Strategic Research Initiatives supports College of Natural Sciences faculty in the preparation of major, multi-investigator research and training grants. We recognize that compiling large grant proposals is a serious undertaking, and we are here to support you in preparing a competitive proposal. Our staff is composed of Ph.D. scientists with formal training in grant writing and experience managing multimillion-dollar center grants. We also serve as proposal reviewers for multiple federal agencies, and we draw from our first-hand experiences to provide you with comprehensive proposal development assistance that is tailored to meet your needs.

A list of our services is provided below. Contact the Strategic Research Initiatives Director, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , for more information about any of the services listed or for help with your next major proposal.

Technical Support for Proposal Preparation

Strategic Research Initiatives can help you prepare center and training grant proposals by offering assistance with proposal editing and draft review, as well as offering advice regarding proposal organization and content. We can put you in touch with other natural sciences faculty who have written similar proposals and, in some cases, provide access to successful proposals to guide you in the development of your proposal.

Logistical Support

Strategic Research Initiatives staff work frequently with UT-Austin’s Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) and can offer support in compiling budgets, budget justifications, cost-share recap forms and other internal documents.

College and Departmental Data for Training Grants

Strategic Research Initiatives works with the college’s Director of Sponsored Research and Postgraduate Education to provide faculty with access to demographic and other institutional data required for training grants. Please contact us if you need assistance in compiling data for training grants.

Alignment with Existing CNS Education and Outreach Opportunities

Visit our page of existing education and outreach opportunities in the College of Natural Sciences to find an outreach partner for your proposal. For more information about a specific outreach program, or to have your education/outreach program added to our list, contact Jennifer Lyon at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Graphic Assistance

Research Initiatives serves as a liaison with the college’s Communications Office to help you develop eye-catching, professional-quality graphics for center grants and site visit presentations associated with grant competitions.

Templates and Institutional Support Information for Proposal Appendices

Strategic Research Initiatives maintains an inventory of college- and institutional-level information that can be utilized in required proposal appendices, including:

• NSF Postdoctoral Mentoring Plans
• NSF Data Management Plans
• NIH Responsible Conduct of Research Plans
• NIH Recruitment plans
• Current and Pending Support Templates: NSF/NIH
• Biosketch Templates: NSF/NIH

Post-Award Management

When a major research or training grant is awarded, Strategic Research Initiatives can assist with establishing the center’s presence at UT-Austin. This includes working with the college’s Communications Office to create websites and other new media presence, disseminating research highlights through the college website, and offering guidance regarding best practices for internal grant management.