Higher Ed Faculty Opportunities
An important component of the mission of the WVSGC is to help build research infrastructure at its member institutions. In addition to small seed grants competed for and awarded at the affiliate level, the WVSGC funds research programs that are open to competition by all faculty from the WVSGC affiliates. Each award category is judged separately based on published criteria.
Research Initiation Grant
Research Initiation Grants are awarded to encourage new faculty members or established faculty members interested in venturing into new research areas. Proposals must be to pursue research in scientific areas of interest to NASA and to help faculty members establish long-term relationships with NASA researchers. This is a research initiation program with an objective to stimulate NASA sponsored research at West Virginia colleges and universities. Persons underrepresented in STEM are highly encouraged to apply for this funding.
Required Application Rules:
- Proposals must be submitted on-line. Please note that the applicant is responsible for completeness and accuracy of the material contained in the proposal. Any deviation from the stated rules and requirements will result in disqualification of the proposal.
- Each award category is judged separately based on published criteria. However, the NASA WVSGC will review all submitted proposals and consider each proposal’s total scores, combined with other considerations, in reaching a final award decision.
- Each PI may submit no more than one proposal per category.
- Proposers must be very clear about the goals and objectives (what they propose to do) and the methodology to achieve those goals and objectives (how they plan to execute the project).
- Each proposer must identify and align their proposal with at least one of the NASA mission directorates. The full list of NASA Mission Directorates and Center Alignment can be found here.
- Recipients of NASA WV Space Grant funds must be U.S. Citizens.
- The use of NASA funds for foreign travel and purchase of equipment is prohibited.
For electronic submissions click here
EPSCoR
This program is designed to support faculty members of all WV colleges and universities in their efforts to initiate research activities, conduct pilot experiments, or demonstrate new concepts that might lead to significant future projects. Each applicant may request up to $15,000 of NASA WV EPSCoR funds to be supplemented with at least 20% cost share from the applicant’s home institution from non-federal sources.
Required Application Rules:
- Proposals must be submitted on-line. Please note that the applicant is responsible for completeness and accuracy of the material contained in the proposal. Any deviation from the stated rules and requirements will result in disqualification of the applicant.
- Each award category is judged separately based on published criteria. However, the NASA WVSGC/WV EPSCoR Board will review all submitted proposals and consider each proposal’s total scores, combined with other considerations, in reaching a final award decision.
- Each PI may submit no more than one proposal per category.
- Proposers must be very clear about the goals and objectives (what they propose to do) and the methodology to achieve those goals and objectives (how they plan to execute the project).
- The use of NASA funds for foreign travel and purchase of equipment is prohibited.
- Each proposer must identify and align their proposal with at least one of the NASA Mission Directorates. The full list of NASA Mission Directorates and Center Alignment can be found here.
Host your own NASA Day Event
The NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium is offering a $3000 grant to support Affiliates in hosting their own NASA Day event. This event is designed to inspire students and promote STEM. This event is a fantastic opportunity to engage students and the community with activities such as guest speakers, interactive science experiments, and educational workshops. We are looking for detailed proposals that outline your event’s plan, budget, and timeline. The proposed NASA Day event is expected to take place in Spring 2025, following our own NASA Day 2024 at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences on November 7th. Share your vision for celebrating STEM and submit your proposal with details to receive funding support.
Due Date: October 28, 2024, 11:59 p.m.
Proposals must be submitted online only. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered.