Pre-proposals for the 2019 round of Trans-Institutional Programs (TIPs) are due Monday, Oct. 29. Now in its fifth year, the TIPs program is a $50 million strategic investment in interdisciplinary research that awards funding for projects that aim to answer some of society’s grandest challenges.
All full-time faculty are eligible to participate in the TIPs program. Faculty can submit their pre-proposals using the InfoReady online application portal. For full eligibility guidelines, visit the TIPs website.
Access the InfoReady application. >>
About TIPs
The TIPs funding program is designed to support new ideas, cutting-edge research and the development of infrastructure by supporting emerging and existing trans-institutional centers and institutes. Awards are meant to support organizations that facilitate research and teaching collaborations across disciplines, aim to address topics of critical academic and societal interest, or embrace discovery and spark learning to position Vanderbilt as a world leader in a given area.
Since its inception in 2015, more than 50 projects have received funding, with more than 400 faculty involved. The 2018 cohort includes projects ranging from developing new digital methods for identifying, studying and preserving historic cultural expressions to elevating and understanding structural barriers and forms of resilience that black women and girls experience across various social contexts in society.
There are two types of TIPs awards.
- Vanderbilt Initiative Awards (VIAs) provide seed funding of up to $100,000 per year to support small-scale or new initiatives that showcase potential to become a major hub of activity—such as a center or institute—that will advance the core missions of Vanderbilt.
- Vanderbilt Reinvestment Awards (VRAs) reinvest in existing trans-institutional centers and institutes, supporting a critical next step in order to ensure success.
The TIPs Council and review panels evaluate proposals and make funding recommendations. The TIPs Council is co-chaired by Vice Provost for Research Padma Raghavan and Executive Vice President for Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center Jennifer Pietenpol.
Key dates
Oct. 29: Pre-proposals due
Jan. 21, 2019: Full proposals due
May 2019: Awards announced
July 1, 2019: Funds available
For more information about eligibility, proposal requirements and guidelines on the use of funds, visit the Internal Funding Programs section of the Office of the Provost website. Questions about the application process for TIPs may be directed to Schyler Turrin at 615-875-1027 or occi@vanderbilt.edu.