102 Roudebush Hall • Phone: 513-529-3600• Fax: 513-529-3762

Shoupp Award Program

CONTENTS

Invitation
Program Guidelines

Invitation

February 13, 2008

TO: Miami University Faculty
FROM: Gil Pacey, Associate Dean for Research
SUBJECT: Request for Shoupp Award Proposals

Note that the Shoupp Program has been changed significantly and now has a Phase I and Phase II funding opportunities.

Faculty members are invited to submit proposals for the 2008-2009 Shoupp Awards to initiate collaborative research projects with business and industry. The Shoupp Awards program was established to support initial and exploratory activities involving University faculty and students with business and industry. The awards are named in honor of the late Dr. William E. Shoupp who was a charter member and Chair of the Miami University Research Advisory Council (MURAC).

Guidelines for the Shoupp Award Program are attached. Please note that the deadline for receipt of proposals in the Office for the Advancement of Research and Scholarship is March 24, 2008.

The 2008-09 Shoupp Awards are for projects that may be conducted from May 15, 2008 through August 15, 2009. Proposals submitted for Shoupp Awards will be reviewed by MURAC at its spring meeting in April 2008 and the awards will be announced shortly thereafter.
Your questions and comments about the Request for Proposals or about the Miami University Research Advisory Council are welcome.

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Program Objectives

Note that the Shoupp Program has been changed significantly and now has a Phase I and Phase II funding opportunities.

By design, Miami’s Shoupp Program supports proposals that initiate collaborative research projects with business and industry in research areas that are tied to the Ohio’s Third Frontier (http://governor.ohio.gov/technology/ThirdFrontier.htm) vision to transform Ohio to a knowledge economy. Third Frontier1 projects are expected to bring additional federal research funds to Ohio.

Shoupp encourages researchers and industry/business innovators to concentrate on development relevant to the knowledge economy. Through encouragement of strong partnerships, Shoupp focuses directly on the economic and life quality benefits generated through knowledge creation.

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Activities Supported by the Program

Shoupp funds support the following activities:

Phase I: Explore establishment of projects interesting to business and industry
Phase II: Establish business and industry collaborations that generate external funding.

Proposal Objectives

Phase I
The maximum award for this phase is $5,000 and does not require a match from an industrial partner. The objective of Phase I is to establish collaboration between business and industry. These funds could be used to perform some preliminary research or acquire data before a commitment to further collaboration can be made. A final report outlining the progress made and the business and industry collaborators will be due by 6 months after the award date.

Phase II
These awards are between $10,000 and $20,000 and require a cash contribution from business and industry equal to or exceeding Miami University’s contribution is required. The collaboration must be new and not an extension of a previous collaboration. The objective of Phase II is to provide the data and demonstrate the collaboration in order to obtain further funding from business and industry or federal funds.
The Phase II period is one year. A final report outlining the plan for further funding, intellectual property issues, and commercialization must be part of this report and must be submitted with 30 days of the completion of the grant period.

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Eligibility

All continuing Miami faculty members are eligible for grants within this program. A Phase I must be received and finished before a Phase II can be requested.

Evaluation of Proposals

Selection of proposals to be funded will be made by the Associate Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School with advice from the Miami University Research Advisory Council (MURAC). The following points will be given consideration in evaluating the proposals:

Phase I

The intrinsic merit of the proposed work and the probability that it will lead to a significant contribution to the field of knowledge.
The potential of the project for fostering interactions with business and industry.
The extent of alignment with the Ohio Third Frontier Project, http://www.ohiochannel.org/index.cfm?action=third_frontier_project.home
The extent to which the proposed activity involves initial or exploratory activities.
The probability that the work will lead to external funding from the private or public sectors.
The extent to which the proposed work enhances the University through the acquisition of faculty expertise or equipment.
The potential for the project to provide opportunities for involvement of undergraduate or graduate students.

Phase II

The intrinsic merit of the proposed work and the probability that it will lead to a significant contribution to the field of knowledge must be advanced during the Phase I project.
The established interactions with business and industry as indicated by a cash cost share.
The extent of alignment with the Ohio Third Frontier Project
The probability that the work will lead to external funding from the private or public sectors.
The extent to which the intellectual property will be developed.
The potential for commercialization is clearly outlined with market estimates.

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Proposal Preparation and Format

Phase I

Proposals should be clear, concise, and understandable to the non-specialist. The following format for proposals is suggested:

a) Cover Sheet. Available from the Office for the Advancement of Research and Scholarship (529-3600).
b) Narrative. Should not exceed five single-spaced pages and should include the following:

Description of the proposed activity and its connection to the Third Frontier.
Anticipated results.
Significance to your field and society.
Evidence of interest by business and industry.
Potential sources of funding for continuation of the project.
Background and previous work of project participants.
Description of the involvement of students.

c) Supporting Documentation. A brief curriculum vitae of project participants, and letters of support or interest from business and industry.
d) Budget and Justification. This should include an itemized list of expenses with justification for each. All reasonable costs associated with the proposed work are allowed except that travel to professional meetings normally will not be funded.

One inch margins and 11 pt font or larger must be used.

Phase II

Proposals should be clear, concise, and understandable to the non-specialist. The following format for proposals is suggested:

a) Cover Sheet. Available from the Office for the Advancement of Research and Scholarship (529-3600).
b) Narrative. Should not exceed eight single-spaced pages and should include the following:

Results from Phase I
Description of the proposed Phase II activity.
Anticipated results.
Significance your field and society.
Intellectual property and Commercialization potential.
Potential sources of funding for continuation of the project.
Background and previous work of commercial participants.
Description of the involvement of students.
Evidence of interest by business and industry include cost share.

c) Supporting Documentation. A Brief curriculum vitae of project participants, and letters of support or interest from business and industry is included. Cash cost share commitment must be clearly stated in the letter from the industrial or government collaborator.
d) Budget and Justification. This should include an itemized list of expenses with justification for each. All reasonable costs associated with the proposed work are allowed except that travel to professional meetings normally will not be funded.
One inch margins and 11 pt font or larger must be used.

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Deadlines

Phase I

Feb 29: Inform OARS (529-3600) of intention to submit a proposal. Discuss ideas for a proposal with Dr. Gilbert Pacey, Associate Dean for Research.
March 24: Provide an original and 15 copies of the signed proposal to the OARS (102 Roudebush Hall).
March 26: Proposals mailed by OARS to members of Miami University Research Advisory Council.
April 17: Review of proposals for 2008-2009 Shoupp Awards by the Miami
University Research Advisory Council.

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For additional information relating to
the Miami University Research Council (MURAC)
or to the Shoupp Award Program, please contact:

Dr. Helen G. Kiss
kisshg@muohio.edu
102 Roudebush Hall
513-529-3600