uconn health

Project Regenerate

This program is made possible through a strong investment by the State of Connecticut into UConn’s research enterprise, Project Regenerate is a call for new internal funding program ideas in areas of urgent need and emerging opportunities.

The last 18 months has brought unprecedented challenges and uncertainty for UConn’s research community. Rapidly changing policies and funding priorities have led to funding cuts and/or delays for various research areas. Those same shifts have opened growth opportunities in other research areas.

In response to this tumultuous landscape, the State of Connecticut is providing funds to support UConn researchers and has directed that they be used to support four key investment areas:

  • Support for threatened research areas
  • Seed funding in support of future federal/private funding opportunities
  • Research aligned with CT State priorities
  • Support for Graduate Students.

Recognizing that leaders among our faculty are the best positioned to pinpoint areas of acute need and ripe opportunity, the OVPR is establishing Project Regenerate as a platform for faculty to propose targeted, quick-turnaround internal funding programs that would engage with one or more of these areas.


Call to action from Interim VPRIE Lindsay DiStefano

I would like to encourage faculty to THINK BIG and develop programs that build upon existing UConn and UConn Health strengths to address emerging opportunities, critical challenges, or strategic needs. Proposed programs should aim to create meaningful and sustainable impact while positioning UConn for future growth, competitiveness, and leadership. Proposers should be prepared in their application to make an evidence-based case that their proposed program either aligns with state/federal priorities or addresses unmet societal or UConn research needs.

The examples below are intended to illustrate the breadth of possible program concepts and are not intended to be exhaustive:

  • A thematic or population-focused seed funding program (e.g., women's health, climate resilience, early-career investigators, school-based programs)
  • Development of a new institutional research core, shared resource, or data infrastructure
  • Programs that strengthen industry engagement through workshops, networking opportunities, industry consortia, or partnership development
  • Graduate student or postdoctoral initiatives that establish strategic collaborations with national laboratories, federal agencies, or industry partners
  • Rapid-response or fast-track funding mechanisms that enable researchers to capitalize on emerging opportunities
  • Bridge funding programs that mitigate disruptions to federal research support
  • Programs that generate preliminary data and strengthen competitiveness for future federal, foundation, or industry funding
  • Graduate student research and training programs that build talent pipelines in priority areas
  • Cross-disciplinary research initiatives that leverage existing institutional capacity to meet emerging needs.


Timeline 

There will be two cycles for this Request for Funding Programs (RFP): The application form must be submitted electronically through the QUEST Portal 

  • Cycle 1: 8/24/2026 open for applications and closes on 9/14/2026, notification: October, 2026 
  • Cycle 2: 12/01/2026 open for applications and closes on 1/7/2027, notification: February, 2027 

Award details

The possible budget for programs created through this initiative is open and flexiblebut it should be well justified and commensurate with the size of the research community to be impacted and the scalimpact of the worto be undertaken. We encourage proposers to think carefully about what is needed to be impactful and scale requests accordingly. 

We expect that programs that include funding for seed / pilot projects will have awards that fall within the norms of previous OVPR internal funding programs, unless strong justification is provided. 

Programs may include requests for other resources, such as access to / development of datasets, that will enable research advances in areas of opportunity or need. 

Eligibility and Program Manager Responsibilities 

  • Any full-time UConn/UConn Health faculty member, with a rank of Assistant Professor or higher, may propose an internal funding program under this initiative.

    • Includes tenured/tenure-track, in-residence, clinical, extension, and research faculty 
  • It is expected that the faculty member proposing the program would serve as the Program Manager (PM), unless otherwise indicated. 
  • PM responsibilities include: 
    • Shaping the description and scope of the program 
    • Identifying potential reviewers for applications 
    • Interpreting review scores and making funding recommendations to OVPR leadership based on those reviews 
  • PMs will be supported administratively by the Quest Portal and OVPR’s Internal Funding team (Charlotte Nelson and Kaylei Arcangel).  Our team will: 
    • Advertise the program to the UConn community 
    • Respond to questions about the program and application submission 
    • Handle outreach to reviewers and set up review assignments 
    • Process review information and feedback to share with PM 
    • Support PM and reviewers with program development and administration 
    • Work with OVPR Research Finance to set up awards 
                          • Given the role that PMs will play in shaping the program, they are not eligible to serve as PI or co-PI on proposals submitted to the program. 

                          Program Application Guidelines

                          Application Form – available on the QUEST Portal 

                          • Applicant information 
                            • First name
                            • Last name'Home Department
                            • Other department (optional)
                            • School/College
                            • Email
                            • What is your faculty / academic rank?
                            • Primary employer
                            • Is your position contingent on grant funding?
                            • Eligibility (by checking this box I attest that I am a full-time faculty member at UConn/UConn Health)
                          • Program title
                          • Leadership Approval:  Download the Project Regenerate Leadership Approval Template, and ask your leadership (Department Head or C/I Director, whomever you report to, or Dean, if you are a Department Head) to read through the application, sign and date the the Leadership Approval for you to upload it to the application in the QUEST portal.
                          • 1-slide quad chart and 1-2 page white paper: Download and complete the Project Regenerate Quad Chart Template, and write up a 1-2 page white paper describing the need you see and what kind of program would meet that need.  The quad chart and white paper should address the questions below, with the quad chart presenting brief bullet responses within the four headings; identified need, stakeholders, alignment with state investment areas, deliverables and benefits and the white paper providing additional information (data, analysis, and arguments) in support of claims made in the 1-slide quad chart. We encourage you to read through the questions listed under the heading ‘Review Criteria’ to ensure that your application addresses the areas that the reviewers will be examining.
                            • Identified needs
                              • What is the unmet need or gap your program will address? 
                              • Why is it important / urgent to meet this need? 
                              • What are you proposing to meet this need?   
                              • Could the funding need be met by any other means (internal or external?) 
                            • Stakeholders
                              • Who will benefit from this program?  Estimate size of stakeholder group who will leverage the program, disciplines engaged, etc.) 
                              • Who will be the program manager for the proposed program?  Why are they qualified to serve in that role? 
                            • Alignment with State Investment Areas
                              • What existing areas of strength at UConn/UCH does this program engage/build upon? 
                              • How does this program align with  
                                • Areas that have been deprioritized on the federal level since 2025 (supported by data/argument).
                                • CT State strategic priorities: bioscience, advanced manufacturing, quantum technologies, and health innovation.
                                • Federal R&D priorities: See the administration’s FY28 Federal R&D Priorities memorandum. 
                                • Areas of demonstrated, unmet, and urgent societal need (supported by data/argument). 
                            • Deliverables and Benefits 
                              • What are the expected outcomes of this program that can be reported back to the State? 
                                • Examples of potential outcomes may include jobs preserved or extended, students impacted, communities/individuals impacted, dollars saved, economic impact generated, new interdisciplinary collaborations, increased UConn engagement with industry and local communities and strengthening of UConn research reputation/standing, etc.
                              • What benefits or impact do you expect to follow from this program? 
                              • If applicable, how will this program increase UConn/UCH’s competitiveness for other funding? 

                            If you have an idea, and you do not want to manage the program, we encourage you to reach out to a Center/Institute to sponsor it for you. (Name of C/I, contact name and email can be included in the 1-2 page white paper) 

                            Allowable Costs 

                            • Graduate student support (priority) 
                            • Percentage of faculty AY salary for internal research activities (that will be sent back to the school / college) 
                            • Limited summer salary, and “buy-outs” of teaching or other responsibilities with approval of unit head and dean 
                            • Project-related costs 
                            • Cost-sharing from unrestricted faculty / unit accounts will be allowable  
                            • Use of core facilities / “recharge” 
                            • Undergraduate student labor costs 
                            • Development / refinement of institution core infrastructure (e.g., database, system, service) 

                                        Review Process 

                                        After submission, the application will be reviewed by the OVPR to ensure that all the components needed are included and will either reach out to the Program Manager for further information or move it forward to the area leadership for review and approval.  Once approved by area leadership, the application will be routed to the Project Regenerate review committee for review. The review committee will consist of an interdisciplinary group of Associate Deans for Research, Center/Institute Directors and members of the Research Advisory Council (RAC). The review committee will review applications based on the following 7 criteria - NOTE: Below are specific questions that reviewers can look for answers to in the application.  Not all questions posed below are applicable to each application. 

                                        • NEED:  
                                          • Does this program clearly identify/articulate a specific area of need or opportunity? 
                                          • Does the application provide compelling justification that the focus area of need or opportunity is significant and/or urgent 
                                          • Does the application make a strong case that investment is needed for UConn researchers to meet/prepare to meet the identified need/opportunity 
                                          • Does the application make a strong case that the funding need identified cannot be met through other means, either internal or external?  Is Project Regenerate the best way to support this effort? 
                                              • ALIGNMENT WITH PRIORITIES:  
                                                • Does the program seek to leverage existing areas of strength within UConn/UConn Health? 
                                                • Is the program well aligned with one or more of the following priority areas: 
                                                • Areas that have been deprioritized on the federal level since 2025 (supported by data/argument)
                                                • CT State strategic priorities: bioscience, advanced manufacturing, quantum technologies, and health innovation 
                                                • Federal R&D priorities: See the administration’s FY28 Federal R&D Priorities memorandum. 
                                                • Areas of demonstrated, unmet, and urgent societal need (supported by data/argument)
                                              • FEASIBILITY:

                                                • Based on the information provided, is the proposed program likely to effectively address the area or need or opportunity being targeted?
                                                • Is there a sufficient stakeholder community within UConn/UConn Health to leverage this program, if it is offered? 
                                                • Does UConn/UCH’s research environment have the necessary resources / infrastructure to support the activities of the proposed program?   
                                                • Are there any barriers or bottlenecks that will limit the ability of the proposed program to effectively accomplish its objectives?

                                              • PROGRAM MANAGER:
                                                 

                                                • Is the identified Program Manager (PM) well equipped to implement the proposed program? 
                                                • Does the PM have the right mix of disciplinary knowledge / expertise to lead a program in the targeted area 
                                                • Does their Bio/CV reflect track record of success? 
                                                • Do they have leadership and/or project management skills/experience to be effective as a PM?

                                              • FUNDING:  
                                                 

                                                • Does the application describe the scale of investment needed (individual investments and program aggregate)?
                                                • Is the requested investment well-justified given the stated objectives?
                                                • Is the requested investment well-aligned with the size of the stakeholder community that could participate in the program?
                                                • Are there any cost sharing commitments (internal or external) that could extend the impact of the program? 
                                              • IMPACT:  
                                                • Is the proposed program likely to produce outcomes that are meaningful for the targeted areas of need/opportunity?  Will it “move the needle”? 
                                                • Will the proposed program be instrumental for supporting/growing UConn/UConn’s research capacity in the targeted research area? 
                                                • Will the proposed program produce meaningful engagement by UConn and UConn Health researchers within the targeted areas of need/opportunity? 
                                                  • OUTCOMES AND ANTICIPATED ROI:  
                                                    • Does the application clearly articulate the anticipated outcomes of the proposed program? 
                                                    • Is the proposed program likely to improve UConn’s competitiveness for external funding (short or long term) in the targeted area?  
                                                    • Is the proposed program likely to help stabilize research staffing levels (including graduate students) in the stakeholder community? 
                                                    • Is the proposed program likely to help generate new collaborations, particularly across disciplines?
                                                    • Is the proposed program likely to increase UConn’s engagement with industry? 
                                                    • Is the proposed program likely to strengthen Connecticut’s workforce in areas of need? 
                                                    • Is the proposed program likely to strengthen UConn’s research reputation/standing? 
                                                    • Is the proposed program likely to include engagement with local communities within the state? 
                                                    • Is the proposed program likely to lead to societal and/or economic benefits for the State? 

                                                                Post award reporting 

                                                                After awards are made and the project has been completed, the OVPR (Office of the Vice President for Research) needs to evaluate project progress and to learn more about the impact of the work that has been done.  To this end, you will receive a link to a short survey asking you questions about the outcomes and impacts of your project once your project has been completed and then again, one and three years post award project completion. 

                                                                              Program contacts 

                                                                              • Administrative contact:Charlotte Nelson, Internal Funding Coordinator. research@uconn.edu 
                                                                              • Program Director: Matt Mroz, PhD, Interim Director of Research Development, matthew.mroz@uconn.edu 

                                                                                            Urgent Seed Grant Program

                                                                                            The primary goal of the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) Urgent Seed Grant Program (USG) is to provide support to meet critical and timely projects that are not eligible for the EMERGE programs and requires funding within the next three to six months (while Project Regenerate launches) 

                                                                                            Funding Period 

                                                                                            Awards will be made for 6 months to a year, unless a compelling justification is made by the PI(s) for an alternate funding period.  

                                                                                            Deadlines 

                                                                                            • August 24, 2026: Open for applications submitted electronically through the UConn Quest Portal.
                                                                                            • Monday 9/14/2026 12 noon is the deadline for applications.
                                                                                            • Notifications of results will be made to all applicants in October, 2026. Awardees will be announced publicly on the OVPR website. 
                                                                                            • Additional cycles may be offered later in FY27 if needed. 

                                                                                            Award details 

                                                                                            • Award size – capped at $25,000.00 
                                                                                            • Proposals should describe research projects with defined, short-term scopes of work 
                                                                                            • Proposals must include a statement of need that articulates why seed funding is urgently needed and addresses funding needs within the research group, other funding sources available, and the importance of the work proposed. 

                                                                                            Eligibility

                                                                                            • Assistant/Associate/Full Professors in a tenured/tenure-track position
                                                                                            • Assistant Professor rank or higher clinical and extension faculty
                                                                                            • Assistant/Associate/Full Professors-in-Residence 
                                                                                            • Although no minimum effort level is required for USG projects, a PI/Co-PI must have institutionally funded research time available during the award period. 
                                                                                            • Research Professors / those whose positions are contingent on grant-funding (soft money positions) must include details about their institutionally funded research time as part of the budget justification to confirm eligibility. 
                                                                                            • The USG program is open to faculty who do not have access to any investigator accounts with available balances over $10,000.00 (after specific costs committed for the next 6 months have been deducted). 

                                                                                                  Proposal Guidelines 

                                                                                                  Please be sure to read all the guidelines thoroughly. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the UConn Quest Portal by 9/14/2026 12 noon and will require the following information:

                                                                                                   

                                                                                                  Faculty Applicant Information Form: (some information may pre-populate into the form)

                                                                                                  • Submitting PI Name 
                                                                                                  • Home Department 
                                                                                                  • School/College 
                                                                                                  • Email 
                                                                                                  • Faculty/Academic Rank 
                                                                                                  • Primary Employer 
                                                                                                  • Question - is your position contingent on grant funding? 

                                                                                                  Urgent Seed Grant Application Form 

                                                                                                  • Project Title
                                                                                                  • Statement of Urgent Need– In 2-3 paragraphs articulate why seed funding is urgently needed and address funding needs within the research group; the availability of other resources, such as start-up funds, DCAA/IDC, or other (internal/external) funding sources that have been sought, to justify why funds are needed and the importance and urgency of the work proposed. If investigator accounts have available balances over $10,000.00, they are required to include details about any specific costs that are committed for the next 6 months, over and above the $10,000.00 threshold in the statement. 
                                                                                                  • Proposed Budget RequestedIndicate the total budget requested (capped at $25,000.00) 

                                                                                                  Project Proposal (pdf upload)

                                                                                                  Proposals should be written in straightforward language, keeping in mind that reviewers will possess general content knowledge but not necessarily specific expertise in the area of study. References should be included in the appendices and will not be counted against page limits. The Project Plan document (2-3 pages, 12-pt font and 1” margins) should address each of the areas below in sufficient detail using the headings provided. 

                                                                                                  • Significance/Importance: Provide a clear and compelling rationale for the proposed project, scholarly activity, or creative work matters. Indicate how the proposed project will advance knowledge, address an important scientific or scholarly problem, demonstrate intellectual or creative significance, and/or benefit society in meaningful ways. If applicable, include hypotheses to be tested, specific goals/aims, and relevant background/information or preliminary data in support of the project. 
                                                                                                  • Approach and Timeline: Describe the plan for carrying out the proposed activities, including research design, work plan, and methodological approach.  Describe how the environment in which the work will be done and the resources available will contribute to the probability of success. Describe the timeline projected for completing this work.  If funding is requested for more than one year, provide a rationale and justification for the request. 

                                                                                                  Team: (pdf upload)

                                                                                                  •  Upload one page overview of the team (names, roles, activities) 

                                                                                                  Proposed budget: (pdf upload)

                                                                                                  • List and justify each budget item. Please see Internal Funding Budget Guidelines for instructions and download the internal funding program budget template needed; either for 6 months or 1 year.  Be sure to list the items and their respective costs. Please provide a justification for each budget item in the appropriate column in the spreadsheet. If additional space is needed, you may include a budget justification document as an appendix. 

                                                                                                  Appendices: (PDF upload, single document)

                                                                                                  • Additional information may be included when it is truly essential for review of the proposal. 

                                                                                                  Review Process

                                                                                                  All proposals will be evaluated using review criteria referenced below by a review committee composed of Associate Deans for Research, Center/Institute Directors, and members of the Research Advisory Council (RAC) and overseen by the OVPR. 

                                                                                                  • The review committee will make their recommendations to the OVPR. 
                                                                                                  • Final awards are made by the OVPR leadership based on the review committee recommendations, program objectives, equity factors (including disciplinary representation), recent internal funding history, and alignment of projects with other institutional priorities or investments. 

                                                                                                  Review Criteria 

                                                                                                  Awards are made based on the justification of the statement of urgent need and proposed budget as well as the criteria listed below. 

                                                                                                  Using a 5-point rating scale from 1 (Excellent) to 5 (Poor), reviewers will rate and evaluate 2 criteria (Significance/Importance and Approach/Timeline) 

                                                                                                   Significance/Importance 

                                                                                                  • Does this study address an important scientific / scholarly / creative problem or gap? 
                                                                                                  • How well articulated are the project's hypotheses, aims, and/or goals?  Are these goals well-reasoned and adequately supported? 
                                                                                                  • If the aims of the project are achieved, will scientific knowledge, technical capability, clinical practice, and/or social conditions be advanced in meaningful ways? 
                                                                                                  • Does the proposed project significantly contribute to the concepts, theories, methods, technologies, applications, treatments, outcomes, services, and/or preventive interventions that drive the field/discipline? 

                                                                                                  Approach/Timeline

                                                                                                  • To what degree does the proposal outline a clearly articulated and well-reasoned plan of action? 
                                                                                                  • Are the conceptual, theoretical, or clinical frameworks and research methods adequately developed and clearly articulated?  To what degree are they appropriate to the aims of the project and reflective of intellectual rigor? 
                                                                                                  • Is the timeline adequate for achieving goals and meeting the project aims? For proposals requesting funding to exceed one year, is the request justified and supported? 
                                                                                                  • Are the resources and time available for this project adequate to ensure success? 
                                                                                                  • Does the environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? 

                                                                                                  Budget Evaluation 

                                                                                                  • Is the project budget appropriate and sufficient to carry out the proposed work? 
                                                                                                  • Are the budget requests adequately justified, clearly articulated, and necessary for the scope of work and timeline? 

                                                                                                  Funding Recommendations 

                                                                                                  Reviewers will be asked to make funding recommendations based on the merits of each proposal. 

                                                                                                  Post award reporting 

                                                                                                  After awards are made and the project has been completed, the OVPR (Office of the Vice President for Research) needs to evaluate project progress and to learn more about the impact of the work that has been done.  To this end, you will receive a link to a short survey asking you questions about the outcomes and impacts of your project once your project has been completed and then again, one and three years post award project completion.  

                                                                                                  Program Contacts

                                                                                                  • Administrative contact: Charlotte Nelson, Internal Funding Coordinator. research@uconn.edu 
                                                                                                  • Program Director: Matt Mroz, PhD, Interim Director of Research Development, matthew.mroz@uconn.edu 

                                                                                                  UConn Transformative Research Impact Award

                                                                                                  Overview

                                                                                                  The UConn Transformative Research Impact Award recognizes the positive and profound impacts that UConn researchers / research teams have on their institution, field of research, and the community, regionally, nationally, and internationally.  “Impacts” are the direct changes in the world that stem from our research, scholarship, and creative works.  Impacts can include policy changes; medical discoveries and enhancements; improved systems, designs and processes; and the enrichment of people’s lives.

                                                                                                  The OVPR is offering this competitive recognition award to faculty researchers / research teams whose work has been completed within the last five years, and that makes a compelling story of the impact that their work has had.

                                                                                                  Award Details

                                                                                                  • Up to 10 Transformative Research Impact Awards in the amount of $5,000.
                                                                                                    • The faculty member on the awarded project will be awarded funds for unrestricted use for their team (this could be for a course buy-out, materials & supplies, or support for a graduate student or postdoc or to be used for further project impact dissemination, etc.)
                                                                                                  • Awarded teams will be formally recognized by UConn and OVPR Leadership
                                                                                                    • The awarded impact stories will be highlighted in UConn Today.
                                                                                                    • The awarded teams will work with OVPR and UConn Communication to share the story with via social media and with media outside of UConn.
                                                                                                    • Certificate for team members (including GAs/ postdocs) to document their contributions.
                                                                                                  • While awardees will receive separate recognition, all Transformative Research Impact Award Program applications will be posted on the OVPR's website: UConn Research: Real Stories. Real Impact.

                                                                                                  Timeline

                                                                                                  • Monday 8/24/2026: Open for applications to be submitted electronically through the UConn Quest Portal
                                                                                                  • Monday 10/05/2026, 12 noon: Deadline for applications to be submitted by
                                                                                                  • Award announcements are expected in the second half of the fall semester.

                                                                                                  Transformative Research Impact Categories

                                                                                                  Research Impact comes in many forms!  We've created broad categories for some of the most common varieties for easy of tracking.  Applicants may choose all the categories that apply.

                                                                                                  • Academic -is the demonstrable contribution that excellent research makes to academic advances, across and within disciplines, including significant advances in understanding, method, theory and application.
                                                                                                  • Cultural – contribution to people’s understanding of ideas and reality, values and beliefs.
                                                                                                  • Economic – contribution to a company’s revenues and profits (micro level), and economic returns through increased productivity or economic growth (macro level)
                                                                                                  • Educational – contribution to education, training and capacity-building, including through curricula, educational tools, and qualifications.
                                                                                                  • Environmental – contribution to managing the environment, such as protecting natural resources, reducing environmental pollution, improving weather forecasting, and tackling the climate crisis.
                                                                                                  • Health – contribution to public health, life expectancy, health-related quality of life, prevention of illness, and reduced health inequality.
                                                                                                  • Legal - contribution to how legal decision makers (courts, legislators and policy makers) understand and develop the law in ways that promote justice, fairness and democratic values.
                                                                                                  • Political – contribution to how policymakers act, to how policies are constructed, and to political stability.
                                                                                                  • Social – contribution to community welfare and quality of life, and to behaviors, practices, and activities of people and groups.
                                                                                                  • Other

                                                                                                  Eligibility

                                                                                                  The Transformative Impact Award is available to: UConn/UConn Health faculty researchers and their teams who worked on a research project that was completed (or had significant deliverables) within the last five years and who is a/an

                                                                                                  • Assistant/Associate/Full Professors in a tenured/tenure-track position
                                                                                                  • Clinical and extension faculty
                                                                                                  • Assistant/Associate/Full Professors-in-Residence

                                                                                                  Application Guidelines

                                                                                                  Transformative Impact Research Award Program applications must be submitted electronically through the UConn Quest Portal by Monday October 5th (if the date falls on a weekend, a grace period in the system will allow applications to be accepted beyond the deadline until 9am of the next business day) and will require the following information:

                                                                                                  Faculty Applicant Information Form (The form needs to be completed in the QUEST portal faculty account). 

                                                                                                  • Faculty researcher name
                                                                                                  • Home Department(s)
                                                                                                  • School/College
                                                                                                  • Faculty researcher email address
                                                                                                  • Faculty/Academic rank
                                                                                                  • Primary employer
                                                                                                  • Team size and overview

                                                                                                  UConn Transformative Research Impact Award Application Form

                                                                                                  Impact Categories (Select all that apply)

                                                                                                  • Academic-Contribution to advances across and within disciplines, including significant advances in understanding method, theory and application
                                                                                                  • Cultural – contribution to people’s understanding of ideas and reality, values and beliefs.
                                                                                                  • Economic – contribution to a company’s revenues and profits (micro level), and economic returns through increased productivity or economic growth (macro level)
                                                                                                  • Educational – contribution to education, training and capacity-building, including through curricula, educational tools, and qualifications.
                                                                                                  • Environmental – contribution to managing the environment, such as protecting natural resources, reducing environmental pollution, improving weather forecasting, and tackling the climate crisis.
                                                                                                  • Health – contribution to public health, life expectancy, health-related quality of life, prevention of illness, and reduced health inequality.
                                                                                                  • Political – contribution to how policymakers act, to how policies are constructed, and to political stability.
                                                                                                  • Social – contribution to community welfare and quality of life, and to behaviors, practices, and activities of people and groups.
                                                                                                  • Technological – contribution to the creation or improvement of products, processes and services.
                                                                                                  • Other

                                                                                                  Title of the transformative Research Impact (maximum100 characters) A short, easy-to-understand title in plain English that describes the impact of the research (not the research itself).

                                                                                                  Write a brief summary of the impact and the research that led to it. This section will give reviewers context for evaluating your story of impact.

                                                                                                  • A concise summary of the main impacts, their reach, and significance (no more than 120 words). How widespread are the impacts and how important are they to each beneficiary?
                                                                                                  • A concise overview of the research and key findings (no more than 250 words), avoiding jargon and technical language. It is a good idea to start with the results and then say how you got there. Include the timeframe (when the project ended and the impact began) and address how the research (and associated impact activities) was funded.

                                                                                                  Section 1. Upload a list of your team members and their roles

                                                                                                  Section 2. For the application form aspects below, applicants can choose to submit the following part of the application in a written format, or by addressing the aspects in any form of modality, such as, but not limited to, audio, video, images, infographic, or a combination, etc. The story of the impact should be limited to 5 minutes or if in a written format, 500 words.

                                                                                                  Provide a Narrative (story of impact), with supporting evidence, to explain the nature and extent of the impact (including how the research made a distinct contribution).

                                                                                                  Be as clear as possible about exactly WHAT the impact was, adding precise quantification wherever possible. Numeric data and indicators need to be meaningful and contextualized to clearly support the case being made (not used as a substitute for a clear narrative). Avoid generalized or exaggerated statements about impact.

                                                                                                  Clearly identify specifically WHO has benefited from the work or which groups/organizations have changed something because of it (bear in mind that this may include ‘intermediary’ organizations as well as your intended ‘end users’ or audiences). Describe HOW you engage with these users and beneficiaries. It can be useful to indicate the number of people impacted and WHEN these impacts occurred. Also relevant is WHERE the impact occurred, particularly whether it is local, national or international in scale.

                                                                                                  Please keep in mind that research impact can be 'conceptual' or ‘instrumental’. Conceptual impact, for example, might include evidence of having influenced public debate on an issue, or having better informed policymakers, or having enabled wider thinking about cultural issues. Whereas instrumental impact includes more direct effects of research, like specific inventions or changes in the law.

                                                                                                  Section 3. Research and Impact documentation

                                                                                                  Upload evidence of impact and research evidence (a pdf with links can be uploaded in lieu of full text documents): (maximum 200 words, if written)

                                                                                                  • Evidence of impact Include sources to corroborate the impact, e.g. policy documents, news articles, videos, testimonials. Case studies can be greatly improved with quotes that illustrate the impact, especially if they are from people with high profiles and relevant job titles.
                                                                                                  • Research References: Include (no more than 10) references to support the research e.g. publications, web links, awards, reviews, peer review or other quality assurance processes. If referring to publications, please include a link and the Digital Object Identifier (DOI).

                                                                                                  Review Criteria

                                                                                                  Transformative Research Impact Award Program applications will be evaluated on three main criteria: Before submitting your application, ensure your application addresses each criterion as detailed in the descriptions below.

                                                                                                  Articulation: How clearly is the impact or potential impact communicated?

                                                                                                  • Presented / written concisely, in plain English, avoiding technical jargon.
                                                                                                  • Stays within the word/time limit.
                                                                                                  • Clearly makes a case for how andy why the outcomes of the research had impact.
                                                                                                  • Conveys the impact in a way that would hold the attention of a lay person (average adult member of the public)

                                                                                                  Beneficiary Engagement and Research Contribution: How have the beneficiaries been engaged with, and what evidence is there that the research* contributed to the impact?

                                                                                                  • To what extent does the evidence demonstrate that the research contributed to the claimed impact? Aspects reviewers will look for in the application:
                                                                                                    • Beneficiaries are clearly identified.
                                                                                                    • Conveys quality and depth of engagement activities.
                                                                                                    • Conveys evidence of participation, collaboration, co-production, or stakeholder involvement.
                                                                                                    • Includes metrics, testimonials, or other supporting documentation
                                                                                                  • The evidence was strongly convincing that the research made a significant contribution to the claimed impact. Aspects reviewers will look for in the application:
                                                                                                    • There is a clear link between the research and the impact.
                                                                                                    • Demonstrates strong and credible supporting evidence.
                                                                                                    • Conveys the extent to which the impact is reasonably attributed to the research.

                                                                                                  Reach and Significance**: How widespread are the impacts and how important are they to each beneficiary?

                                                                                                  **The reach and significance of the impact should be judged relative to the academic discipline and the scale of the research.

                                                                                                  • Describes with evidence, how many beneficiaries there are and if the impacts are at a local, regional, national or international level.
                                                                                                  • Describes with evidence, the intensity of the impact, how meaningful or valuable it is to each beneficiary.
                                                                                                  • Describes with evidence, the social media engagement/digital impact – restacks/distributions, testimonials, pick up by schools, oral histories, etc. if relevant.
                                                                                                  • Describes the time horizons and if the impacts are short-, medium-, or long-term. Gives timeline if relevant.

                                                                                                  Program Contacts

                                                                                                  Administrative Contact:

                                                                                                  Program Directors:

                                                                                                   

                                                                                                  Finding Funding Opportunities DRAFT

                                                                                                  Find External Funding Opportunities

                                                                                                  Funding Database Resources

                                                                                                  Curated Funding Opportunities

                                                                                                  For assistance with any of these tools or questions regarding external funding opportunities, please contact the RDS team at ovpr-rds@uconn.edu.

                                                                                                  External Funding Opportunities

                                                                                                  Find External Funding Opportunities

                                                                                                  Funding Database Resources

                                                                                                  Curated Funding Opportunities

                                                                                                  For assistance with any of these tools or questions regarding external funding opportunities, please contact the RDS team at ovpr-rds@uconn.edu.

                                                                                                  UConn Quantum Venture Capital Conference Award (QuantumVenture) Program

                                                                                                  Overview

                                                                                                  UConn Quantum Venture Capital Conference Award (QuantumVenture) Program

                                                                                                  The Quantum Venture Capital Conference Award Program (QuantumVenture), made possible through investments by the Connecticut Office of Innovation, supports the derisking of use-inspired innovations centered on quantum and quantum adjacent technologies through Academic / Industry partnerships.  The program provides awards of $10K-$25K to help accelerate the translation of developed quantum and quantum adjacent technologies / applications for real world impact. QuantumVenture is open all Connecticut Quantum Startups.

                                                                                                  Note: Because additional funding has been identified, this program is being re-opened to enable additional startups to apply.  The maximum award size has been increased to $25K.  Up 1-3 (depending on budget size) additional awards may be supported, and first round applicants will have the opportunity to revise their applications and budgets.


                                                                                                  Funds can be used for

                                                                                                  • Establishing partnerships with CT universities that can support students or other personnel to conduct experiments designed to de-risk the technology for targeted applications
                                                                                                  • External validation of the technology and/or its use cases with an industry and/or startup partner, and/or
                                                                                                  • Use of in-house or external resources critical for de-risking the technology


                                                                                                  Important Dates (all due dates by 12 noon) 

                                                                                                  • 5/20/26 Program Reopened
                                                                                                  • 5/28/26 Round 2 deadline.
                                                                                                  • 5/7/26 – program opens
                                                                                                  • 5/15/26 - full proposal deadline (see proposal guidelines below)
                                                                                                  • Submissions are made via Kuali Build
                                                                                                  • Award notifications are expected by June 5, 2026


                                                                                                  Award details

                                                                                                  • UConn OVPR anticipates funding between 3 and 5 awards of approximately $10,000
                                                                                                  • Financial Award will be provided with award decision
                                                                                                  • QuantumVenture awards are intended to support the translation of quantum-related research into innovations developed
                                                                                                  • No post award considerations 

                                                                                                  Eligibility

                                                                                                  The QuantumVenture program is available for any quantum startup in Connecticut.  

                                                                                                  • Location: Headquarters in Connecticut, Majority of Employees in Connecticut, or Commitment to establish operations in CT within 12 months. 
                                                                                                  • Startup: Company must be a startup. This opportunity defines startup as: 
                                                                                                    • Less than 7 years old from date of incorporation 
                                                                                                    • Has fewer than 25 employees 
                                                                                                    • Is engaged in development and commercialization of innovative technology or intellectual property 
                                                                                                    • Has not reached sustained profitability, OR is still in a pre-growth/scale phase 
                                                                                                    • Is independently owned 
                                                                                                  • Operates around a core quantum technology. Quantum technologies refer to technologies that leverage the principals of quantum mechanics, such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum coherence, to enable new or significantly enhanced capabilities. To qualify, the company must demonstrate that quantum mechanical effects are central to the technology’s function or value proposition, not merely a downstream application or marketing label 
                                                                                                  • Eligible categories: 
                                                                                                    • Quantum computing 
                                                                                                    • Quantum algorithms 
                                                                                                    • Quantum error correction 
                                                                                                    • Quantum communications/networking/cryptography 
                                                                                                    • Quantum sensing and metrology 
                                                                                                  • Enabling technologies: 
                                                                                                    • Cryogenics, control electronics, photonics, or materials specifically developed for quantum systems 
                                                                                                    • Fabrication techniques for qubits or quantum devices 
                                                                                                    • Software tools for quantum system design, simulation, or orchestration 
                                                                                                  • Quantum Adjacent 
                                                                                                    • AI/ML applied to quantum systems 
                                                                                                    • Classical infrastructure supporting quantum workflows 
                                                                                                  • Number of submissions: Eligible companies may only submit one proposal for QuantumVenture funds per startup. Individuals may serve as collaborator on multiple projects. 

                                                                                                  Proposal Guidelines

                                                                                                  Elements to include in the full application are as follows: 

                                                                                                  • A Project title
                                                                                                  • A one-paragraph abstract  
                                                                                                  • Project plan document two page maximum, 11-pt font and 1” margins including explanation of technology and relevance to the state.  
                                                                                                    • Competing products
                                                                                                      • Include descriptions of competing products
                                                                                                      • Identify any currently available products/technologies and explain why they do not adequately satisfy the problem or unmet need.
                                                                                                      • Explain how the proposed innovation is different from or better than those that are already available.
                                                                                                    • Intellectual Property (IP)
                                                                                                      • Describe your IP position, and the competitive IP landscape. List your current patent applications or patents pending as well as any granted patents related to this project. If you currently have no patent applications, please mention plans for future invention disclosures. 
                                                                                                    • Commercialization Plan
                                                                                                      • Explain how the available funds can derisk commercialization activities and will allow you to achieve the major milestones required to further develop the technology for market entry. 
                                                                                                      • Describe your plans for funding development of this technology beyond the QuantumVenture award 
                                                                                                      • Preliminary evidence: Summarize any preliminary data available that substantiates the proposed innovation usefulness for the applications envisioned. 
                                                                                                        • Biosketches/CVs
                                                                                                          • Include brief biosketches/CVs (formatted as appropriate for your field) for all PIs/Co-PIs (No more than 2 pages).  Biosketches/CVs may be attached as one PDF or as separate PDF documents. 
                                                                                                          • Include your most recent publications or those most relevant to the work proposed.
                                                                                                          • Include current/pending support from external sponsors and UConn sources (including start-up funding).
                                                                                                        • Budget

                                                                                                        Review Criteria

                                                                                                        Proposals will be scored based on the following 4 criteria:
                                                                                                          

                                                                                                        Market Need—does the innovation address an unmet need and is there evidence that there is a market for the proposed solution? 

                                                                                                        • Does the applicant make a strong case that there is a need/problem that needs to be met? 
                                                                                                        • Is the science/technology strong enough to evidence its success 
                                                                                                        • Does the proposal include data about how much of the market the technology may realistically capture?
                                                                                                            

                                                                                                        Innovation and Novelty—Is the innovation novel and/or does it make a significant improvement over currently-available solutions? 

                                                                                                        • Does the proposal make a convincing argument that the innovation is novel and or makes a significant improvement over currently-available solutions? 
                                                                                                        • Is there existing or the potential for intellectual property protection? 
                                                                                                        • To what degree does the innovation solve the unmet need differently (e.g., better, faster, cheaper) than the current state-of-the art? 
                                                                                                        • If novel, is the innovation a disruptive technology, a platform technology, or an incremental improvement over the current state-of-the art?
                                                                                                            

                                                                                                        Commercialization Plan—Is there a realistic path for commercializing the innovation? 

                                                                                                        • Does the proposal present a path to bring the innovation forward to market? 
                                                                                                        • Does the proposal present plans for future financing of the project, such as SBIR/STTR or industry investment? 
                                                                                                        • For future development, will this technology require regulatory approval?  If so, does the proposal address plans for successfully navigating the process? 
                                                                                                        • Does the applicant point to any obvious potential licenses / commercial partners for this innovation?
                                                                                                            

                                                                                                        Approach and Feasibility—Are the activities proposed attainable in the proposed timeline and are they consistent with the high scientific/scholarly standards? 

                                                                                                        • Does the investigator/team have appropriate expertise and laboratory facilities available to conduct the work? 
                                                                                                        • Does the project include the involvement of a UConn core facility or a third party be required to complete the work (e.g prototype development)?  If so, have appropriate commitments been obtained? 
                                                                                                        • To what degree will the activities proposed de-risk and advance the development of the innovation? 

                                                                                                        Program Contacts

                                                                                                        Matthew Mroz: Matthew.Mroz@UConn.edu
                                                                                                        Mike DiDonato: Michael.DiDonato@UConn.edu 

                                                                                                        Quantum Technologies

                                                                                                        UConn OVPR Guidance on Research Related to Semiconductor, Quantum Computing, GAAFET Technology and Additive Manufacturing Items

                                                                                                        This website is intended to assist UConn Principal Investigators (PI) and researchers who plan to pursue research in the areas of semiconductor, quantum computing, GAAFET technology and additive manufacturing.

                                                                                                        BIS New Interim Final Rule on Quantum and Other Technology

                                                                                                        In coordination with international partners and in furtherance of the United States national security and foreign policy interests, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) released an interim final rule on September 6, 2024, revising the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) for certain items, which are categorized under specific Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) on the Commerce Control List (CCL). These items include:

                                                                                                        • Gate All-Around Field-Effect Transistor (GAAFET) Technology: Technology that produces or develops high-performance computing chips that can be used in supercomputers. ECCNs: 3D006, and 3E905.
                                                                                                        • Additive Manufacturing Items: Equipment, components, and related technology and software designed to produce metal or metal alloy components, including coating systems, metal additive manufacturing (AM), and AM equipment, utilizing plasma, lasers or electron beams, extreme temperatures, or similar novel technologies not in the public domain. ECCNs: 2E0032B9102D9102E903, and 2E910.

                                                                                                        What if your research falls into one or more of these categories?

                                                                                                        Send an email to exportcontrol@uconn.edu and provide relevant information about your proposed research and the technologies that it involves along with details about the composition of the prospective research team.

                                                                                                        Export Control will review your research alongside you to determine if security provisions need to be put in place to safeguard your work and meet export control regulations.

                                                                                                        What does an Export Control review entail?

                                                                                                        • Work with the PI and team to review the full parameters of the proposed research to determine whether one or more of the ECCN​s listed above is applicable.
                                                                                                        • Determine the controls required by the ECCN​.
                                                                                                        • If controls apply, a Technology Control Plan (TCP) may be required​.
                                                                                                        • If controls apply, PIs must also fill out a Principal Investigator Acknowledgement Form.
                                                                                                        • If controls apply to members of the research team, these individuals must also fill out a Research Affiliate Acknowledgement Form.
                                                                                                        • Review the use of a License Exception, if applicable.
                                                                                                          • Foreign nationals from some countries may be restricted from working on these technologies absent a General License that includes annual reporting requirements to the Bureau of Industry and Security of the names and personnel information of those working on the project.
                                                                                                        • Apply for a license from the Department of Commerce, if required.

                                                                                                        OVPR Connection Form

                                                                                                        Connection Form - Office of the Vice President for Research

                                                                                                        The Office of the Vice President for Research invites members of the UConn community to use this form to ask questions, share ideas, etc.

                                                                                                        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
                                                                                                        VPRIE Lindsay DiStefano and the OVPR leadership team will select 1-2 questions to answer in each new edition of "The Abstract" (OVPR's bi-weekly communication). If you would like an individual response to your question, please include your name and email address below
                                                                                                        Would you like an OVPR representative to visit meet with you or your unit regarding this question?
                                                                                                        OVPR is available to talk with you, your team, or your unit about any research / research support related topic. Please share your name and email address below.
                                                                                                        The challenges we encounter as University are numerous, complex, and ever-shifting. No one has all of the answers. OVPR welcomes your ideas about how to address challenges in positive, productive ways.
                                                                                                        If you would like an individual response to your question or would like to set up a meeting with an OVPR representative, please share your name.
                                                                                                        If you would like an individual response to your question or would like to set up a meeting with an OVPR representative, please share your UConn email address.

                                                                                                        HRP Request Form

                                                                                                        Request for Human Research Protections (HRP) Education & Outreach Presentation or Training

                                                                                                        The HRP Education & Outreach Office team is happy to provide a specific training at your request. Please let us know what type of training you are looking for by submitting this form.

                                                                                                        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
                                                                                                        Name(Required)
                                                                                                        Campus:(Required)
                                                                                                        Who is the audience for the presentation?(Required)
                                                                                                        Would you like this training to be delivered virtually online or in person?(Required)

                                                                                                        Section Break

                                                                                                        Foundation and Private Funding

                                                                                                        The Office for the Vice President for Research (OVPR) Research Development Services (RDS) team supports faculty in all disciplines in finding and winning external funding for their work. The RDS team works to enhance the research climate at UConn. Some funding opportunities, specifically corporate and foundation funding, require a specialized partnership process. 

                                                                                                        The UConn Foundation Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) team is a central resource for funding opportunities that necessitate partnerships between companies or philanthropic foundations and the University. The CFR team maintains relationships with a wide variety of organizational and corporate partners and is eager to work with UConn and UConn Health to identify appropriate prospects, connect faculty to funding opportunities and provide guidance on reporting. See our foundation funding opportunities page for a list of available opportunities.

                                                                                                        Resources offered by Research Development Services and CFR

                                                                                                        Depending on the funding opportunity, you may receive support from RDS, CFR, or both.

                                                                                                        RDS Services

                                                                                                        Exploration and Strategy Consultation

                                                                                                        Proposal Writing, Editing, and Revision Support

                                                                                                        Large and Complex Proposal Management

                                                                                                        Team Development

                                                                                                        Faculty Development and Training

                                                                                                        Research Communications

                                                                                                        CFR Services

                                                                                                        Exploration and Strategy Meetings

                                                                                                        Proposal Writing, Editing, and Revision Support

                                                                                                        Partnership Building

                                                                                                        For questions about an opportunity or about the services offered, please contact us at:

                                                                                                        OVPR SPS Reports Archive

                                                                                                        FY2020 and Earlier

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                                                                                                        If you need a custom report on research activity for your particular area, please complete the Research Reporting Request Form