ORAU commitment to enriching the research skills and professional growth of young faculty members at ORAU member institutions is embodied in the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Awards Program. These competitive research awards provide seed money for junior faculty members that often result in additional funding from other sources. The award amount provided by ORAU is $5,000. The applicant’s institution is required to match the award with at least an additional $5,000.
Funding:
Funding is provided exclusively from non-federal monies by ORAU. The award amount provided by ORAU is $5,000. The applicant's institution is required to match the award with at least an additional $5,000. This is a one-year grant (June 1 to May 31).
This award can include funds for faculty summer salary, graduate student salary, travel, equipment, or other assistance relevant to the faculty member's research. ORAU does not allow overhead charges or indirect costs on the award from ORAU or the university match.
Eligibility
Full-time assistant professors at ORAU member institutions within two years of their initial tenure track appointment at the time of application are eligible. If there is a question on eligibility, the ORAU Councilor makes the final decision.
The research project must be in one of the following five disciplines:
1. Engineering and Applied Science
2. Life Sciences
3. Mathematics/Computer Sciences
4. Physical Sciences
5. Policy, Management, or Education
Applicants are encouraged to develop research collaborations with government, private-sector, and other academic researchers.
Because of the close working relationship between ORAU and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the Award Committee particularly encourages collaborative interaction with ORNL. Thus, substantive interdisciplinary research and inter-institutional research partnerships will be considered as very positive factors in the review process, and will increase chances for success.
Questions regarding the award: visit the frequently asked questions.
- One-page abbreviated resume
- One-page listing publications and/or presentations
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Two-page research proposal that should address the following:
- Research goals and objectives and relevant background
- Expected research outcomes and relevance
- Research design and methodology
- Competence of the applicant to perform the proposed research
- Available research facilities and resources
- Budget justification
- Additional single page of references relating to the proposal (optional)
- Nomination Letter from Chair/Department Head that includes approval/agreement to match fund
Questions concerning the limited submissions process may be submitted to limitedsubs@psu.edu.