At recent Cottrell Scholar Conversations on reopening research laboratories and programs, a significant number of Cottrell Scholars from primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) expressed serious concerns about the near and long-term support for research activities at their institutions, due to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 emergency to institutional budgets. One area of concern is that only partial funding may be available for new instrumentation, or for necessary updates to existing equipment.

To respond to this challenge, RCSA is creating Cottrell Instrumentation Supplements, an emergency initiative to help address this pressing need. Each Cottrell Instrumentation Supplement grant is for up to $20,000 and will provide partial funding to modernize existing or purchase new equipment.  Instrumentation purchased with Cottrell Instrumentation Supplement funds will be available to other scientists in the institution and will help promote remote-research and learning options. The Cottrell Instrument Supplement award program can be used in two contexts: a) as a matching fund commitment for a grant application, or b) where the funds for purchasing the instrument has already been identified.

Eligibility

Cottrell Instrumentation Supplement grants are available to Cottrell Scholars at primarily undergraduate institutions. Applications will be accepted from Cottrell Scholars in departments that do not offer PhD degrees. Scholars at Master’s granting departments are eligible to apply.

Submission Guidelines

Complete application packages contain the following materials:

• A cover sheet (provided)
• A two-page bio-sketch listing the most significant publications, awards and honors
• Up to three pages describing:
  • Research narrative indicating the need for the instrumentation request
  • A statement on how the requested instrumentation will expand the research infrastructure at the applicant’s department or science division, and how the equipment will be maintained
  • A statement on how the requested equipment will expand learning capabilities
  • A statement of the other support available for at least half of the costs. If Cottrell Instrumentation Supplement funds are used as matching support on a grant application, a copy of the submitted proposal cover sheet should be appended to application materials.
• One letter of support from the Department Chair or from a senior colleague (if the applicant is the Chair of the Department) endorsing the need for the request, and attesting to the mentoring and collaborative skills of the applicant.

Required materials should be combined in a single pdf and uploaded into the RCSA electronic system. To start the application process, click here.

Application deadline is July 15, 2020.

Selection Criteria

Successful candidates will be selected on the basis of:

• Strong record as an independent teacher scholar
• Strong evidence for the need of this support, in the context of the applicant’s research program
• A compelling statement on how the shared instrumentation will support science in place and remote research and educational activities at the department or college