Research ASSIST Office

Federal Agency Engagement – ORED Travel Grant Program 

The Office for Research & Economic Development (through Research ASSIST) may provide funding (1) to support visits with federal agencies and program officers or (2) to attend conferences/symposiums that align with a faculty member’s research interests. The goal of this program is to improve the competitiveness of proposals from The University of Alabama (UA) faculty and research professionals either by (1) facilitating interaction with prospective sponsors that can provide direct funding to UA or (2) increasing visibility of UA faculty or research staff in their respective research communities, as well as their awareness of emerging research topics and emphasis.

Please contact assist@ua.edu if you need assistance identifying a program officer(s) or applicable professional meetings to match your research interests.

The travel grant program accepts applications year-round based on the availability of funds. 

Submission Guidelines 

1. Applications must be submitted through the UA InfoReady site. Funding requests must include confirmation of a planned meeting with a federal agency/program officer or links to conference/symposia opportunities, and a letter of support from the department chair, associate dean for research or
   1. Please answer all questions thoroughly; applications with insufficient detail will be returned for further clarification, delaying the funding
   2. ORED will consider requests up to $1,500; applicants are responsible for securing non‐sponsored funds to cover any travel expenses over the awarded
   3. Trips taken prior to travel grant approval will not be reimbursed by
   4. Applicants are encouraged to maximize the travel opportunity by meeting with multiple program
   5. Applicants are encouraged to submit at least 30 days prior to the anticipated travel dates.
2. Applications will be reviewed by the Research ASSIST Office upon receipt; please allow reasonable time for review and determination. Notification of funding decisions will be sent by email.

Post-travel Requirements 

1. Within 90 days of travel, the awardee must log in to InfoReady and submit an outcomes report including a brief description of the meeting(s) and planned next steps as it relates to external sponsored proposals and awards (1‐page limit).

Reimbursement 

Travel reservations should be scheduled in accordance with department/college/unit procedures and must comply with UA travel policies and procedures. Once an ORED travel grant is approved, additional details regarding transfer of funds will be provided to the awardee.