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WSU Vancouver

Research mini grant

Research mini grant

Advancing Scholarly Innovation

WSU Vancouver supports the growth of faculty research through the Research Mini Grant program. These grants provide essential seed funding to stimulate productivity and foster projects that lead to external funding opportunities or exceptional scholarly achievements. By investing in diverse research initiatives, the university strengthens its commitment to academic excellence and discovery.

This program is designed to empower researchers as they explore new discovery paths and develop significant advances within their respective fields. Faculty members are encouraged to utilize these resources to build a foundation for long-term research success and expanded institutional impact.

Review Criteria

A dedicated committee evaluates proposals based on the following priorities:

  • Intellectual Merit: Potential for significant new discoveries or advances in the field.
  • Future Development: Likelihood of the project leading to future external support or a sustained line of research.
  • Research Competence: Alignment of the project with the investigator’s demonstrated capabilities.
  • Feasibility: Ability to complete the project within the designated timeframe.
  • Collaboration Rationale: The specific value added by collaborative efforts for joint proposals.
  • Rank and History: Preference is given to junior faculty and those without a history of internal or extramural funding.
  • Budget Clarity: Clear explanation of how funds meet the aims of the proposal.
  • Sustainability: An explicit plan to apply for external agency funding following the project.

Questions?

Christine Portfors, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education
Email: portfors@wsu.edu
Phone: 360-546-9254
Holly Davis
Assistant to the Vice Chancellor of Research and Graduate Education
Email: holly.davis@wsu.edu
Phone: 360-546-9247
Kayly Lembke, Ph.D.
Proposal Coordinator
Email: kayly.lembke@wsu.edu
Phone: 360-546-9298

Funding Guidelines

A dedicated committee evaluates proposals based on the following priorities:

  • Award Amount: Faculty may request up to $15,000 for individual or collaborative projects.
  • Budget Justification: All items must be specific, accurate, and include a rationale for why they are necessary for the research.
  • Resource Allocation: Requests for less than the maximum amount are encouraged to allow for a higher number of supported projects.
  • Allowable Expenses: Funds may be used for supplies, equipment, travel, training, consultation fees, and salary support for faculty or students.

Program Requirements

Recipients must submit a final report (maximum of three pages) that addresses:

  1. New discoveries and advances achieved.
  2. External funding or partnerships established or enhanced.
  3. Growth in research capacity.
  4. Future directions for the research line.
  5. A detailed list of all accrued expenses.
Note:

Any remaining funds after the final report submission return to Finance and Operations.

Application Components

The online application requires the following information:

  • Applicant general information and current financial support.
  • List of up to 10 relevant publications or scholarly products.
  • Project goals and specific aims (250-word limit).
  • Background and significance (250-word limit).
  • Research approach (300-word limit).
  • Expected results and impact (250-word limit).
  • Plans for future grant proposals (250-word limit).
  • Itemized budget and justification.
Online Application