Research Program & RFP
Supporting Policy-Relevant Research
Funding
Research projects are funded through a competitive, peer-reviewed process, with a biennial call for proposals. Four projects are supported in the 2009-2011 funding cycle. Average awards are $140,000 for two-year projects, with a required 50 percent non-federal match. The next round of funding will be awarded in 2012, with pre-proposals due in February 2011.
Eligibility
Researchers from any accredited University in the state of Michigan are eligible to apply as a Principal Investigator. However, project teams are not limited to university researchers or Michigan residents. Only those investigators who have submitted pre-proposals are eligible to submit full proposals.
Research Approach
Michigan Sea Grant supports research projects that take an Integrated Assessment approach to tackling complex environmental issues in the state. Projects synthesize existing natural and social scientific information in the context of a policy or management question.
For more information, see: Integrated Assessment.
Relevant Research Topics
Current coastal resource issues define our research agenda. Research topics align with Sea Grant’s four focus areas: hazard resilient coastal communities, healthy coastal ecosystems, safe sustainable seafood supply, sustainable coastal development. Michigan Sea Grant works in partnership with local, state, federal or tribal governments to identify a range of research topics that are particularly relevant to upcoming decisions. During a call for proposals, researchers are encouraged to submit proposals to conduct an Integrated Assessment about one of these topics or to propose a different topic, in a defined region of Michigan, that meets the criteria for an Integrated Assessment. See: Integrated Assessment.
Understanding Stakeholder Needs
Sea Grant research projects are intended to support environmental decision-making and thus, understanding the needs of stakeholders is crucial to their success. Engaging policy-makers, community members, and the media requires time and skills that may be beyond the scope of a traditional research team. Sea Grant outreach professionals work with researchers to support the process of identifying government contacts, engaging stakeholders, and developing communication materials.
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