The OVPR is offering two sessions that will help researchers take their grant writing strategy to the next level. Learn from panels of UI faculty with vibrant, high-dollar grant portfolios as they discuss the trade-offs of different approaches to selecting which grants to apply for and growing the number of awards.
Scaling Your Research Program: From One Grant to Many
Tuesday, April 7
Register by Monday, April 6. The RDO will send a calendar invitation and room details upon registration.
Depth or Breadth? Navigating Funding Agency Strategies for Research Success
Tuesday, April 28
Register by Monday, April 27. The RDO will send a calendar invitation and room details upon registration.
Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Time: 2:30pm-3:30pm
Location: College of Public Health Building
Panelists
- Allison Bruhn (Professor, Special Education)
- Korey Kennelty (Patrick E. Keefe Professor in Pharmacy, Pharmacy Practice and Science)
- Peter Thorne (Professor, University of Iowa Distinguished Chair, Occupational and Environmental Health)
Moderator
- David Schwebel (Vice President for Research)
Event Description
What does it really take to grow from managing one grant to sustaining two or three at the same time? This in-person panel explores the benefits and challenges of scaling a research portfolio, including increased impact and independence alongside the risks of burnout, overcommitment, and administrative overload. Through candid reflections and practical strategies, panelists will share how they navigated growth, organized their labs, and built sustainable funding trajectories over time.
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Time: 2:30pm-3:30pm
Location: University Capitol Centre
Panelists
- Aliasger Salem (Associate Vice President for Research; Lyle and Sharon Bighley Endowed Chair and Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences)
- Hans-Joachim Lehmler (Associate Dean for Research, College of Public Health; Professor, Occupational and Environmental Health)
- Robert Piper (Associate Dean for Research, Carver College of Medicine; Professor, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics)
- H.S. Udaykumar (Associate Dean for Research, College of Engineering; Roy J. Carver Professor of Engineering and Professor, Mechanical Engineering)
Moderator
- David Schwebel (Vice President for Research)
Event Description
Should you focus your grant efforts on one funding agency or diversify across many? This in-person panel brings senior researchers together to explore the strategic trade-offs between depth and breadth in research funding, drawing on real experiences across career stages and disciplines. Participants will leave with practical insights to help align their funding strategies with their research goals, risk tolerance, and long-term trajectories.
Questions?
Please email vpr-rdo@uiowa.edu with any questions. Sign up for the RDO Monthly Newsletter to stay up-to-date on RDO activities here!
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Research Development Office in advance at 319-335-2119 or vpr-rdo@uiowa.edu.