Impact Institutes Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is this funding opportunity?

This internal funding opportunity will support the launch of new interdisciplinary institutes that align with university and unit-level strategic goals.

Q2: Who is eligible to apply?

Applications can be led by any U-M faculty member who is eligible to serve as a Principal Investigator.

Q3: Can existing centers/institutes apply for the grant?

Yes, existing centers/institutes may apply; however, proposals must go beyond a “business as usual” approach. Applications should clearly demonstrate a novel, interdisciplinary, or transformative direction.

Q4: What is a “unit”?

For the purposes of this application, units include all 19 schools and colleges on the Ann Arbor campus, the Institute for Social Research, the Life Sciences Institute, the Libraries System, U-M Dearborn campus, and U-M Flint campus.

Q5: Who can provide matching funds for the Venture Stage?

For the venture stage matching funds of $500K, these funds can come from any combination of the following: industry, non-profit, philanthropy, foundation, federal or state funding agencies, internal funds. These must represent new investment in the proposed activities. For example, an existing R01 would not qualify as part of the matching funds.

Q6: Can existing institutes jump directly to the venture stage since they have already done significant work?

Yes, existing centers and institutes can apply directly for the Venture stage when it opens in Year 3 of the initiative.

Q7: ISR and LSI are very large organizations. What if we have an idea for an institute but the scope of the target topic would mean that the ultimate institute is smaller than say, ISR, but is still needed and impactful?

ISR and LSI represent the potential long-term outcomes of investments from the Impact Institutes initiative. Seed stage institutes are intentionally designed to be small entrepreneurial start-up institutes to establish proof-of-concept for long-term growth and impact.

Q8: The leadership training seems like a significant program of support that could have broader impacts and benefits beyond the scope of the impact institutes alone. Is there visibility yet into what that program entails, and to what extent might the program be accessible to others outside the Impact Institutes mechanism?

The leadership program under development is focused on institute directors within Impact Institutes, but there is recognition that broader access could be beneficial in the future.

Q9: Is there a limit to the number of applications a PI or unit can submit/be affiliated with?

No, there is no limit in this first round.

Q10: Can we include Medical School departments as interdisciplinary collaborators?

The Medical School counts as a single unit. Collaboration across departments within the Medical School does not meet the criterion of cross-unit collaboration.

Q11: Is this opportunity open to collaborators from the Flint and Dearborn campuses?

Yes.

Q12: To what extent can proposed institutes incorporate educational components (i.e. involvement of students in internships, support of student fellowships, coursework, etc.).

Although these new institutes are primarily research-focused, educational components are encouraged as a core part of our university mission. These activities can be an essential part of the institute, but they should not be the only focus.

Q13: Can faculty effort be covered with the funding?

Yes, faculty effort can be included as part of the institute’s activities.

Q14: Who can I contact with additional questions?

Please reach out to the OVPR team at [email protected].