Microbiome Initiative Award Application Process (NOW CLOSED) | Research | UW–Madison Skip to main content
University of Wisconsin–Madison

Microbiome Initiative Award Application Process (NOW CLOSED)

Eligibility

  • The lead Principal Investigator (PI) must be a UW-Madison faculty member or a researcher with permanent PI status.
  • CHS faculty and academic staff without permanent PI status may participate as co-PIs, co-investigators and collaborators.

How to apply for a research or infrastructure award

The application process has closed.

All applicants must provide:

  1. A project title
  2. A list of anticipated co-Principal Investigators, co-investigators, and collaborators
  3. An abstract (equivalent to one page of printed text) that address the following topics (in accessible language):
    • What is the problem you are trying to solve? Why is this the right time to address this problem?
    • What are the innovative features, the potential impact, and the significance of the research project or infrastructure?
  4. The amount of funding requested
  5. A single PDF file that contains a narrative, not to exceed five pages, that describes:
    1. For a research proposal:
      • The specific aims, major research questions, and hypotheses being addressed
      • The innovative features, the potential impact, and the significance of the proposed research
      • The approach proposed to address these specific aims and research questions
      • A statement of the expected outcomes of the proposed activities and an explanation of how these activities will provide the necessary foundation for seeking external funding
      • A timeline of research activities for the funding period
      • Plans for external grant submissions
      • If graduate students will be involved, a statement describing their proposed role in the research project
      • If other funding has been received for this or a closely related project, a description of the previously funded project
    2. For the acquisition of shared instruments or equipment or development of a new research core:
      • The department, center, or core facility that will serve as the administrative and physical home of the instrument/equipment or activity
      • An explanation of how the proposed instrumentation or core activity is distinct from current campus resources and how this request will add unique capabilities to the campus core infrastructure
      • The capacity of the instrument/equipment or core to serve multiple users (including graduate students) and/or multiple departments
      • A plan to fund staffing and operational maintenance of the infrastructure or equipment after the period of Microbiome funding ends (e.g., plans for external grant submissions, user fees, chargebacks, or subsidies to support this resource as appropriate)
      • A plan to publicize the new research infrastructure and make its availability known to potential users on campus and beyond
    3. Optional additional material, as appropriate:
      • One page of figures or tables to accompany the narrative (or submit a six-page narrative with figures and tables embedded in the text)
      • References (citations from the research literature)
      • Letters of support or commitment to the project
  1. In Excel format: A detailed budget request, indicating the individual staff to be supported and other categories of funding that will be needed. Although collaborations outside of UW-Madison maybe beneficial, Microbiome funds cannot be used to cover these expenses. The budget may include faculty salary for summer support only. Faculty with 12 month appointments are not eligible for faculty salary support. Use the Budget Template, which you will upload to the on-line submission system. When you enter salaries for FY18 and FY19 please anticipate budgeting a 2% salary increase for each year.
  2. In a PDF file: A budget justification that explains the rationale for each item in your budget. Proposals will not be reviewed if missing an itemized budget justification. An ideal budget justification is clear, complete, and concise. This is not a continuation of your project description, so lengthy explanations are not necessary.
  3. In a single PDF file: CVs or Biosketches for the principal investigator, co-principal investigators, co-investigators, and collaborators. Include all current and pending intramural and extramural research support for each investigator.

How to apply for a research community enhancement award

The application process has closed.

All applicants must provide:

  1. A project title
  2. A list of anticipated collaborators or planning team members
  3. An abstract (equivalent to one page of printed text) that briefly describes your event/project and how it will contribute to the advancement of Microbiome research.
  4. The amount of funding requested
  5. In a single PDF file, a narrative, not to exceed five pages, that describes:
    • The aim of conference or symposium you would like to organize
    • Session descriptions and speakers you would like to invite
    • A description of attendees and an approximate number
    • A timeline for organizing the event, including a plan to publicize it
  6. A detailed budget request for items including speaker fees, venue, catering, AV, travel, supplies, salaries and wages for support staff, and other applicable expenses. Please use the Excel budget template, and upload your spreadsheet to our on-line submission system. When you enter salaries for FY18 and FY19 please anticipate budgeting a 2% salary increase for each year.
  7. In PDF format, a brief budget justification that explains to the reviewers the rationale for each item in your budget.

Review process

A committee of UW–Madison subject matter experts will review all proposals to identify those that hold the most promise for sustained research programs or galvanizing the community of microbiome researchers. The committee will then make recommendations to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education, which will make final selections.

Final report

At the end of support, a final report will be required. The report will provide a summary of the progress that was accomplished on the project. The final report should include citations to any published papers or conference presentations that derive from the research undertaken or the equipment purchased and any new grants that were awarded or submitted by the research team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding is available for the UW–Madison Microbiome Initiative?

This is a one-time allocation split equally between the Chancellor’s Office and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education.

If I applied for a UW2020 project that is microbiome related, am I eligible to apply for the microbiome initiative?

Yes. But  you are only eligible to receive one of the grants. You cannot be awarded a UW2020 grant and a microbiome initiative grant for the same proposal.

Can I be a PI on more than one proposal?

An individual can be PI on only one Microbiome Initiative proposal. It is not a problem to be PI on one proposal and be a co-PI or collaborator on another.

Is there a matching fund requirement?

No.

What is the review process for microbiome initiative proposals?

A committee of UW-Madison subject matter experts will review the proposals to identify those that hold the most promise for sustained research programs or galvanizing the community of microbiome researchers. The committee will then make recommendations to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education. The OVCRGE will make final selections.

When will awards be announced?

Awards will be announced in June. Projects may begin in July. The award period is up to two years with one year of funding awarded at the time.

How do I apply?

Follow the instructions in the application process outline and form.