Emerging Frontiers

The IU 2030 Emerging Frontiers Grant program is a new initiative designed to support the formation of high-caliber, interdisciplinary research teams within IU. These teams are expected to develop bold and innovative research or creative projects capable of competing for substantial external funding (at least $1 million per project) from federal agencies or other external sources.  The long-term goal of the Emerging Frontiers Grant program is to help build the pipeline for large-scale, team-based projects over $5 million per project to align with the IU 2030 Strategic Plan goal of doubling $5 million externally-funded projects by 2030.

JUSTIFICATION

By promoting collaboration across disciplines, IU 2030 Emerging Frontiers Grants aim to address complex and large-scale societal challenges that align with federal funding priorities, such as those outlined in the U.S. CHIPS & Science Act, as well as IU campus-research clusters, consortia (e.g., new IUI consortia), and IUB research initiatives, including but not limited to the Aging and Environmental Research Networks.

KEY OBJECTIVES

1. Enhance Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The program seeks to break down silos within the university, encouraging faculty from different departments and fields to work together. This interdisciplinary approach is essential for tackling multifaceted problems that require diverse perspectives and expertise.
2. Increase Competitiveness for Large-Scale Funding: By providing resources to build strong, cohesive teams well in advance of external grant deadlines, we aim to increase our success rate in securing substantial federal and foundation funding.
3. Address Topics Highlighted in the IU 2030 Strategic Plan: We are particularly interested in team-based proposals that respond to federal calls. However, these same teams have the opportunity to respond to calls and opportunities from private industry, non-profits, and philanthropic entities as well. A special interest in the Emerging Frontiers Grant program is to pursue those stated in the IU 2030 Strategic Plan (Pillar 2, Goal 1) to “lead and drive the state of Indiana’s research and development ecosystem, building on key strengths in
   • human-centered disciplines,
   • health sciences,
   • and STEM.“ 

1. • cyber and cyber physical systems,
   • artificial intelligence/machine learning,
   • human health and wellbeing,
   • environment and environmental health,
   • social and behavioral areas,
   • bioscience, and
   • bioscience technology.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

• Funding for Team Building: Grants can be used to bring in external consultants and experts, organize workshops and meetings, and facilitate collaboration with potential partners. This support is crucial for building a robust and competitive proposal.
• Support for Early-Stage Development: The program provides seed funding that allows teams to refine their ideas and strengthen their proposal development, making them ready for submission and more competitive for external funding.

EXPECTATIONS

Emerging Frontiers Grant awardees are required to submit proposals for external large-scale funding of at least $1 million within one or two years of the award letter date. This ensures that the initial investment in team building and project development quickly translates into large, team-based external funding submissions, driving research innovation and impact.

• Project funding may not exceed $50,000, unless highly justified and approved in advance.
• Each proposal should include at least one (1) external funding program’s RFP announcement or representative announcement of the type of program to be pursued, a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), or any other type of funding opportunity announcement or expression of interest from private industry, non-profit, and/or philanthropic entity.
• Projects will be limited to 1-2 years in duration to coincide with formal submitted proposal.
• Non-IU consultants are allowable expenses.
• Costs to develop preliminary data and or proof of concept are allowable expenses.
• External grant writers and grant reviewers are allowable expenses.
• Principal Investigator (PI) salary for faculty on 10-month appointments only is an allowable request up to one month of summer support with a cap of $10,000. The PI may also split the $10,000 summer support among other 10-month appointment Co-PIs. Salary for investigators on 12-month appointments is not allowed. The PI may also split the $10,000 summer support among Co-PIs.
• Travel expenses are allowed to bring in consultants and outside expertise.
• Development of a small conference and/or workshop around the team-based project is allowed.
• Course release is not an allowable expense.
• Proposals focused on the development of teaching or academic programs are not eligible.
• Letters of support from the Dean of the contact PI and commitment letters from team members are required.