IAHEES Project Proposal Preparation and Submission


 

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IAHEES Project Proposal Definition

     An IAHEES Station project proposal is defined as a request for support of University activities such as research, instruction or extension projects, or for combinations of these functions; and support may be requested in the form of funding, equipment, or materials. A Station project proposal generally includes at least a cover or title page, justification section, objectives, the technical description of the proposed work, a budget, and a vita of key personnel involved in the project. New investigators are strongly encouraged to consult their DEO before preparing a proposal. Examples of well-prepared proposals can be obtained from the Research Programs Office, 137 Curtiss Hall.

New Projects

     Development of an IAHEES Station project first requires the identification of an area of research that addresses a priority agricultural, natural resources, home economics, rural and/or community development issue or problem, as defined according to the mission and goals of the IAHEES.

Revised Projects

     In the case of some long-term research efforts, a project revision using the same project number may be prepared. A revision is appropriate if the objectives have not changed, but the procedures need to be updated. A revision undergoes a peer review process identical to a proposed new IAHEES Hatch project.

IAHEES Station Project Proposal Guidelines and Directions for Completion

      Prepare the IAHEES project proposal as given in the guidelines and review all requirements and forms. It will save valuable time and avoid frustration later in the submission process. When the IAHEES project proposal is in order, and all the necessary forms are completed, then you are ready to submit the documentation. Make certain the correct current IAHEES project proposal cover form (1-8) is on the top. Proposal length usually should be 7-10 pages. By being as complete as possible, you give yourself more flexibility in funding possibilities. All annual and financial reporting follows federal guidelines.

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. The proposal should be complete but concise.

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):
  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.

    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. Coordination (if an umbrella project)
    Briefly describe how the various PIs will coordinate the research described.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. Financial support
    Provide a list of estimated total scientist-years (SY) effort proposed for the project, broken down by year.
  18. Names of 4-6 on-campus reviewers qualified to evaluate all or part of the content of the proposal.

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

IAHEES Proposal Review and Approval Process

     PIs should allow 10-12 weeks between submission and approval. Plan so that there are no gaps between effective dates of terminated projects and a new or revised project. Part of the approval process is peer review and committee review, which requires considerable time. Revision may also be requested before approval.