BRIDGE FUNDING

Policy on Research Bridge Funds, College of Science and Mathematics

The College of Science and Mathematics strongly supports scholarship and student mentoring. The College also recognizes that a vibrant research program depends upon external funding, and that awards by agencies such as the NSF, NIH, NASA, and DOE are extremely competitive. A year without grant support while teaching a heavy load can severely impact research productivity and the ability to submit proposals. The Research Bridge Fund Policy was developed to aid those faculty members whose grant(s) ended and are facing the prospect of a full teaching load. The College, with the help of the Provost’s Office, will provide bridge funding for a maximum of one year immediately following the end date of a major external grant (no-cost extensions do not qualify). A major grant is defined as one that generates at least $18,000 of indirect costs as described in the California State University, Northridge Large Grants Policy. Under the College’s Research Bridge Funds Policy the PI will be provided with reassigned time equivalent to that received during the externally funded period, up to 12 units per year. The reassigned time must be used during the regular academic year, over one or two semesters. In addition, the PI will receive up to $5,000 for O&E to maintain their lab. In order to be eligible for the funds, the PI must have submitted a proposal for a major grant as defined above during the last year of the ending external grant (or grants). In addition, it is expected that during the year of bridge funding, the PI will take advantage of the reduced teaching load by preparing and submitting multiple external grant proposals. Funding under the Bridge Policy will continue until funding from a major grant begins, but not for more than one academic year.

Requests for Bridge Funding should be directed to the Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. Applications need to include a description of eligibility (specify the expiring grant, the proposal submitted during the final year, and provide copies of the relevant grant data forms), the number of reassigned time units being requested, the amount of O&E requested with a justification, a current CV, and a brief letter of support from the Department Chair.

All materials must be received in the Dean’s Office no later than May 1st.