The deadline for two FORWARD grant programs, the Leap Lab Renovation Grants and Leap Research Grants, is April 29. NDSU women assistant, associate or not-yet-tenured professors in STEM disciplines are eligible to apply for either of these grant opportunities.
The Leap Lab Renovation Grants are intended to help women STEM faculty improve lab infrastructure as a means to advance their research programs. Funds are available for lab renovation only, not for equipment or instrumentation. Leap Research Grants are intended to increase the potential for STEM women faculty to acquire external funding.
Each year, the FORWARD project surveys recipients of its various grant programs. The significance of these grants is demonstrated in the results from the fall 2010 survey. Specifically, awardees agreed the FORWARD award/grant programs have had a positive impact on their decision to remain at NDSU (86 percent) and on their tenure or promotion process (88 percent). They also agreed these programs have enhanced their experience of the NDSU campus climate (78 percent) and helped them develop leadership skills that will assist in their career advancement (81 percent).
The tangible impact of these grants also is notable. As of fall 2010, these awards have translated into 19 articles under review; six articles accepted for publication; 22 grants submitted and under review; and six grants funded. To date, more than 70 faculty members have received support totaling more than $600,000. Application information and forms for all the FORWARD grants are available at www.ndsu.edu/forward/.