4-VA Collaborative Research Grants call for proposals—Apply by March 1

From: Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies

The Provost’s Office invites proposals for funded research activity through a 4-VA Collaborative Research Grant. These awards are managed by Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS). During FY24, the Provost's Office awarded nearly $300,000 in Collaborative Research Grants.

 4-VA is a collaborative effort of eight institutions in Virginia, including Virginia Tech, College of William and Mary, George Mason University, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia Military Institute, working together to realize Virginia’s goals for higher education. Collaborative Research Grants are intended to promote partnerships that leverage the strengths of each university, establish inter-institutional relationships, and prepare for proposals to larger external funding sources. 

Collaborative Research Grants of up to $30,000 are available to support research projects headed by a Virginia Tech faculty member as principal investigator and require at least one named faculty collaborator from another 4-VA member institution. If a proposal is funded, collaborating faculty may be eligible for smaller Complementary Fund awards. Collaborating faculty can obtain information about the availability of funding at their institution from their 4-VA Campus Coordinator.

Virginia Tech is most interested in collaborative research proposals that align with the university’s major research initiatives on artificial intelligence, health, security, and quantum technologies. Other areas of interest are projects that build pathways to graduate school in Virginia, proposals focused on expanding experiential learning opportunities, and the investigation of emerging technologies. Of particular interest are proposals for research projects in biomedical and health sciences that could expand the University's NIH funding portfolio. 

Funded research activity would begin after the start of the coming fiscal year (July 1, 2024) and all funds awarded must be expended by the end of that fiscal year (June 30, 2025). Funds can be applied to expenses such as graduate student positions (including salary and tuition), hourly student wage positions, supplies, materials, travel, and software. Software licenses requested must be currently approved for purchase by Virginia Tech. Any technology purchased will be the property of the department and will require departmental funding and maintenance after the end date of the funded activity. Faculty submitting a proposal are asked to consult with their fiscal manager to determine if funds requested will be applied to salary or to operational accounts, as this will need to be indicated in the proposal template.

To submit a proposal for a Collaborative Research Grant, interested faculty should complete the 4-VA Collaborative Research Grants Proposal Submission Form using the Proposal Template provided. Review of proposals will take place on a rolling basis through the deadline for submissions, March 1, 2024. Awards will be announced beginning mid-April 2024.

Please submit questions, concerns, or requests for more information to Senior Director of Grants and Awards and 4-VA Campus Coordinator, Lujean Baab, at lbaab@vt.edu.