EDIT: The application deadline for the program has been extended to Sept. 30, 2026.
Dear Research Community,
Over the past several months, the University of Michigan has taken deliberate steps to support our researchers through periods of federal funding uncertainty. Those efforts are rooted in a simple principle: when external conditions shift, we remain committed to our research mission, our people, and the momentum of discovery that drives our vital public mission.
Today, we are writing to announce an updated research funding program launching this month across all three campuses. This program builds on previous support efforts. Our goal is to help those research programs that have received strong evaluations from federal agencies remain viable and positioned for future success.
Key features of the program
- Eligible PIs may request up to one year of partial support, capped at a defined maximum per PI.
- Eligibility pathways reflect differences in review processes across federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including NIH, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other federal sponsors, while maintaining a consistent standard focused on demonstrated excellence.
- All applications must include a plan for pursuing new external funding, ensuring that funding from U-M supports continued successful engagement with external funders.
Eligibility and application details
Full eligibility criteria, required documentation, and application instructions are available now. The Medical School has coordinated a similar but separate program for researchers with rules for funding and eligibility available here. We encourage faculty to review this information and consult their school or college research office with questions about fit and process.
We are grateful for the extraordinary work our research community continues to do in an increasingly complex environment. Your creativity, perseverance, and commitment to discovery are essential to the university’s mission and to the broader public good.
Thank you for your continued leadership, scholarship, and partnership.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Hewlett III
Interim Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Laurie K. McCauley
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
David C. Miller
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and CEO, Michigan Medicine
Arthur Lupia
Vice President for Research and Innovation