Collaborative Discovery Grants
Limit:
- 3 submissions (TAMUK as lead) Award: Up to $250,000 (but no less than $100,000) for 12 months
Internal Application Deadlines (TAMUK):
- Deadline to College Dean: November 2, 2026
- Deadline to ORI: November 6, 2026
- Deadline to notify selected project: November 11, 2026
External Deadline:
- Full Proposal Deadline to ORI for System Submission: January 3, 2027
Overview:
- Collaborative Discovery Grants under the REF supports transformative, multi-system member research collaborations that have the potential to achieve major scientific breakthroughs and secure large-scale external funding from federal, state, or private sponsors.
- This program aims to leverage the collective strength of the A&M System research community, combining expertise, infrastructure, and geographic reach to address grand challenges aligned with national priorities and the needs of Texas. Proposals must include at least two A&M System member institutions as substantive partners to the lead institution. Three total A&M System member institutions required.
Program Objectives:
Collaborative Discovery Grants are designed to:
- Catalyze High-Impact Research Collaborations among three or more A&M System member institutions.
- Position A&M System Teams for Large-Scale Funding Opportunities (e.g., center grants, consortia, or major cooperative agreements) from major federal, state, and private sponsors.
- Advance Transformative Science and Innovation in fields aligned with state and national strategic priorities.
- Encourage Interdisciplinary Research Teams that integrate engineering, science, social science, and policy perspectives.
- Build Research Capacity and Visibility across the A&M System.