Estate of Albert O’Brien Energy Research Fund

Seed Grant Application

Name of Project

Names of all PIs

Total Funding Requested

Date of Submission

1Significance and Impact

1.1Impact of Target Research Initiativeon the Energy Sector

Relevant Requirements

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From Table 2 – Required Structure of Proposals

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Discussion of the significance & impact of the Target Research Initiative relative to current, state of the art science and research.

From Table 3 – Evaluation Criteria

  • Overall impact of Target Research Initiative on the energy sector.
  • Anticipated benefits of the Target Research Initiative in comparison to current and emerging methods.
  • Degree to which the Target Research Initiative makes progress on new/existing concepts.
  • Degree to which demonstrated, energy-sector interest exists around the Target Research Initiative and O'Brien-Funded Research.

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1.2Impact of Target Research Initiativeon Realization of Energy Institute Strategic Goals

Relevant Requirements

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From Table 2 – Responsiveness Requirements

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Discussion of how the Target Research Initiative will advance one or more of the Energy Institute’s goals. Per the terms of the O’Brien Fund, the Energy Institute will fund proposals that primarily impact success against Goals A and B. Nonetheless, Applicants should consider and detail impacts on Goal C, including the value of graduate student funding opportunities.

From Table 3 – Evaluation Criteria

  • Degree to which Target Research Initiative will impact one or more of the Energy Institute’s strategic goals, as provided in Appendix A.

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2Execution plan

Relevant Requirements

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From Table 2 – Responsiveness Requirements

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Discussion of the specific research steps and methods planned for the proposed O’Brien-Funded Research.

From Table 3 – Evaluation Criteria

  • Degree to which the proposed O’Brien-Funded Research is based on sound scientific and research principles.
  • Adequacy and feasibility of the Applicant’s approach to achieving the proposed O’Brien-Funded Research’s objectives.
  • Degree to which the Applicant has identified high-risk challenges and presented reasonable mitigation strategies.
  • Extent of prior use, research, development or application of the proposed research and appropriateness of how the prior work relates to the proposed application of the research.
  • Degree to which the proposal involves multiple PIs in interdisciplinary collaboration across colleges or departments

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3Implementation plan

Relevant Requirements (please delete yellow shaded text from your response)

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From Table 2 – Responsiveness Requirements

1 page limit

Discussion of how the PIs will use the proposed O’Brien-Funded Research to achieve the significance and impact of the Target Research Initiative as discussed in both § 2.1 and § 2.2.

From Table 3 – Evaluation Criteria

  • Degree to which the implementation plan articulates how the PIs will use the proposed O'Brien-Funded Research to further the significance and impact of the Target Research Initiative.
  • Adequacy, completeness and likelihood of success of that plan.
  • Degree to which proposal identifies opportunities for collaboration with the Energy Institute toward funding or otherwise promoting or developing the impact of the Target Research Initiative.

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4Budget

Relevant Requirements

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From Table 2 – Responsiveness Requirements

1 page limit

A budget for the proposed O’Brien-Funded Research, including both a budget table and a written justification for the amounts requested.

From Table 3 – Evaluation Criteria

  • Adequacy and completeness proposed budget in tabular form.
  • Completeness of budget authorization forms.
  • Cost efficiency of proposed budget.

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Name of ProjectOctober 11, 2017

Name of lead PIPage 1

Attachment A – Budget Justification Forms

Relevant Requirements

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From Table 2 – Responsiveness Requirements

Completed FY18 budget justification forms, reflecting the entire proposed budget, for signature by the Energy Institute. PIs may later roll funds over to FY19 as necessary through their EBOs. However, at least 65% of all awarded funds must be expended no later than 06/30/2018 and all funds must be expended by 10/01/2018. Approval by email from the Energy Institute is required to use the funds for summer salary (see the Table 1).

Attachment B – Letters of Commitment/Support

Relevant Requirements

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From Table 2 – Responsiveness Requirements

If applicable, letters of commitment or support from external entities, such as industry partners, NGOs or government offices

Attachment C – Summer Salary Request and Approval

Relevant Requirements

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From Table 2 – Responsiveness Requirements

If summer salary was requested, the required Energy Institute approval (see Table 1) must be included in this Appendix.