RGI Submissions Exceed Expectations

Karen Levy and Dave Harris of the Graduate School look over some of the hundreds of RGI proposals submitted by UWM researchers.

By Peter Hansen

There has been an overwhelming campus response to the Research Growth Initiative (RGI), an ambitious effort to enhance UWM's research competitiveness by providing seed funding for promising ideas from faculty and staff. Between Nov. 21 and Jan. 23, the Graduate School received 285 proposals.

"The burst of creativity unleashed by the RGI demonstrates beyond any doubt the outstanding research potential of this campus," said Chancellor Santiago. "Not even the greatest optimists thought we would receive so many proposals within two months of the RGI launch."

Under the initiative, approved proposals can receive seed funding for periods of one to three years. Funded projects are expected to become self-sustaining after the seed funding phase.

Applications were received from each of UWM's 12 schools and colleges.

The largest single group of proposals – over 36 percent—came from assistant professors, with the rest submitted by other faculty and staff. "I am delighted to see such strong participation from across the campus, especially from our young faculty," said Abbas Ourmazd, vice chancellor for research and dean of the Graduate School.

The proposals will be reviewed by panels of external subject-matter experts according to conceptual and planning merit (quality), risks, and potential rewards. Over 220 reviewer candidates were nominated by the UWM community. The nominees are from across North America, representing over 130 universities, government agencies and private industry. Announcement of RGI awards—which are effective July 1—is expected in May.

"Much work—and learning—remain ahead," said Ourmazd, "but we are off to an excellent start."

###

Click on an image for a larger (pdf) version.

URL: http://www.uwm.edu/News/Features/06.02/RGI_Followup.html
Copyright 2006 by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, all rights reserved.
If you have questions or comments about this page, please send e-mail to: gwc@uwm.edu