The overall goal of the Office of Research seed grant program is to increase external funding success at USU. It is intended to support new, innovative lines of research/creative scholarship with the potential for external funding. Applications for projects that build upon the existing strengths of USU and/or are of regional importance are strongly encouraged. The seed grant program is not bridge funding, nor is it intended to fund existing lines of research.
Questions? Contact Jeri Hansen at jerilyn.hansen@usu.edu or (435) 797-3437.
Important FY26 Information
Prerequisite
| Program | Eligibility | Funding | Dates | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant-Writing Experience Through Mentorship (GEM) | Tenure-track, tenured faculty, or term appointment faculty with less than 4 years in rank Completion of the faculty grant writing seminar |
1 year $10,000 max |
GEM applications are not being accepted in FY26. | Develop and submit an external grant proposal within 3 months of GEM award end date. Resubmission is encouraged if external proposal is not funded. |
| Research Catalyst (RC) | Tenure-track, tenured faculty, or term appointment faculty members with a non-zero research component in their role statements or a significant, documented expectation to obtain external funding Completion of the faculty grant writing seminar |
1 year $5,000 min - $30,000 max |
April 1 Check with college to determine internal review due dates |
Develop and submit an external grant proposal within 3 months of RC award end date. Resubmission is encouraged if external proposal is not funded. |
| Integrated Team Research (ITR) | Team must be three PIs minimum, two of which must be at USU Tenure-track, tenured faculty, or term appointment faculty members with a non-zero research component in their role statements or a significant, documented expectation to obtain external funding Completion of the faculty grant writing seminar |
Up to 2 years $100,000 max |
April 1 Check with college to determine internal review due dates |
Develop and submit an external grant proposal of $1 million+ within 3 months of ITR award end date. Resubmission is encouraged if external proposal is not funded. |