2023 ASPIRE Request for Proposals (pdf)
The ASPIRE 2023 RFP contains complete details about applying for a 2023 ASPIRE Award. ASPIRE 2023 proposals are due on Thursday, February 16, 2023
The Office of the Vice President for Research is proud to invest in USC's present and future research excellence through the Advanced Support for Innovative Research Excellence, or ASPIRE program. Since 2012, ASPIRE has been one of the university's primary funding mechanisms to support research by USC faculty at all levels, across all campuses.
ASPIRE has evolved over the years, always with the goal of advancing USC faculty research by funding meritorious research projects across disciplines. For the 2023 funding cycle, ASPIRE will emphasize support for early-career faculty who intend to pursue subsequent extramural funding.
If you have questions about the ASPIRE program, please contact contact Beth Herron at bherron@mailbox.sc.edu or Julie Morris at jamorris@mailbox.sc.edu.
2023 ASPIRE Request for proposals and application materials
ASPIRE proposals are submitted through USCeRA, the University of South Carolina electronic research administration software system, but some forms must be completed outside of the system, and then attached. Additionally, some steps in the ASPIRE application process in USCeRA might require guidance. Below, you will find the forms and guidelines necessary to complete the ASPIRE application process.
All ASPIRE 2023 proposals are due before 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2023.
ASPIRE Current and Pending Support Form (docx)
Use this form to disclose other current or pending support you have secured or applied for to support this project.
ASPIRE Budget Form (xls)
Use this form to document and submit the budget details for your ASPIRE proposal.
Sample ASPIRE Budget Justification Document (docx)
Use this sample budget justification document as a helpful guide you as you create your own budget justification for your ASPIRE proposal.
Internal Commitment Form Instructions (pdf)
Use these instructions to guide you in completing the Internal Commitment Form in USCeRA. Note that the Internal Commitment Form will only appear if you check the box next to "Internal Requests" on the USCeRA Proposal/Award Processing Form.
ASPIRE 2022 Terms & Conditions
The below terms and conditions documents apply to ASPIRE 2022 awards only.
ASPIRE I Award Terms & Conditions (pdf)
Provides detailed information on administration requirements for 2022 ASPIRE I funds.
ASPIRE II Award Terms & Conditions (pdf)
Provides detailed information on administration requirements for 2022 ASPIRE II funds.
ASPIRE III Award Terms & Conditions (pdf)
Provides detailed information on administration requirements for 2022 ASPIRE III funds.