INSURE: Interim Support for Upholding Research and Excellence

The LAS Office of Research invites proposals for INSURE, a new interim funding program designed to support LAS faculty whose research activities are at risk due to funding disruptions, transitional periods, or other unforeseen challenges. This program is intended to preserve scholarly momentum, retain key personnel, and sustain the research excellence that defines our college across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

INSURE welcomes proposals from faculty in all LAS disciplines—not only those directly impacted by the loss or delay of federal funding. Projects at a pivotal stage, undergoing reframing, or experiencing gaps in support may all qualify for consideration.

Goals of the INSURE Program

The program aims to:

• Sustain research activities during temporary funding gaps or transitions;
• Retain critical research staff or collaborators;
• Enable project continuation or redirection when external support is delayed or unavailable;
• Maintain momentum toward external funding, scholarly publication, creative output, or community impact.

Eligibility

All tenure-stream faculty in LAS are eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate:

• A temporary disruption in project support (e.g., pending or delayed external funding, institutional transition, or loss of non-federal support), or
• A compelling need for interim funding to maintain continuity or reposition a research program for success.

Projects may be at any stage of development. Faculty in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences are all encouraged to apply, including those pursuing forms of scholarship that do not rely on traditional external funding mechanisms.

Funding priorities

Priority will be given to proposals that:

• Retain key personnel such as postdocs, technicians, or graduate researchers;
• Support research projects that are close to completion or at an inflection point;
• Enable early-career faculty to remain competitive during transitions;
• Contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration, public engagement, or broader societal impact.

While the program is not limited to those previously funded by federal agencies, we are especially mindful of the challenges posed by the current federal funding landscape and the need to preserve research capacity and readiness across all LAS disciplines.

Allowable costs

Examples of allowable uses of INSURE funds include:

• Personnel support (e.g., postdocs, graduate or undergraduate assistants, lab technicians)
• Data collection or analysis essential to project continuity
• Research materials, supplies, or access to critical infrastructure
• Subvention costs for scholarly publications (where external sources are unavailable)

Not allowed:

• Summer salary
• General travel (unless integral to research activity)
• Equipment purchases over $5,000
• Activities already supported by another LAS internal program
• Funds to be sub awarded to other organizations or individuals

Award structure

• Typical awards will range from $10,000 to $45,000
• Departmental cost share is strongly encouraged, and it is expected that units will provide matching support if they are able, particularly when personnel retention or larger budgets are involved.
• Awards are not expected to be renewed beyond the current program year.

Application and review process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis or until funds are exhausted. We anticipate three review periods (Aug-Oct, Nov-Jan, Feb-Apr), assuming funds are still available through Spring 2026. 

Required components

1. Brief proposal narrative (2–3 pages) addressing:
   • Nature of the research and current status
   • Description of the disruption or gap
   • Use of interim funding and how it will sustain or advance the work
   • Plan for next steps (e.g., future funding applications, publications, deliverables)
2. Itemized budget (template provided) and brief justification
3. Short biosketch or CV (2–3 pages max)
4. Letter of support from unit Executive Officer (EO) explaining:
   • Why support is necessary for continuity of the project and the faculty member’s career progression,
   • Departmental efforts to support the applicant’s research program and career progression,
   • Departmental financial contribution to the proposed work. If the department is unable to provide financial support in any form, this should also be addressed in the letter. 

Applicants may also submit optional letters from collaborators or mentors, if relevant.

Review & reporting

Applicants will be notified of one of the following outcomes:

• Approved
• Approved with revisions
• Deferred
• Declined with feedback

Awardees must submit a brief final report (1–2 pages) detailing use of funds, outcomes, and next steps. They may also be invited to share their experiences through LAS research development programming.

Compliance and financial standing requirements

To ensure responsible stewardship of INSURE funds and alignment with university policies, the LAS Office of Research reserves the right to verify compliance and financial standing prior to award disbursement. Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be considered for funding.

How to apply

Applicants should submit all supporting documents through the LAS Funding Request webform. The application system does allow users to save a draft of their request and submit once complete. 

1. Log in to the LAS Funding Request webform using your net ID.
2. Select “New Form.”
3. For funding request type, select “Research.” This is in response to a specific call, “INSURE."
4. Answer questions to complete the full application.

Apply for INSURE

Contact information

For questions or additional guidance, please contact the LAS Office of Research.
 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)