MRI Seed Funds

Overview

BYU MRI Research Facility Seed Funds are designed to fund preliminary and proof-of-concept studies and improve competition for external funding for larger projects.

General information

• Intended for preliminary or proof-of-concept studies
• Seed Funds do not fund large projects
• Each project can be awarded one Seed Fund grant

Award Information

Seed Funds are awarded as the cash equivalent of MRI scanner time at the BYU MRI Research Facility. Awards are capped at $20,000 of MRI scan time. Any scanner usage beyond the awarded amount will be billed at the standard BYU MRI Research Facility rates.

Acknowledgements

Publications, presentations, and other scholarly works resulting from Seed Fund supported research should include an acknowledgement of the BYU MRI Research Facility.

Application Process

If you are interested in applying for a seed fund grant, you will need to complete an application using the provided application template. It will be evaluated with the evaluation criteria listed below.

Once the application is completed, it should be submitted to mri@byu.edu.
Applications are reviewed within about 2 weeks of submission.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Impact on Student Learning:
   
   1. Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the project will contribute to enhancing student learning and involvement and could include direct opportunities for research, interdisciplinary learning, or practical training sessions that utilize the MRI facility

2. Facility Utilization:

   1. Detailed description of how the project will utilize specific resources and capabilities of the facility
   2. Request is for no more than $20,000

3. Scope of Study:

   1. Clearly defines the project with appropriate scope and subject numbers to demonstrate feasibility and potential for larger-scale funding

4. Scientific Hypothesis Alignment:

   1. Is the scientific hypothesis is well-aligned and logically connected with the proposed methods?

5. Methodological Soundness:

   1. Demonstration of methodological soundness, including statistical analysis and clear linkage between approach and hypotheses

6. Budget Justification:

   1. Well-justified budget that effectively utilizes funds for achieving the aims of the project

7. Future Funding Strategy:

   1. Detailed strategy for leveraging seed grant outcomes to secure future funding, including potential funding bodies and grant applications

8. Proposal Clarity:

   1. Proposal is concise, not exceeding 2 pages (excluding the cover page), with clear and direct presentation of ideas