Start-Up Funds

Application Form

The Vice President for Research and Economic Development (VPR/ED) may contribute to the start-up packages of new faculty members with outstanding records or potential for research and external funding. The availability of these funds depends on the budget situation.

Funds requested from the VPR/ED should not exceed 30% of the estimated total start-up package from all ISU sources, up to a maximum of $200,000 from VPR/ED funds. All other ISU commitments must be secured prior to submitting a request to the VPR/ED office.

For biotechnology and/or plant science related hires, departments are expected, if appropriate, to request funds from the Office of Biotechnology and/or the Plant Sciences Institute prior to requesting funds from the VPR/ED. The VPR/ED and the Office of Biotechnology together may provide up to $200,000 or 30% of the total start-up package, whichever is less.

The VPR/ED office cannot fund faculty salaries or moving expenses unrelated to moving laboratories and/or research equipment.

Departments must apply using the application form. Requests should be submitted by the department chair and endorsed by the respective academic dean and must include: a proposed plan for the complete start-up package, a justification that includes the proposed usage of the funds by year and source, and a CV of the person to be hired, including a record of any past extramural funding.

In addition, the request must include a description of how the department will assist the new faculty member to develop or enhance his or her skills in obtaining extramural grants, and an evaluation of the potential of the new faculty member to garner extramural funding. Indicate the agencies that are likely to fund the research. Also indicate the extramural grant dollars per year that he or she can be expected to garner three years after being hired. This amount should be no less than the total amount requested from the VPR/ED, the Office of Biotechnology, and the Plant Sciences Institute combined. In situations where substantial funding is being requested from the VPR/ED, the final candidates should be interviewed by the VPR/ED.