Biomedical Innovation for Research and Development Hub (BioReD Hub) Research Seed Funds FY 2025 Request for Proposals

Due: April 14, 2025

Decision: April 18, 2025              

Start: April 21, 2025

Anticipated Awards: 2 total with a maximum budget of $15,000

 

Introduction:

The BioReD Research Funds program will support the acquisition of new preliminary data, the development of new research methods or procedures, or a novel innovation for health-related purposes that can be used in subsequent proposals to external funding sources. Faculty at Montana State University from any college or entity at Montana State University who have earned terminal degrees are eligible to apply.

Criteria:

A faculty committee with a history of external funding will evaluate proposals according to the following criteria:

  • The project’s alignment with an external federal agency or other funding sponsor(s) for targeted future submission.
  • The project’s intellectual significance and its potential impact/contribution to the field.
  • The appropriateness of the project’s methodologies and approach.
  • Feasibility of the work plan and timeline.
  • The qualifications and expertise of the researcher in relation to the project goals and the stage of the applicant’s career.
  • The potential for success, including the likelihood that the project will be completed within the projected timeframe, and the appropriateness of the budget.
  • If applicable, provide a succinct discussion of how the proposed work addresses any Grand Challenges of MSU’s Strategic Plan.
  • Address IRB approval for human subjects research.
  • Utilization of BioReD Hub capability (ies) and expansion of those capabilities for a larger project and extramural proposal.

Please address each criterion in your proposal and write in a way that is accessible to your Montana State University colleagues who may not be in your discipline.

Multi-PI proposals are welcome, but cannot exceed maximum budget of $10,000 requested. Each applicant may submit only one application to this RFP.

By July 1, 2025 successful applicants shall provide a written interim project update. Within 12 months a final written report of grant activities and outcomes should be submitted to the BioReD Hub Director Bernadette McCrory at bernadette.mccrory@montana.edu.  

Budget:

Applicants may request funds for minor equipment, supplies, personnel (hourly technician work), and other expenses necessary to complete the proposed project. No salary may be requested for faculty. Award amounts will vary, but most will range between $5,000 and $10,000 (maximum). These funds will expire and revert back to the BioReD Hub if not expended by August 18, 2025.  The purpose of the seed grants is to recruit new users and use of the equipment and facilities. The following are allowed:

  • Supplies and consumable materials.
  • Hiring hourly technician support such as undergraduate or graduate students and post-docs.
  • Small equipment purchases.

The following are NOT allowed: User fees, scholarships or travel.

Submission:

Please submit your proposal electronically to bernadette.mccrory@montana.edu by March 3, 2025 no later than 5 p.m. MST.   

Applicants should submit the following as a single PDF document, which will be distributed to grant review committee members.

  • A narrative of 2-5 single-spaced pages addressing the significance and impact of the project, and how it will advance the competitiveness for external funding. Briefly describe a plan of work, including brief descriptions of methodologies and approach to be used, and a timetable for completion of the project. Please use 11-pt font and at least 0.5-inch margins.
  • A budget, including budget notes or a narrative explaining budget items.
  • 2–5-page curriculum vitae/biosketch. Encourage use of an existing NSF or NIH biosketch for all PIs.
  • Proposal can be in any “style” such as those submitted to NIH and NSF. Cover page (title, investigator(s) and summary), budget, biosketch(s), and references do not count against 2–5-page narrative limit.

Questions and Assistance:

The BioReD Hub directors and investigators look forward to awarding these funds and begin collaborating. Please contact Bernadette McCrory for a tour and technical instrumentation capabilities. Questions about program requirements and expectations may be directed to Bernadette McCrory, bernadette.mccrory@montana.edu or 406-994-2801.