Instructions for Research Proposal

Applications that exceed the page limitations or do not comply with the required Fall Funding Application format will be returned without review.


1. Introduction (1 page):  for applications that are resubmissions: Introduction should state how previous critiques were addressed in the application
2. Specific Aims (1 page):  State concisely and realistically what the research described in the application is intended to accomplish and/or what hypothesis is to be tested. Do not exceed one (1) page.
3. Research Plan (6 page maximum to include items A, B, & C below):
   A. Significance/Preliminary Data: What is your project goal, why is the work important, who will benefit from study results?

  •  Describe the current state of scientific knowledge/standard of care and relevant preliminary data (by you or others) that support or deny your scientific premise.
  • Explain the problem or critical barrier to progress in the field that the proposed project addresses.
  • Clearly identify how the proposed project will improve scientific knowledge, technical capability, and/or clinical practice in one or more scientific area(s).
  • Describe how the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments,services, or preventative interventions that drive this field will be changed if the proposed aims are achieved.

   B. Innovation: What is your project hypothesis or study question and how isthe proposed work novel in direction or approach?

  • Explain how the study challenges and seeks to shift current research or clinical practice paradigms.
  • Describe any novel theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation or interventions to be developed or used and expected advantages over existing methodologies,instrumentation, or interventions.
  • Explain any refinements, improvements, or new applications of theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions that will be used in, or may result from, your project.

   C. Approach: How will the study team accomplish the work, what methods and data analyses will be used?

  • Describe the overall strategy, methodology, and analyses to be used to accomplish the specific aims of the project.
  • Discuss potential problems, alternative strategies, and benchmarks for success anticipated to achieve the aims.
  • If the project is in the early stages of development, describe any strategy to establish feasibility, and to manage any high risk aspects of the proposed work.
  • Point out any procedures, situations, or materials that may be hazardous to personnel and precautions to be exercised.

DO NOT EXCEED 6 PAGES FOR THE RESEARCH PLAN. THE FONT CANNOT BE LESS THAN 11 POINT ARIAL WITH ½” MARGINS. THE 6-
PAGE LIMIT AND FORMAT REQUIREMENTS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED. APPLICATIONS NOT MEETING THESE GUIDELINES WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.

4. Literature Cited: Provide complete references at the end of the Research Plan. Each citation must include the names of all authors, the name of the book or journal, volume
number, page numbers, and year of publication. Although no page limitation is specified for this part of the application, make every attempt to be judicious in compiling the bibliography. It should be relevant and current.
It need not be exhaustive.
5. Collaborative Arrangements: If the proposed project requires collaboration with other individuals, describe the responsibility of each investigator.

Updated September 13, 2016


For further information contact:
Kristi Katcher in the Office of the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs, 801
North Rutledge, Room 2073, Springfield, IL or call 217/545-7936. Hours are 7:30 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.