Research Incentive Fund

Research Incentive is an Ohio Board of Regents performance-based program. Funds are allocated among universities on the basis of their success in generating external research support in the previous fiscal year as reported on the annual NSF Expenditures Report. 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. At The University of Akron, these funds are administered by the Office of Research Services and Sponsored Programs (ORSSP).

Requests for access to and use of Research Incentive awards should be directed to the appropriate ORSSP Grants Coordinator. Policy questions or other matters involving Research Incentive funds should be addressed to ORSSP Director Kathryn Watkins.

The University of Akron's plan (HERE) for biennium 2009-2011 (FYs 2009-10 and 2010-11) allocates Research Incentive funds in three categories:

• New Faculty Start-Up Funds - Requested by the College Dean or designee to assist The University of Akron in attracting highly qualified research faculty and research teams in areas of Centers of Excellence.
• Equipment/Instrumentation Matching Awards - Used to provide matching dollars as required under specific sponsor guidelines with preference being given to projects directly related to the Centers of Excellence.
• Incentive for Collaboration Funds - Used by UA to support proposals that foster collaborations among academic and industry partners to further the goals of Ohio's Third Frontier program.