Core Voucher Program
1. PURPOSE
The School of Medicine (SOM) Dean’s Office Core Voucher Program & Seed (CVPS) provides
targeted support for use of SOM-supported Core services to generate preliminary data
or complete a defined research project milestone that will directly support a planned
extramural grant application. SOM CVPS is a strategic investment intended to enhance
the competitiveness of extramural funding applications and support the development
of externally funded research programs.
2. PROGRAM PRINCIPLES
CVP authorizes payment of approved Core services. It is not a cash award, discretionary
research account, or general intramural grant. Support is project-specific, subject
to available SOM funds. Seed funds are a set amount to cover costs when no other funds
are available for analysis.
3. INVESTIGATOR AND PROJECT ELIGIBILITY
Eligible applicants are SOM faculty at any rank, with priority given to early-stage investigators who lack sufficient available research funds to cover required Core services. Review of eligibility will consider the investigator's current active research support, whether funds from active awards are available and allowable to support the proposed SOM Core services, and the extent to which CVP support is necessary to advance the planned extramural funding application.
Requests must include: (1) Department Head/Chair endorsement addressing project needs
and extramural funding potential; (2) scientific justification for the requested services
and documentation of mentoring or scientific advisory support, if appropriate; (3)
Core confirmation of technical feasibility and the associated estimated cost of the
services; and (4) identification of the anticipated extramural funding mechanism and
target submission date. Prior SOM intramural support does not automatically preclude
eligibility. However, CVP funds may not duplicate or overlap support for the same
services or specific project activities.
4. ELIGIBLE USES
CVP funds may be used only for approved services provided by participating SOM Cores.
The requested Core services must be directly linked to generation of preliminary data
or achievement of a specific research milestone supporting a planned extramural grant
application. Funds may not support salaries or fringe benefits, general laboratory
supplies purchased outside a Core, equipment, travel, publication costs, or costs
already budgeted or otherwise available through an active sponsored award.
5. VOUCHER AMOUNT, TERM, AND DEPARTMENTAL ALLOCATION
Voucher support may be provided up to $10,000 per investigator/project, based on the approved Core estimate and available funds. Awards are valid for 12 months from approval. Unused balances expire and do not carry forward unless an extension is approved in writing. Scope changes or charges above the approved amount require prior written authorization; otherwise, excess charges are the responsibility of the investigator and/or department. The Dean's Office may approve a voucher for less than the amount requested based on the scope of work, available funds, and program priorities.
Each basic science department will be assigned an annual maximum voucher allocation
of $50,000. Investigators in clinical departments will also be eligible for vouchers
up to $5,000 from the dean’s office and will require a one-to-one match from departmental
funds. The maximum contribution from the Dean’s office will be $50,000 allocated to
all clinical departments combined. These allocations are spending ceilings, not departmental
fund transfers, do not carry forward, and may be reallocated by the Dean’s Office
based on utilization, demand, program outcomes, or institutional priorities.
6. APPLICATION, REVIEW, AND AUTHORIZATION
The investigator must first meet with the Core Director or their designee. A completed voucher request, Core estimate, Department Head endorsement, and any required scientific advisory or mentoring documentation must be submitted by the Department or unit Business Manager to the SOM Office of Research. The Office of Research confirms eligibility, available funds, and alignment with program objectives. When demand exceeds available funds, priority may be given to projects with a defined funding opportunity, feasible submission timeline, strong technical feasibility, appropriate scientific guidance, and a clear likelihood that the requested work will materially strengthen an extramural application.
No voucher-supported work may begin before written authorization. Approved projects
remain subject to standard Core scheduling and operating procedures and do not receive
preferential access.
7. PAYMENT AND INVESTIGATOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Upon completion of approved services, the Core provides the work product or service to the investigator and submits internal charge documentation to the designated Dean’s Office representative. Payment is limited to approved services and the authorized amount.
Investigators are expected to submit an extramural funding application related to
the voucher-supported project within 12 months after completion of Core services and
must report the application, funding decision, and resulting grants, publications,
abstracts, presentations, or other significant research products when requested. Appropriate
publications and presentations should acknowledge SOM CVP support. A progress report
describing the grant application submitted using the Core services must be submitted
to the office of research within a year of receiving the funding.
8. FUTURE ELIGIBILITY, WITHDRAWAL, AND EXCEPTIONS
An unfunded application does not preclude future voucher support. A subsequent request should include sponsor/reviewer feedback (summary statement), when available, and explain how additional Core services will strengthen a revised or new application. Failure to submit the planned extramural application within 12 months may affect future eligibility unless documented circumstances justify an exception. If the voucher-supported results do not support submission of the planned application, the investigator must provide a brief written outcome report to the Office of Research
If a project is withdrawn, the investigator must promptly notify the Core, Department
Business Manager, and Office of Research. Charges for work already initiated or completed
may become the responsibility of the investigator and/or department. Exceptions based
on unique scientific, programmatic, or institutional circumstances must be requested
in writing and approved by the Dean or Dean’s designee.
9. PROGRAM OVERSIGHT
The SOM Office of Research administers the program and may annually evaluate voucher utilization, Core use, extramural applications and awards, research products, and return on investment to inform future program funding and allocation decisions.