Seed Awards

About RIO-NM

Research Infrastructure for New Mexico (RIO-NM) aims to positively impact New Mexico’s research ecosystem by 1) investing in higher education institutions to build cyberinfrastructure capacity and to strengthen research pathways, and 2) nurturing connections between and among ecosystem stakeholders across higher education, national laboratories, industry, non-profit organizations, and government.

Program Description

The Seed Award program supports transformative research and capacity building across New Mexico’s academic institutions. These awards fund the purchase of research equipment, support for student researchers, acquisition of research supplies, and student conference travel. Program goals are to 1) foster initiatives that enhance research capacity (including cyberinfrastructure), productivity, and external funding competitiveness, and 2) increase student access to meaningful research experiences across the state.

Proposed Seed Award projects should align with the National Science Foundation’s Research Focus Areas or New Mexico’s Science and Technology Plan. Priority will be given to projects that pursue novel research initiatives likely to result in publications, research grants, and workforce pathways outcomes. Additionally, projects that expand access to research experiences for undergraduate and/or community college students are encouraged.

Eligibility

Faculty from New Mexico’s primarily undergraduate institutions, including two-year colleges, four-year comprehensive institutions, and branch campuses, as well as universities such as the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Tech, and Navajo Tech are eligible to apply. Current or previous participation in an NM EPSCoR-funded project is not required.

Award Information

Maximum Funding Per Award: $50,000 (including indirect costs)

Duration: 12 months

Based on available resources, potential for an additional 12 months and up to $50,000 in additional funding based on project performance and milestone completion.

Estimated Number of Awards: Number of awards will be based on quality of proposals received and available funding; up to four awards will be funded in this round.

Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2025

Proposal Preparation and Submission

STATEMENT OF INTEREST (required)

Statement of Interest Deadline: May 1, 2025

All applicants must submit a 1-page Statement of Interest which must include:

  • PI’s name(s) and institution(s)
  • Proposed project title
  • List of possible participating organizations (if applicable)
  • A one- to two-paragraph synopsis describing the proposed work

Statements of Interest should be submitted electronically as a single complete PDF. Submit the Statement of Interest online.

FULL PROPOSAL (by invitation only)

Full Proposal Deadline: July 1, 2025

Full proposals will be accepted by invitation only.

Proposals must be submitted as a PDF file, using a standard font in 11 point or larger, with one-inch margins. A maximum of 9 pages, excluding appendices, is allowed and must include the information below. Proposals that exceed the page limit will not be reviewed.

Document

Process

Proposal Cover Page 
(1 page)

  • Proposal Title
  • Lead Investigator, Co-Investigator(s), primary affiliation, and all contact information
  • Date of Submission 

Proposal Summary
(1 page)

  • Half-page summary statement appropriate for general audiences (maximum 250 words)

Project Description 
(5 pages max)

  • Proposed Work Objectives and Relevance: Outline the objectives of the proposed work and how they relate to RIO-NM project’s priorities and goals for enhancing research infrastructure, fostering collaboration, and/or supporting workforce development across New Mexico’s academic institutions.
  • Research Plan: Describe the research framework, hypothesis, research questions, and methods and procedures for the work.
  • Describe the activities, and include a timetable for their completion. If relevant, include how any purchased equipment will be used for research and education.
  • Outcomes and Benefits: State anticipated outcomes and benefits (e.g., knowledge created, anticipated publications or proposals, number and type of undergraduate research opportunities created, number of students impacted, links to further STEM education opportunities created) and elaborate on how the proposed scope, activities, and/or equipment purchases will increase research capacity in NM.

Budget and 
1-page  Justification

  • Budgets are to be submitted in NSF format using the provided template.
  • Budgets may include: undergraduate student salaries, fees, and tuition; supplies; travel; and summer salary or course buy-out support for faculty members
  • Budgets must include appropriate fringe benefits on all personnel salaries.
  • Budgets must include allowable F&A. Proposers should use the approved F&A rate for their institution; F&A cannot be waived.

Appendices 
(not included in the 9 pages)

  • References cited
  • Curriculum vitae or NSF biosketch for all investigators
  • Quote or catalog information for any proposed equipment to be purchased.

Reporting Requirements

Grantees are required to

  • Report on research results and impacts, including individuals supported, publications, presentations, conference proceedings, etc.
  • Complete final financial report within 90 days of the end of the award period
  • Register in the NSF EPSCoR online reporting system
  • Participate in program evaluation activities
  • Provide information for a short article to be featured in the NM EPSCoR newsletter

All outputs of your supported research must acknowledge NM EPSCoR.

Proposal Review

Proposals will undergo external review managed by the NM EPSCoR State Office. Reviews will assess intellectual merit and broader impacts, alignment with seed award program goals, and allowability/reasonableness of the budget.

Proposers are encouraged to contact the New Mexico EPSCoR Associate Director Selena Connealy with questions or to discuss proposal ideas.

Selena Connealy
505-217-5605
connealy@epscor.unm.edu

Key Information

Statement of Interest Deadline: May 1, 2025 
Full Proposal Deadline: July 1, 2025

Download the call for proposals and supporting documents:

One file only.
20 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf.