Research, Funding, and Awards

  • OVPR Fall Internal Funding Competitions - now open

    The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is pleased to announce that five Fall 2022 internal funding competitions are currently accepting applications.  Eligible faculty can apply using the UConn Quest Portal (NetID required).  Please click the links below to find out more about the project and eligibility guidelines for each program.

    • The SPARK Technology Commercialization Fund (SPARK) supports the translation of research discoveries into products, processes, and other commercial applications.  Initial awards are for one year and up to $50K.  Projects awarded will be eligible for an additional year and up to $50K in follow-on funding.
      • 2-Page LOIs due 11/1/22
      • Full proposals (by invitation) due 2/1/22
    • The Scholarship Facilitation Fund(SFF) provides up to $2000 in support of the initiation, completion, or advancement of faculty research projects, scholarly activities, and creative works.  The SFF is open to faculty at the Storrs / Regional Campuses only.  Faculty at UConn Health are not eligible.
      • Applications due: 12/1/2022
    • The Convergence Awards for Research in Interdisciplinary Centers(CARIC) supports the development of collaborative interdisciplinary teams to bid for major (>$5M) federally funded initiatives, such as research centers.  We anticipate making up to 2 awards. Year 1 award budgets for previously awarded projects have ranged from $100K-$150K.
      • Applications due 12/15/2022
    • The Scholarship and Collaboration in Humanities and Arts Research Program(SCHARP) aims to support innovative works of scholarship and creative activities in the arts and humanities that have the potential to transform a field of study, impact the common good, or chart a new direction in scholarly, creative, or artistic development.  Development awards range from $5K-$8K, and one Breakthrough award of up to $50K will be made.
      • Applications due: 12/15/2022
    • The Research Excellence Program (guidelines for Storrs/Regional Campuses; guidelines for UConn Health) provides seed funding to fuel innovative research, scholarship, and creative endeavors with strong potential for significant extramural funding from federal and state sponsors, corporations, industry partners, and foundations, and achievements consistent with the highest standards of accomplishment in the discipline.  Storrs/Regional awards range from $10K-$50K; UCH awards range from $25K-$100K.
      • Applications due: 12/15/2022
      • New for FY23: In response to the findings of recent Presidential Taskforces, the OVPR invites faculty to submit proposals that will advance innovative work in the following areas of institutional priority (see program guidelines for more information):
        • Mental health and wellness in adolescents and young adults
        • Combating sexual violence on college or university campuses

    For a full list (with timelines) of all the OVPR’s internal funding opportunities, please visit our website

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    For more information, contact: OVPR Research Development at research@uconn.edu