2022 ASPIRE-I: Innovation Request for Proposals (pdf)
Provides detailed information about the ASPIRE-I: Innovation funding track, and its four sub-tracks.
Through the ASPIRE program, USC faculty have the opportunity to compete for funding to begin a promising new research endeavor for later external funding, build up a collaborative, interdisciplinary research project and/or invest in the university's research infrastructure. The goal of these investments is to enhance the University of South Carolina's research capabilities.
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. Through this program, USC faculty have the opportunity to compete for funding in three primary tracks, each designed to bolster research excellence at the university.
Complete details about each funding track, including eligibility information, sample requests for proposals and other required documentation are included below. If you have additional questions about the ASPIRE program, please contact Associate Director of Research and Grant Development, Beth Herron.
ASPIRE-I: Innovation funding is provided by the Office of the Vice President for Research to encourage faculty to develop individual innovative research projects leading to the pursuit of external funding or to the promotion of scholarly activities.
ASPIRE-I: Innovation is unique among the three primary ASPIRE funding tracks, in that it includes four sub-tracks, each designed to support junior or senior faculty members with their unique funding needs for research projects that are early in the development process, or that have been previously funded by grants that were not renewed. The four sub-tracks are:
ASPIRE-II: Integration funding is provided by the Vice President's Office for Research to support research involving at least two or more colleges/schools. This call is aimed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration between at least 3 or more faculty members to develop preliminary data to apply for targeted program projects, Centers of Excellence grants or similar mechanisms of extramural funding. The goal of this internal grant is to seed new, or support existing, collaborative interdisciplinary research that is nationally and internationally competitive and has a strong potential to be supported and sustained by external funding agencies.
ASPIRE-III: Infrastructure funding is provided by the Office of the Vice President for Research to develop infrastructure such as multi-user equipment and facilities with cutting-edge technology that is critical to the growth and competitiveness of USC's research portfolio. To pursue interdisciplinary research, it is critical that we have a state-of-the-art research infrastructure that can be used to sustain existing, and develop new interdisciplinary Centers of Excellence. This internal grant is aimed at providing support for such ventures. ASPIRE III funds may be used to complement extramural support for purchase of major equipment.
Provides detailed information about the ASPIRE-I: Innovation funding track, and its four sub-tracks.
Provides detailed information about the ASPIRE-I: Innovation sub-track IIB, which funds postdoctoral scholars' research projects.
Provides detailed information about the ASPIRE-II: Integration funding track.
Provides detailed information about the ASPIRE-III: Infrastructure funding track.
Faculty apply for ASPIRE funding 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 application process for ASPIRE-I, -II and -III funding.
Use this form to disclose other current or pending support you have secured or applied for to support this project.
Use this form to document and submit the budget details for your ASPIRE proposal.
Use this sample budget justification document as a helpful guide you as you create your own budget justification for your ASPIRE proposal.
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.
Provides detailed information on administration requirements for 2022 ASPIRE I funds.
Provides detailed information on administration requirements for 2022 ASPIRE II funds.
Provides detailed information on administration requirements for 2022 ASPIRE III funds.