Catalyzing Research with Purpose
At the University of Montana, Research Development is more than a support service—it’s a strategic, relational, and people-centered catalyst for research excellence.
We partner with faculty, research teams, and campus leaders to grow a thriving, collaborative research ecosystem. Our mission is to advance discovery, foster connection, and build capacity—all while emphasizing care, creativity, and impact.
What We Do
- Empower Researchers
- Build Bridges and Teams
- Strengthen Institutional Strategy
- Elevate and Communicate Research
Empower Researchers
Proposal Development
Our expertise can increase the competitiveness of your proposal narrative. Our services include assistance in grant writing guidance, navigating institutional supports and policies, and proposal review and feedback to increase the competitiveness of your grant narrative. Please schedule at least two weeks in advance of a funding deadline.
Strategic Research Development
We provide strategic guidance to align faculty research strengths with funding opportunities. On a case-by-case basis, we can also offer project management to coordinate proposal development for larger research teams. Please schedule at least three months in advance of a funding deadline.
To request these services, please send an email to the RD team.
Build Bridges and Teams
Through networking gatherings and proactively convening research interest groups, we support the conditions which catalyze interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
Strengthen Institutional Strategy
We scan UM’s research ecosystem to identify strengths and help maximize UM’s impact at the local, regional, and national levels.
Elevate and Communicate Research
We are committed to spreading the word about research and creative scholarship at the University of Montana, highlighting the human stories behind UM’s scholarly and artistic work. Our goal is to build excitement and strengthen public understanding of the impact our faculty, students, and staff make.
Contact Research Communications to learn more.
Metrics
First quarter FY 2027:
- Our proposal count is set to outpace the last two fiscal years combined.
- The total dollar amount requested for proposals we supported is on track to triple last fiscal year's total.
18
external funding proposals supported
$35M
in external proposals supported
11
unique sponsors