Dear colleagues,
Rice University remains committed to research, scientific discovery and creative works. In light of changing external funding priorities, a long-term sustainability approach is necessary to deliver on our strategic plan and increased impact. As a result, we are pleased to announce that we are launching a Bridge Funding Program for faculty whose federally sponsored research support has been unexpectedly terminated or reduced.
Rice is committed to funding all existing graduate students, as long as they are making good progress toward their degree, and all postdocs under contract. This program intends to ensure that adequate funding for those commitments is available during the current period of uncertainty when federal funding is reduced or terminated for reasons not associated with the quality of the research. Contributions from faculty, academic departments, deans and central funds will be necessary. The program provides funding for up to one full year (12 months) or until alternative funding is secured, whichever comes first. Limited bridge funding may be available for up to an additional year if the PI is actively pursuing additional funding, no other funding is secured, central bridge funds remain available and the department/school has a long-term plan to assist in managing support for graduate students.
In collaboration with the schools, a central oversight committee made up of a leadership team from the executive vice president for research, executive vice president for academic affairs/provost and executive vice president for operations, finance and support will review submissions for funding and approve requests based on available funding and prioritization.
Principles and Expectations
Bridge funding is intended to be a temporary and targeted support mechanism, structured as a cost-sharing partnership among the central administration, school, principal investigator’s department and the PI.
Before requesting bridge support, faculty are expected to:
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Utilize remaining grant resources judiciously. While we do not expect faculty to zero out every line of other active awards, it is expected that faculty support graduate stipends and postdocs before drawing on summer salary or paid academic year time.
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Reallocate graduate students and postdocs to other active awards, where the research is complementary, and the postdoc(s) or student(s) can perform effort on that grant.
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Coordinate with the department to explore the reallocation of teaching assistant resources for displaced graduate students.
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Continue to aggressively pursue new and supplemental funding from federal agencies, foundations and other sponsors.
Eligibility for funding, in priority order:
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Graduate students admitted, accepted or already enrolled by April 2025
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Postdocs under contract by April 2025, with high potential for career advancement and research productivity
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Research faculty and staff currently funded on soft money, whose continuity is important to ongoing projects or future funding competitiveness
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Other required funding such as materials and supplies or equipment (description of items and justification for importance must be provided)
Special consideration will be given to early career awards, including and beyond one year of bridge funding.
The relative priority between postdocs and research faculty may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis, especially where personal circumstances or the university’s strategic research interests warrant consideration.
Proposed Funding Allocation
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Split costs 50% school (including PI, department and school) and 50% central
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Deans work with the department chairs and PIs to determine the portion of funding that will be required from PI funds to support the school’s 50% share. It is expected that PIs with available funds will contribute, and that the PI’s portion will come from all of their available funding, including discretionary funding (i.e., faculty funds).
Departmental approval is required and must include confirmation of the cost-share commitment and any reallocation of TA support where relevant.
Process
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AFTER notification of a grant termination and/or reduction, the PI:
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Immediately notifies the Office of Research of the official termination notice
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Submits the “bridge funding” application to the department chair and then to the dean’s office for approval
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Application includes:
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PI’s name, department, school and rank
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Grant number and title
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Grant summary
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Funding agency
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Termination/reduction effective date
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Total funding requested and school/department/PI funding allocation
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Expense detail to be covered with bridge funding in priority order with a budget justification attached
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Narrative on potential new grant sources to pursue for long-term funding
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The oversight committee will meet regularly to review and approve applications.
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Once approved, notification of approval will be sent to the dean, department chair and PI; the approved bridge funding would become available only after a grant has officially been terminated or its funding has been reduced.
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An internal faculty project fund will be set up as a cost-reimbursable project with an appropriate start date, end date and approved budget; no cost extensions will not be considered.
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A monthly report will be produced for deans and leadership detailing approved grants and approval timeframe.
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Bridge renewal funding can be requested after the first year but requires submission of an additional application and justification for continued support, using the same eligibility criteria.
While this process is only for terminated or reduced federal grants, we are aware of the possibility of other budget cuts and the impact this would have on renewals of long-standing grants and are watching this closely.
We understand that periods of funding uncertainty can be particularly difficult and hope that this program will serve as a meaningful resource to help you navigate such transitions. We are grateful for your continued contributions to the university’s research mission.
Additional guidance will be provided no later than April 30. Please direct any questions or requests for additional information to Carlos Garcia at chemcar@rice.edu .
Ramamoorthy Ramesh
Executive Vice President for Research
Amy K. Dittmar
Howard R. Hughes Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Kelly Fox
Executive Vice President for Operations, Finance and Support