Undergraduate Research Program Solicitation

Currently, a competition rather than an open enrollment period will be the method for determining funding for undergraduates.  Funding for approximately 12 awards will be available Summer 2007 semester. 

Make sure to read the information posted below, then CLICK HERE to download the application form.

The process of review and award:

• Undergraduate researcher must arrange for research experience with a full-time faculty member.
• Proposal deadline:  Full proposals must be received by 4:00 PM Thursday, February 22, 2007 in order to be considered for funding.
• Assurances of adequate space and resources—faculty mentor must provide infrastructure (work space, supplies, etc.).
• Commitment must be for an entire semester—award renewal is possible for one additional semester.
• Applications are reviewed by committee. 
• Award announcements sent to students and mentors by March 13, 2007.  
• Successful applicants’ paperwork (demographic form and stipend request form) returned to EPSCoR office by March 19, 2007.
• If the undergraduate will work with any hazard, the proper assurances must be filed and, if possible, the proper training or workshop must be completed in advance of NSF EPSCoR funding.
• Award period commences on March 23, 2007 and must be completed by July 15, 2007. 
• Award stipends are issued in two installments. 

• First installment processed after the completion of the following conditions:
• Receipt of completed demographic form
• Receipt of completed stipend request form
• Award period has begun
• Final payment processed after completion of the following conditions:
• Receipt of high resolution digital or 4x6 photos of student conducting research and/or outreach activities (Students must schedule with the NSF EPSCoR Office for photos to be taken unless high-resolution digital photos or high quality 4x6 prints can be provided)
• Completion of one of the following outreach activites:
• Volunteering for an outreach event with the Science Learning Center
• Other pre-approved outreach activity
• Receipt of final report.
• Final report format should be 3-5 pages and include the sections listed below. A sample report will be available for download here soon. Posters or presentations created about this research must be included with report (The UMCUR website has templates and how to make posters and presentations: http://umcur.org/tips.htm )
• Project abstract
• Project results
• Project outcomes

Non-compliance, failure to respond or providing insufficient or false responses within 30 days of project completion, may result in suspension of all future Montana NSF EPSCoR funding for the awardee and host department or center.

If you have questions regarding this request for proposals, please contact the Montana NSF EPSCoR office (rhonda.stoddard@umontana.edu) or (406) 243-4838.