Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 1pm-3pm; IMU
Register here by Thursday, November 5. The RDO will send a calendar invitation and room location upon registration.
The OVPR invites the University of Iowa research community to the inaugural Large Grant Development Opportunity (LGDO) Symposium.
About the Symposium
The symposium highlights the progress of the inaugural cohort of LGDO Phase 1 awardees as they share how institutional investment has enabled them to develop ambitious interdisciplinary research initiatives.
Each research team will deliver a brief lightning presentation describing:
- their research vision,
- progress achieved during Phase 1,
- lessons learned,
- plans for pursuing major external funding opportunities, and
- opportunities for future collaboration.
Following the presentations, attendees are invited to a networking reception to continue conversations, build new connections, and explore collaborative opportunities across disciplines.
Whether you are interested in identifying collaborators, learning about emerging research initiatives, or exploring future funding opportunities, the LGDO Symposium provides an opportunity to engage with colleagues who are helping shape Iowa's future research portfolio.
Why Attend?
The LGDO Symposium offers an opportunity to learn about emerging interdisciplinary research initiatives and connect with researchers developing the next generation of large-scale research proposals.
Attend to:
- Discover innovative research initiatives from across the university.
- Hear directly from LGDO-funded teams about their progress and future plans.
- Meet faculty building interdisciplinary collaborations for major federal and foundation funding opportunities.
- Explore opportunities for future research partnerships.
- Learn how the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is investing in the development of competitive research teams.
Symposium Program
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1:00 p.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks |
| 1:10 p.m. | Phase 1 Team Lightning Talks |
| 2:15 p.m. | Networking Reception |
| 3:00 p.m. | Adjourn |
Meet the LGDO Phase 1 Teams
The inaugural Phase 1 cohort represents seven interdisciplinary research teams working across colleges and disciplines to develop competitive proposals addressing significant scientific and societal challenges.
Lightning talks will feature the Phase 1 awardee teams as they discuss how they have strengthened collaborations, refined research directions, and positioned themselves for future large-scale funding opportunities.
Connect With Researchers Across Campus
Following the lightning talks, join us for an informal networking reception.
This is an opportunity to:
- Meet researchers from across colleges and disciplines.
- Continue conversations with the presenting teams.
- Identify complementary expertise.
- Explore future interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Learn more about upcoming LGDO opportunities.
Why the Large Grant Development Opportunity Matters
Large-scale research proposals require more than strong ideas; they require strong teams, strategic planning, and sustained collaboration.
LGDO was created by the Office of the Vice President for Research to help researchers build competitive interdisciplinary teams capable of pursuing transformative external funding opportunities.
The program supports the development of research teams through a three-phase model that includes:
- Team and idea development
- Pilot research and proposal refinement
- Final proposal development and submission
The symposium provides a unique opportunity to see these projects in development and learn how institutional investment is helping position Iowa researchers for future success.
Who Should Attend?
The symposium is open to members of the University of Iowa research community, including:
- Faculty
- Research scientists and scholars
- Associate Deans for Research
- Department Executive Officers
- Research administrators
- Anyone interested in large-scale research collaboration and external funding opportunities
Registration
Register here by November 5. The RDO will send a calendar invitation and room location upon registration.
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