Research Incentive Program

The Research Incentive Program provides support to research programs in departments and multidisciplinary research centers and institutes that have been successful in competing for extramural funding by returning a portion of the indirect costs (IDC) they have generated. 

In 2007-2008, incentive awards are made based on IDC earned by the unit in fiscal year 2005-2006. The unit credited is that unit having primary responsibility for the project on the Internal Approval Form (pdf). Two or more units whose faculty are involved in a project may share the incentive grant by indicating the agreed upon division on the internal approval form. 

Research Incentive awards must be used for support of research programs during the year of the award (i.e., by June 30, 2008). Fund balances and encumbrances from the previous year will not be returned.

The chair/director has discretion in the use of these funds but is encouraged to support the research programs of the faculty who generated the indirect costs. Incentive funds should be used to enhance the research capabilities of the faculty and staff in the unit and/or the department's graduate student activities. They may also be used for cost-sharing for internal and external grant applications.

Appropriate Uses:

1. Faculty research support (start-up, retention, bridge funding, etc.)
2. Graduate student support
3. Research equipment (purchase, upgrades, maintenance, repair, etc.)
4. Research seminars/symposia/workshops
5. Domestic and foreign research travel
6. Research staff support
7. Research supplies (includes research related office supplies)

Excluded Uses:

1. Faculty salary and salary supplements
2. Purely instructional or service costs
3. Routine office supplies, equipment, furniture