The Spring 2009 Request for Proposals is now available.

Spring 2009 Deadlines:

For the latest RFP and application instructions, go to: http://www.ucop.edu/iucrp

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Given the current State budget crisis, does the UC Discovery Grant currently have funds to support new innovative projects?
   Yes, more than $15 million in State and UC funding is available to support new projects and competitive renewals of currently funded projects (up to four years). Combined with required matching funds from an industry sponsor, that means at least $40 million will be invested in research projects.
   
   
2. Who is eligible to apply for a UC Discovery Grant?
   Any researcher at a campus or affiliated National Laboratory with Principal Investigator (PI) status at the University of California is eligible to apply. Applicants with exceptional UC PI status must submit, with the proposal, documentation of the approval granted by an authorized campus administrator. Lawrence Livermore and Los Alamos National Laboratory investigators who hold UC PI status at a UC campus may consider submitting proposals through the campus.
   
   
3. How does the UC Discovery Grant work? Do I need a sponsor?
   The research will be undertaken by UC investigators and trainees and will be jointly funded by the IUCRP and one or more eligible Industry Sponsors. Sponsors are identified by the UC investigator, and will jointly apply for the research grant. If approved, the Sponsor will share the direct costs of the proposed project, and contribute applicable indirect costs.
   
   
4. Where do I find a sponsor? Can the IUCRP find me a sponsor for a UC Discovery Grant proposal?
   The PI is responsible for identifying a sponsor prior to proposal submission. If you would like assistance in identifying a sponsor, please send an email to parc@ucop.edu, and we will direct you to individuals on your campus who may be able to assist you.
   
   
5. How do I know if my sponsor is eligible?
   Eligible sponsors are typically for-profit firms with R&D or manufacturing operations in California related to the research plan presented in the submitted proposal. Please review the sponsor eligibility criteria in the RFP.
   
   
6. Does a sponsor need to provide cash? Can a sponsor provide only in-kind??
   The Sponsor contribution can be cash only or a mixture of cash and in-kind. However, there are limits and restrictions to in-kind contributions. Please see the UC Discovery Grant Award Calculation section of the RFP for additional information.
   
   
7. What does the application form look like? Can I get a sample?
   Proposals should be initiated and submitted through proposalCENTRAL (https://proposalcentral.altum.com/). Applicants must create a proposalCENTRAL profile to apply. Go to http://www.ucop.edu/iucrp to view the latest application forms and instructions.
   
   
8. When is the next deadline?
   The IUCRP will hold two Requests for Proposals for the UC Discovery Grant each year; a primary call for proposals in the Fall, and a secondary call in the Spring, if funds are available. Please check our website (http://www.ucdiscoverygrant.org) for additional information.
   
   
9. Does the IUCRP have specific IP policies?
   No, the IUCRP does not require IP clauses and does not impose any specific IP terms. If IP clauses are desired for the research agreement, it is expected that standard UC policies apply. All IP negotiations are managed by the PI’s local campus. You can identify the appropriate campus office through the following website: http://www.ucop.edu/ott/contacts.html.
   
   
10. What research areas does the UC Discovery Grant fund?
    The IUCRP solicits proposals for UC Discovery Grants to promote Industry-University research partnerships. Proposals in the following nine funded fields are currently being accepted:
    
    
• Biotechnology
• Communications and Networking
• Digital Media and Internet-Enabled Services
• Information Technology for Life Sciences
• Electronics Design, Manufacturing and New Materials
• Energy, Environment and Cleantech
• Health and Wellness
• Microelectronics Innovation and Computer Research
• Nanotechnology


11. Is my proposed research appropriate for the program?
    We encourage you to consult the RFP for a description of the types of research activities that are being solicited for each field. If you still have questions regarding the appropriateness of your research, please send a brief abstract of your proposed project to parc@ucop.edu and we will contact you to discuss your proposed project.
    
    
12. What is the probability of success?
    Success depends upon scientific merit, relevance to the Program’s goals, a well justified and reasonable budget, and required matching support from an eligible industry sponsor. The proposal approval rate varies from field to field and from year to year, historically ranging from 40 to 70%.
    
    
13. What are the typical funding levels per grant?
    Typical funding levels, to date, have ranged from $50,000 to $2 million per year in UC Discovery Grant funds, plus Industry Sponsor matching cash contributions. Higher amounts are possible for projects supported by exceptional research plans and very well justified budgets. Matching funds from industry sponsors are required in all cases. See RFP for minimum sponsor contributions.
    
    
14. I have received funding from a sponsor just recently, can I still apply?
    In general, the Industry Sponsor will make a new contribution in support of the project. However, researchers who have recently initiated research projects with industry sponsors may be eligible to submit a proposal for matching funds. Contact the Program office for guidance before applying.