Merit Review: over 2 months Funding Decision Date: approximately 2 months from submission Grant award period: one year guidelines Eligibility Any full-time tenured or tenure track faculty member(s) may apply on behalf of the group. The group should have a minimum of 8 participating faculty and can include research and administrators with PI eligibility. The 8 “core” members must be affiliated with Western Michigan University, but members from outside WMU such as community groups, state agencies, national laboratories, WMed, etc. are also allowed. Use of Funds The funds, for a proposal of up to $100,000, must be used to support a series of activities with the goal to enhance interdisciplinary activities at WMU that not only advance the work of the core team members but engage and promote the advancement of the topic across WMU. This can include internal competitive awards that support collaborative interdisciplinary research projects that are designed to generate preliminary data for subsequent applications for substantial federal or private funding. The size of each individual internal competitive award is left to the discretion of the group leadership, but applications from WMU individuals outside the group must be accepted. Up to $250,000 of additional funds can be requested with the proposal for equipment purchase, repair and installation. The process by which funds will be awarded must be outlined in the form below. Funds may NOT be used for administrative support, faculty salary, or tuition. One course buyout per semester (fall and spring) can be requested for an identified faculty leader. The Team must run an Innovation Network within 12 months of award of the grant with assistance from ORI.