The Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy (CESP) announces its Faculty Seed Grants Program. CESP's mission is to create innovative, inter-disciplinary initiatives designed to bridge the gap between science and policy in the environment. The purpose of the Grants Program is to stimulate and support the efforts of inter-disciplinary teams of UM faculty. Program members are encouraged to develop environmental research projects that involve the interaction of science and policy, and to attract extra-mural funding to carry out the projects.
The Faculty Seed Grants Program will make available four to five grants each year, in amounts up to $25,000 per grant. To be eligible, grant proposals must be submitted by two or more UM faculty members, representing both (1) the natural sciences or engineering and (2) the social sciences or humanities. Proposals from a team of faculty that includes collaborators from other institutions are eligible for consideration.
Grants will be awarded only to UM faculty, who may use the funds to support outside collaborators if consistent with University policy. Although proposals must be directed at research topics involving the interaction of science and policy in the environment, the number of relevant fields is very large. Each proposals will be judged on the quality of the project proposed, the degree to which it integrates a multi-disciplinary approach, and the likelihood the project will attract significant funding from an outside source.
Faculty members seeking a CESP Faculty Seed Grant must submit their proposals by November 30, 2003. (The application form is attached hereto.) The first grants will be awarded in January 2004. Grant funds will normally be used to buy out teaching time or as salary supplements for a summer session or intersession period--freeing up time for the faculty members to concentrate more effort on the project. However, the funds can be used for any purpose consistent with University policy. If acceptance of the Grant would require a reduction in normal teaching load, the proposal must have the endorsement of the Faculty Member's Dean or Department Head.
Award recipients will be required to submit a fully developed extra-mural funding proposal within a reasonable period after the award, to be agreed upon by the recipients and the CESP director. Faculty Seed Grant award decisions will be made by the CESP Advisory Committee, whose names appear below. Any member of the Advisory Committee may join with colleagues to submit a grant proposal; that member will then be recused from discussion and voting on the grant awards.
CESP Advisory Committee: Bruce Albrecht (RSMAS), Kenny Broad (RSMAS), George Cosner (Math), Jackie Dixon (Geology), Mary Doyle (LAW), Linda Farmer (Biology), Lori Fleming (Epidemiology/Public Healthy), Joanna Lombard (Architecture), Don Olson (RSMAS), Michael Slote (Philosophy), Helena Solo-Gabriele (Engineering), Peter Swart (RSMAS), Richard Weisskoff (International Studies), Jonathan West (Political Science), and Richard Williamson (LAW).
