Proposal & Program Support

Whether you are an early career faculty or a seasoned researcher looking for increased funding, RIO can help you hone your proposal. We provide comprehensive support in every stage of the process, including:

1. Funding opportunity prospecting and capacity building.
2. Preparing writing templates or outlines for key proposal components like project descriptions and technical narratives.
3. Designing graphics and figures that improve technical comprehension for reviewers.
4. Consulting on outreach strategies for effective, beneficial broader impacts activities.
5. Reviewing proposal drafts for clarity, accessibility, and narrative while meeting the merit review criteria of solicitations.
6. Leveraging other campus services specific to your proposal needs.

Proposal support is always free of charge for engineering researchers.

Have a plan for something bigger?

In addition to providing direct proposal support, RIO has a college- and campus-wide network of resources to help PIs build successful and impactful collaborative research programs. Our team can: 

1. Develop tailored visual and communications strategies that engage a wide range of stakeholders.
2. Work with the Grainger Institute for Engineering to turn research initiatives into interdisciplinary centers.
3. Collaborate with the Office of Corporate Relations to help PIs engage with industry and forge new partnerships.
4. Administer reimbursements for strategic congressional visits and travel. 
5. Collaborate to provide professional development, grant writing, and research development workshops.