 2: Rigor and Feasibility
  Evaluates the strength of the approach, including the methodology, analytical strategy, and overall design.
  • Scoring range: 1 (exceptional) to 9 (poor)
• Factor 3: Expertise and Resources
  Considers the qualifications of the investigative team and the adequacy of the institutional environment to support the work.
  • This factor is not numerically scored but will be marked as either sufficient or gaps identified, with justification required for the latter.
  • Specifically for Pilot Research Awards, the following will be evaluated:
    • Plan for a potential to submit subsequent R01 or equivalent applications, to receive additional independent research grant awards, to produce research results, and to author high-impact publications
    • Appropriateness and alignment of budget with program goals
    • Strength of the applicant’s research program and productivity; data on applicant’s publication and funding history will be provided to the RSC by the Research Finance Administration Team.
    • Alignment with Institutional Priorities
    • Feasibility and clarity of SMART goals

5. Duration of Award and Post-Award Activities

• ITS Awards are for a 12-month period. No cost extension (NCE) requests will be reviewed by the RAC on a case-by-case basis.
• Only one application can be submitted per funding cycle
• SMART goals will be reviewed regular intervals. Funds will be disbursed in tranches based on progress against these milestones.

6. Award Amount

A maximum of up to $75,000 inclusive of any unit match funds over a one-year period per application.

• Allowable Costs: Personnel (research staff, students, postdoctoral fellows, residents/fellows), core services, travel expenses for field work or other forms of data collection, supplies, publication costs, consultant and equipment costs (less than $5,000 and not otherwise available through the College, Institute, or DRI Core Labs).
• Unallowable Costs: Faculty salaries, conference travel, office equipment/supplies, renovations, and alterations.