Research Incentive is an Ohio Board of Regents performance-based program in that the funds are allocated among universities on the basis of their success in generating external research support in the previous fiscal year. Institutional allocations are made annually by the Board of Regents. All institutions are required to submit biennial plans for the expenditure of funds, prior to the allocation of such funds. The plans are reviewed jointly by the Research Officers Council and the Regents' staff. Individual research officers are responsible for the administration of Research Incentive funds allocated to each institution; all questions regarding the access to and use of Research Incentive awards should be addressed to the University's research officer. The research officers are also responsible for submitting the required biennial reports to the Board of Regents.

The University of Akron's plan for biennium 2007-2009 (FYs 2007-08 and 2008-09) allocates Research Incentive funds in three categories:

• Individual Supplemental Awards (to externally funded projects submitted during the period from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2009)

• Equipment/Instrumentation Matching Awards

• Start-up Funds for New Faculty (requested by the College Dean)