This program intends to foster interactive scholarly exchange among faculty of differing but relatable disciplines.  The program is designed to support ongoing, active research and the pursuit of research funding.  This program is an attempt to lay the foundation for non-traditional colleague participation in shaping individual research activity and faculty/student mentoring.  Such research endeavors must have a demonstratable energy emphasis, component, relationship or impact.

APPLICATION:

Any BSU faculty member may apply.  The submission criteria and review process is truly interdisciplinary.  The program supports traditional, technological linkages to energy but also encourages the submission of proposals dealing with new or non-traditional connections.  Proposals for CERES Faculty Research Fellow designation and support must consist of: 

1. A one to two-page, single-spaced description of the research activity/focus and the anticipated benefit of conducting this work in an interdisciplinary context. 

2. A one-page, single-spaced description of the type(s) of funding support that would be targeted (e.g. grant, contract, consortia underwriting). 

3. A listing of possible funding sources to the extent that they can be identified at the time of submission. 

4. A current vita. 

CRITERIA AND SELECTION PROCEDURE:

The successful proposals will be those that clearly describe the research direction and convincingly present the importance and achievability of their conduct in an interdisciplinary context.  In addition, successful applicants must meet the performance criteria outlined in the attached position description.  The evaluation of proposals and applicant qualifications will be conducted by CERES staff using invited peer review commentary.

DEADLINES:

Submission to the CERES office (AB 018) must be made by 5:00 PM, 15 January 2008. Notification of award will be made by 28 February 2008. Follow-up discussions of, and critiquing sessions for, successful proposals will be announced.

NATURE OF SUPPORT:

Direct Support:
Option 1: the CERES Research Fellow can be "bought out of teaching" for an agreed upon ratio of total academic year teaching load.  Typically, this will be a 1/4, 1/3, or 1/2 Academic Year loading amount.  Specific loading will be negotiated on a per case basis with the faculty and respective departmental chairperson. 
Option 2: the CERES Research Fellow can be awarded a supplemental academic year salary stipend payable upon completion of deliverables.  Specific stipend amounts will be negotiated on a per case basis with the faculty and respective departmental chairperson.

Indirect Support:
Faculty may be provided a graduate student assistantship (or an undergraduate student stipend) to foster a research/education mentoring relationship.  The student(s) are selected by the faculty in consultation with the CERES staff.

Other forms of underwriting can include secretarial support, appropriate supplies, special staff support and office/lab space.

For more information please e-mail CERES .