The Research Development Office (RDO), within the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), helps researchers succeed with their pursuit of external funding. The RDO team coordinates campus-wide initiatives, manages internal funding programs, oversees limited submission opportunities, connects faculty to resources and collaborators, and provides guidance to maximize the impact of research proposals and creative works. 

Growing Campus Connections

Sign up to be added to the RDO mailing list to receive the RDO Monthly Newsletter and other timely information.

Funding Opportunities

Limited Submission Opportunities

The RDO manages the Limited Submission Opportunities process for grant applications to funding agencies that restrict the number of submissions allowed from an institution. An internal selection process has been established to make sure that multiple applications to the limited program do not render each other ineligible by the sponsor.

Arts and Humanities Initiative

The RDO coordinates the Arts & Humanities Initiative (AHI), an internal funding program within the OVPR that encourages leading edge scholarship, creative activities, and interdisciplinary research. Three grant categories are available.

The application deadline for the Fall 2026 cycle will be October 13, 2026.

OVPR Large Grant Development Opportunity

The OVPR invites applications to the Large Grant Development Opportunity for funding to support development of large disciplinary grant proposals, including: building interdisciplinary research teams, conducting pilot research, and finalizing grant submissions.

The application deadline for the next cycle will be January 31, 2027.

Upcoming Events

EPSCoR Lunch and Learn Series - DoD (DEPSCoR) Session promotional image

EPSCoR Lunch and Learn Series - DoD (DEPSCoR) Session

Thursday, April 9, 2026 12:30pm to 1:30pm
MERGE

The University of Iowa is eligible for EPSCoR funding from four federal agencies: DoD, DOE, NASA, and NSF. The purpose of the EPSCoR Lunch and Learn Series is to promote EPSCoR opportunities and connect faculty with successful awardees. EPSCoR enhances science and technology in states with fewer federal R&D funds. Sessions include agency-specific opportunities, panel insights, and a Q&A. Lunch is provided.The University of Iowa is eligible for EPSCoR funding from four federal agencies: DoD, DOE...

Navigating ARPA-H: Overview and Lessons Learned promotional image

Navigating ARPA-H: Overview and Lessons Learned

Friday, April 10, 2026 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Virtual

The Research Development Office is hosting a virtual information and panel session on Friday, April 10, from 2 to 3 p.m. Join us virtually to learn more about ARPA-H. During the session, the RDO will give an overview of the programs, and two successful awardees will discuss their experiences, share their insights, and respond to your questions.

Panelists

Karen Dunn Lopez (Professor, Nursing)

Jill Kolesar (Dean, College of Pharmacy; Jean M. Schmidt Chair and Professor, Drug Discovery)

Registration

Reg...

EPSCoR Lunch and Learn Series - DOE Session promotional image

EPSCoR Lunch and Learn Series - DOE Session

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
MERGE

The University of Iowa is eligible for EPSCoR funding from four federal agencies: DoD, DOE, NASA, and NSF. The purpose of the EPSCoR Lunch and Learn Series is to promote EPSCoR opportunities and connect faculty with successful awardees. EPSCoR enhances science and technology in states with fewer federal R&D funds. Sessions include agency-specific opportunities, panel insights, and a Q&A. Lunch is provided.The University of Iowa is eligible for EPSCoR funding from four federal agencies: DoD, DOE...

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