IAHEES Station Project Proposal Guidelines and Directions for Completion

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Prepare the IAHEES Project Proposal using any word-processing software package and format with one-inch margins and a minimum 12-point font. Suggested page lengths are given for some sections.

Project Number: New project numbers are assigned by the IAHEES. Fill in project number only if a revision.

  1. Title
    Title should be exactly the same as on form AD-416.
  2. Personnel
    List principal (PI) and co-principal investigators (Co-PI):
    • PI: Scientist who is principally responsible for the project.
    • Co-PI: Scientist(s) who will play a vital role in the project and whose input is necessary for successful completion of the project.
  3. Signatures
    Administrative approval signatures are required from the departmental executive officers of all participating departments and from those listed under "Personnel."
  4. Check appropriate blank for number 4 and submit appropriate forms to the University committee for approval. (Human Subjects in Research Form)
  5. Check appropriate blank for number 5 and submit appropriate form to the University committee for approval. (Care and Use of Animals in Research Form)
  6. Check appropriate blank for number 6 and submit appropriate form to the University committee for approval. (Recombinant DNA Studies Form)
  7. Check appropriate blank for number 7 and submit appropriate form to the University committee for approval. (Radioactive Materials Use Form and Radiation Producing Devices)
  8. Describe the use of land/buildings/facilities at the Iowa State Research and Demonstration Farms. This can be included in the proposal or after 8 on the signature page.
  9. Objectives (list)
    Objectives should be clear, specific and attainable within the duration of the project. Present the objectives as a numbered list, probably two to four for most projects. Do not give subobjectives here. Objectives must be stated exactly as they are worded in the AD-416 form.
  10. Justification and Impact (1 page)
    Briefly state the purpose of the proposed research. What problem is being addressed? Why is the research necessary? Present a strong justification to support the conduct of the proposed research. What will be the anticipated economic, societal, social, scientific and/or environmental impact of this work? What are the indicators of the successful impact of this project?
  11. Previous Work and Present Outlook (2-3 pages)
    What is the state of the science? Summarize the most important previous and current work (literature and unpublished studies) relevant to the proposed activities. Do not limit yourself to, but also do not exclude, your own work. Utilize the CRIS system to access current information about unpublished progress and plans in USDA supported research. Indicate the unique contribution to the chosen field that your proposed studies will make.
  12. Procedures (2-5 pages)
    First, give the general design of the project. Describe the methods that will be used to meet the objectives. Detailed protocols should only be given for the initial stages of the investigation; later stages may be described in a more general manner. Note critical decision points at which selection from multiple options for project direction will be made. If your personal expertise in the research protocols cannot be illustrated by citing your own published research, describe the procedures in sufficient detail to demonstrate to reviewers that you are thoroughly familiar with the appropriate proposed procedures. Describe the methods to be used to analyze your results. Consultation with statisticians can be of great assistance in project design and choice of appropriate statistical analysis methods. State potential problems of your project and how you will resolve them.
  13. Cooperation
    List any other ISU or non-ISU scientists or agencies that will be involved, with a brief statement describing their role in the project.
    • Cooperator: Scientist(s) who is working in a complementary area and will interact with the PI by exchange of information, materials, etc.
    • Advisor: Scientist(s) who have expertise in the area and who may consult with the PI and/or Co-PI(s) on technical matters, but not as an active participant in the project.

    ISU researchers with a major role in the project should not be included in this section, but should be listed on the signature page as Co-PIs.

  14. Proposed date of completion or revision
    Not to exceed five years from date of project approval. Specified start date should be no less than 10-12 weeks after the date of submission to IAHEES, to allow sufficient time for the review and revision process. The start date is contingent upon approval of the project by the IAHEES Directors.
  15. Literature citations
    List all references cited in the proposal. Use any standard format for presenting complete citations, including titles. All references should be in the same format.
  16. Budgetary needs (subject to availability of funds from the departmental block budgets)
    • Record budget by year and category, utilizing format similar to the one given on the next page.
    • IAHEES has limited resources and intends for the investigators of most IAHEES-funded projects to seek additional resources from external agencies (refer to Office of Sponsored Programs).
    • List current research funding.
  17. Curriculum vitae for each investigator listed on cover page of proposal signature page (2 pages maximum per investigator). Include the following information:
    • Name
    • Academic rank and department
    • Education
    • Professional experience
    • Research funding (past five years)
    • Publications (past five years)

    See also Committee Review(s) for Special Use Studies.

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