Frequently Asked Questions in the Physical Sciences

Who should I call if I have questions about my application?

General questions: Steve Schwoegler (2-8386) or Rebecca Patterson (2-8387)
Computer or web related questions: Calvin Chan (5-9772)
Questions specifically on content of application: Terry Millar (2-6310)

Where does the money come from for the Research Committee Fall Competition?

The Research Competition is funded largely by an annual gift from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) which since 1925 has served as the patenting and licensing agent for intellectual property originating with UW faculty and staff.  By means of the Research Committee Fall Competition the Graduate School distributes these funds on a competitive basis to faculty and permanent PI’s on campus. Some state funds are also used in the Fall Competition.

What is the process used in the Fall Competition?

After electronic applications have been submitted each proposal is assigned to a member of the Physical Sciences Research Committee. The reviewer will then contact you or your department secretary to set up an appointment for an interview, and to request an electronic or hard copy of your cv be sent prior to the interview. At the interview (which typically lasts 30-60 minutes) your interviewer will ask you questions about the written application in order to get a better understanding of your research project and your qualifications. Have any publications or other materials that might help explain your project available to show your interviewer at the actual interview. The reviewer might also request copies of summary statements for grants which were not funded and for which Research Committee insurance funds are sought. At a subsequent Research Committee meeting, the interviewer then presents your proposal and answers questions from other committee members. Decisions for funding are made by the committee as a whole, following a recommendation from the assigned reviewer. Typically the outcome of the competition is mailed to each applicant by the middle of December.

What are the Physical Sciences Research Committee priorities for Fall Competition Funding?

The committee considers request for funds to support various research situations, including pilot studies, multidisciplinary projects and funding gaps. Most commonly, the Committee makes "insurance" awards; that is they fund proposals seeking support for pending applications to outside funding agencies. These "insurance" funds are provided should the "insured" proposal(s) fail to be funded by the outside agency. The funds can then be used to provide some support during the resulting funding gap. Funds awarded to "insure" proposals that receive outside support are returned to the Research Committee for distribution to other campus research priorities.

What is an average award in the Fall Competition?

Award amounts vary greatly. For the 2008-2009 competition, the average award was $23,000 which included fringe benefits and tuition remission. Multidisciplinary team awards will usually follow this pattern, multiplied by the number of team members.

Does the committee consider previous Research Committee funding when making a decision on an application?

The pattern and frequency of Research Committee utilization is one factor typically considered when reviewing individual applications to the Fall competition.  The number of applications made is not particularly relevant, but the frequency with which Research Committee funds are expended can have an impact on funding decisions. As a general rule, frequent use of Research Committee funds (for example multiple years in succession, four of the past five years etc.) reduces the probability of funding in any given competition. Funds awarded, but not expended (i.e.. insurance was not necessary) are not prejudicial. Assistant professors typically are given more leeway in this regard.

Should assistant professors apply?

The competition is open to faculty of all ranks as well as permanent PIs.  Junior faculty are particularly encouraged to apply.

Do I need to be in residence for my award?

If your research takes you elsewhere, this is fully appropriate. Remember, however, that Research Committee salary support is an investment in University tenured or tenure-track faculty and Permanent PI development. It is available only for persons who will be UW-Madison staff members in residence on the Madison campus in the semester following that support.

What is a multidisciplinary project?

In the spirit of the Cluster Hire initiative, the Graduate School supports applications from teams of researchers, representing at least two fields. You are eligible to file a multidisciplinary proposal as well as an individual proposal. If you are uncertain if your project qualifies as a multidisciplinary proposal, contact Terry Millar, Associate Dean for the Physical Sciences (2-6310).

With whom should I talk if I have questions about the outcome of the competition?

You can call Terry Millar, Associate Dean for the Physical Sciences (2-6310).