Faculty Resources

Jump to section:

• Funding Resources
• Pre-Award & PERA
• Post Award    
• Research Compliance
• Undergraduate Research
• Industry Sponsored research

Funding Resources (Internal & External)

Identifying and securing funding is a core activity for research faculty. Purdue provides numerous funding resources to help investigators find opportunities – both inside the university and from external sponsors.

Internal Funding Opportunities: The Office of the Executive VP for Research offers several internal funding programs to support Purdue researchers. These competitive programs provide seed grants and other research development awards. Examples include: Supporting Partnering for Advanced Research Teamwork (SPARK) Program,  Showalter Awards, and Research Bridge Funding.  Keep an eye on the EVPR Funding Announcements page for current opportunities and deadlines.

Limited Submissions: When an external sponsor limits the number of proposals from an institution, Purdue runs an internal review to select the nominees. The EVPRP uses an online system (InfoReady) to manage limited submission competitions and certain internal grants. Faculty can find postings of all open limited-submission opportunities on the Purdue InfoReady website.

External Funding Search: Purdue supports several tools and services to help faculty discover external funding.

• Pivot Funding Database: Pivot is the primary source of funding opportunity information at Purdue, covering a vast range of federal and private sponsors. Pivot allows you to search for grants and awards and also automatically matches opportunities to researcher profiles. Faculty can create a Pivot account (free via Purdue’s subscription) and set up tailored email alerts for new opportunities in your field. The database is editorially maintained and very comprehensive – spanning NSF, NIH, DOE, foundations, and more.
• Funding Newsletters and Alerts: The EVPRP Research Development office curates funding opportunity newsletters. Subscribe to the Research Funding Weekly Email which highlights new calls and deadlines across disciplines.
• External Sponsor Resources: Major Federal sponsors and State of Indiana funding agencies offer sponsor specific searching tools and email subscriptions. Please refer to the Search Tools and Alerts page for more information.

Note: When pursuing external funding, don’t hesitate to reach out to Hanover Research (described below) or Purdue’s proposal development specialists for support in proposal writing and strategy. And remember to involve your Pre-Award support team early to develop a competitive proposal and a compliant budget.

Hanover Research Support

Purdue Polytechnic has partnered with Hanover Research, an external grant development and market research firm, to provide additional support for faculty seeking external funding. Hanover’s grant professionals – with expertise spanning a wide range of sponsors – offer services to strengthen your grant proposals. This support can be especially valuable for faculty who are developing large, complex proposals or applying to new funding agencies.

What Hanover Offers: Through the partnership, Purdue Polytechnic faculty can access several levels of proposal assistance.

• Proposal Consultation – One-on-one brainstorming sessions with a Hanover grants consultant. In a consultation, you can discuss how to frame your research idea to match a funder’s priorities or how to respond to prior reviewer feedback on an unfunded proposal. This is great if you are early in the process or revising a declined proposal (e.g., “Grantsmanship Strategy Consult” or “Unfunded Proposal Review”).
• Proposal Review – A full critical review of your draft proposal. The consultant will read your proposal (e.g. specific aims and research strategy) and provide a detailed critique of strengths, weaknesses, and alignment with the solicitation. You’ll receive a memo outlining suggestions to improve competitiveness – similar to an external peer review before you submit. Hanover typically asks for about a one-month lead time to do a thorough review, so plan accordingly.
• Proposal Revision/Edit – In addition to feedback, Hanover can do an in-depth edit of the proposal narrative. Using tracked changes and comments, they will suggest revisions to tighten the text, improve clarity, and ensure the narrative meets the sponsor’s review criteria. This service is most useful when you have a near-final draft that you want polished. Turnaround time is usually ~10–15 business days for a revision, so schedule ahead.

The cost is covered by the college partnership with Hanover, but they are typically limited to a certain number of projects at any given time. For example, in Purdue’s Polytechnic Institute partnership, the pipeline is capped at two concurrent projects to ensure quality support. Preference may be given to early-career faculty (like tenure-track assistant professors) or first-time investigators, but all Polytechnic faculty can request help.

How to Engage Hanover: Please fill out a request form with information about your proposal and timeline. Once your request is received, the research office will confirm availability and connect you with a Hanover consultant. Be prepared to share a draft of your proposal and the solicitation. The service is first-come, first-served, so it’s wise to reach out early in your proposal development stage to secure a spot.  If you have any additional questions, please send an email to polytechnicresearch@purdue.edu

Pre-Award Support & PERA

Faculty are encouraged to engage SPS early in the proposal process for guidance and to ensure all requirements are met before deadlines.

• Pre-Award Center: The SPS Pre-Award team provides one-on-one assistance with proposal development and routing. Polytechnic-affiliated researchers can work with the Central/Discovery Park Pre-Award Center: centralpreaward@purdue.edu.  
• Proposal Initiation Form: To kick-start the proposal process, faculty should complete the proposal initiation through the PERA system 15 business days prior to the submission.
• Grant Writing Workshops: The Office of the Executive Vice President for Research (EVPR) offers periodic grant writing workshops and resources to enhance grantsmanship. Faculty are notified via the EVPR or college research offices about upcoming training opportunities to improve proposal development skills.

For more information regarding Pre-Award, please refer to EVPR’s Pre-Award webpage.

Purdue has implemented a new research administration platform called PERA (Purdue Excellence in Research Administration) to streamline and integrate various research processes. PERA is an online tool designed to simplify all aspects of grant management – from proposal development and routing to award administration and compliance tracking.  Key features of PERA include:

• Unified Proposal & Award Platform: PERA brings pre-award and post-award modules into one system. Faculty will use PERA to submit grant proposals (with system-to-system electronic submissions to agencies, including automated compliance checks) and to manage funded awards.
• Regulatory Compliance Integration: The platform will integrate compliance workflows. For example, PERA’s initial rollout includes an IACUC module for animal research protocols, and future updates will add IRB (human subjects), biosafety, export control, and conflict of interest modules.
• Researcher Dashboard: PERA provides a Research Account Dashboard for investigators to view their portfolio of projects in real time. You’ll be able to see budgets, expenditures, remaining balances, and personnel assignments for each grant. Workflow tracking features will allow PIs to see where proposals or agreements are in the routing/approval process and receive notifications for any actions needed.
• Timeline and Access: As of 2025, faculty should be onboarding to the new system for proposal submissions and account management. Training resources (tutorials, user guides) are available to help campus transition to the new system

Access PERA: visit the PERA portal (Purdue career account login required) to get started.

Post-Award Support

Congratulations – you received an award! Now, Post-Award support is available to help manage your project. Purdue’s SPS Post-Award staff (research administrators and accountants) guide faculty through award setup, financial management, and project closeout. They serve as the administrative and financial point of contact for your grant, ensuring compliance with university and sponsor requirements.

Post-Award services include establishing your grant account in Purdue’s financial system, reviewing allowable costs and helping with budgeting questions, monitoring expenditures, and coordinating any prior approvals or sponsor requests during the project. The Post-Award team also assists with reporting (preparing required financial reports and invoices) and manages collection of payments from the sponsor. Importantly, they ensure all regulatory approvals (human subjects, animal use, export controls, etc.) are in place and documented before you spend funds.

• Sponsored Program Services – Post-Award: Your first point of contact for award management. The SPS Post-Award office assigns a Contracting/Post-Award specialist for each award who can answer questions about expenditures, rebudgeting, no-cost extensions, and sponsor guidelines. They work closely with your department’s business manager to monitor the project’s financial status. (Visit the SPS Post-Award webpage for contacts and FAQs on managing grants.)
• Award Account Setup: Once an award is received, SPS will set up a unique account in the financial system and provide you an account number. You’ll receive an award briefing or notice detailing the budget, project period, and any special terms. Tip: Review the Principal Investigator (PI) Expectations guide.
• Project Closeout: As your project ends, Post-Award staff help with closeout steps such as final financial reports, final invoices, and ensuring all costs are accounted for. They will advise on record retention and any audit questions. (See the Closing my Grant checklist on the SPS site for guidance.)

Research Compliance

Compliance with research regulations is critical for faculty because it ensures eligibility for federal funding, protects the integrity and credibility of their research, and mitigates legal and ethical risks. Adhering to standards for responsible conduct, conflict of interest disclosure, export control, and research security safeguards faculty from unintended violations, promotes transparency in collaborations, and strengthens public and sponsor trust. Moreover, it reinforces Purdue’s commitment to ethical scholarship and supports faculty in navigating complex regulatory requirements with institutional backing.

Several important areas in research compliance can be found in the table below:

For detailed information, please refer to EVPR’s Regulatory Affairs webpage.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Resources

Research involving human subjects must be reviewed and approved by Purdue’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) before starting. Purdue’s Human Research Protection Program (HRPP), which includes the IRB, is charged with ensuring that all human subjects research by Purdue faculty, staff, and students is conducted ethically and protects participants’ rights and welfare. Whether you are doing surveys, interviews, or experiments with human participants, you will need to navigate the IRB process.

Key IRB resources and steps for faculty researchers:

• HRPP/IRB Office: The Purdue HRPP office provides guidance on protocol submission, informed consent, and compliance with federal regulations. Their website (Purdue IRB) contains step-by-step guides for new submissions, required forms, and templates. The HRPP staff are available for consultations – they even host open office hours and training sessions to help researchers with the Cayuse IRB online submission system (Purdue’s electronic IRB application portal).
• IRB Submission Process: Start by completing required training (CITI human subjects research training) and then prepare an IRB protocol application in Cayuse IRB. The application will ask for details on study procedures, consent processes, and risk mitigations. The IRB will review your protocol – exempt or expedited reviews are handled on a rolling basis, while full board studies are reviewed at convened monthly meetings. Plan ahead, as the submission and approval process can be time-consuming and may require revisions.
• IRB Forms & Guidelines: Visit the HRPP Resources & Guidance page for templates like consent forms, recruitment materials, and Standard Operating Procedures. Important policies (e.g., on compensation, data security, use of surveys, etc.) are documented there. If your research involves protected health information (PHI) or other sensitive data, be sure to follow additional guidelines, such as Purdue’s policies on HIPAA.
• Contact IRB: For questions, you can email irb@purdue.edu or call the HRPP office (765) 494-5942. Early communication can save time and the IRB staff can clarify whether a project meets the definition of human subjects research, what level of review is needed, or how to use the Cayuse system. They are partners in helping you achieve compliance while enabling your research.

Undergraduate Student Research Support

Involving undergraduate students in research can be highly rewarding and is strongly supported at Purdue. The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) serves as a central resource to promote and expand experiential learning for Purdue undergraduates. Whether you want to recruit student researchers for your projects, find funding to support undergrad research assistants, or help your mentees showcase their work, OUR has you covered.

Resources for Faculty Mentors:

• OURConnect Portal: Purdue’s OURConnect system is a portal where faculty and research staff can post research positions and projects for undergraduates. Students use it to find research opportunities across campus. By listing your project on OURConnect, you can reach a broad pool of students. The OUR staff can assist if you have questions about creating postings or selecting students.
• Mentor Guidance and Training: The Office of Undergraduate Research provides resources on best practices for mentoring students. They offer an online course series and Mentor Training workshops The OUR website’s “Faculty & Staff” section includes mentoring guides, tip sheets for supervising undergrad researchers, and even case studies of successful mentor-mentee partnerships. New mentors are encouraged to review these materials to structure meaningful research experiences.
• Program Coordination: OUR helps colleges and departments coordinate their undergraduate research programs. For instance, if the college or your department runs a summer research internship or a course-based research experience, OUR can provide support and promotion. Contact the OUR staff if you are looking to start a new undergrad research initiative or need advice on improving an existing program. To request a consultation (one-on-one, or with a group) please complete this form (BoilerKey login required). If you have questions regarding the form or wish to follow up on a prior request, you may also contact ugresearch@purdue.edu.

Support for Undergraduate Researchers:

• Undergraduate Research Conferences: OUR organizes campus-wide forums for students to present their research. Each spring (and often fall), the Purdue Undergraduate Research Conference is held, where hundreds of students showcase posters or talks about their projects. There’s also a Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium for students doing summer projects.
• Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research (JPUR): This is an annual publication (online and in print) that features articles by undergrad researchers. Students from any discipline can submit papers about their research for peer-review and publication. As a mentor, you can guide interested students in preparing a manuscript for JPUR. Being published as an undergraduate is a big accomplishment that can help students stand out. More information can be found on the JPUR website.
• Funding and Grants for Undergrads: There are small grants available to support undergraduate research and creative endeavors. OUR administers an Undergraduate Research Grant program (often providing $500–$1,000 to support materials or pay for an undergraduate’s time on a faculty project). They also offer Travel Grants for undergrads presenting at conferences. Make sure your students know about these opportunities – a letter of support from the faculty mentor is typically required for applications. More details can be found from the OUR site, under “Students Resources”

In the college, Dr. Jim Tanoos is the director for undergraduate research. Please contact Dr. Tanoos (email: jtanoos@purdue.edu) if you have any additional questions. 

Industry Connections and Partnership Opportunities

Purdue has a strong culture of collaboration with industry. As a faculty member, you have access to resources that facilitate partnerships with companies and other external organizations. These partnerships can range from industry-sponsored research projects and technology development to student internship programs and more.

Office of Industry Partnerships (OIP): Purdue’s Office of Industry Partnerships is your go-to portal for establishing and nurturing relationships with companies. The OIP connects corporate partners with the full breadth of Purdue’s research expertise and facilities. If you have an idea for an industry-funded project or are seeking a company collaborator, OIP can help:

• Identifying Partners: OIP staff can leverage their network of corporate contacts to find potential partners interested in your area of research. They stay informed on industry needs and trends and can match faculty capabilities with companies looking for expertise. For example, if you develop a new policy analysis tool or technology, OIP might connect you with a corporation or government agency that could sponsor further development or pilot implementation.
• Facilitating Agreements: Once a company is interested in working with you, OIP (in coordination with SPS contracting) assists with setting up the appropriate agreement, including a sponsored research contract, memorandum of understanding, and consortium membership. They ensure the process moves efficiently through negotiation of terms, such as intellectual property, publication rights, and budgets.
• Campus Visits and Networking: OIP organizes industry visit days, workshops, and networking events to bring industry representatives to campus (and sometimes virtually). These events showcase Purdue research strengths and allow faculty to pitch capabilities. If you plan to invite industry reps for a lab tour or discussion, OIP can help coordinate and maximize those interactions.

Getting Started with OIP: Reach out to the OIP early if you have an industry partnership in mind. You can contact Andrew Antonio, director of industry engagement of Purdue Polytechnic via email at andrewla@purdue.edu  

Additional Industry-Focused Resources:

• Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) and Tech Transfer: If your research has led to an invention or technology that might interest industry, the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) (part of PRF) is a key partner. They handle patents, licensing to companies, and even start-up creation for Purdue innovations. While OTC is not a funding source, they can connect you with companies from a commercialization angle. Often, sponsored research and licensing go hand-in-hand. So keep OTC in the loop when engaging industry. (See the OTC site for disclosure forms and contacts)
• Global Partnerships: Purdue’s Office of Global Partnerships (OGP) oversees large-scale partnerships and alliances, including international collaborations. For example, if there’s a multinational company or an overseas partner university interested in a broad partnership, CGP can structure master agreements or MOUs. Polytechnic faculty working on global policy issues might find OGP helpful for connecting with international industry or government partners. Contact ogp@purdue.edu for inquiries.

By leveraging these industry connection resources, you can amplify the impact of your research and gain additional funding streams. Industry collaborations can lead to co-authored publications, new insights for your lab, and increased placement opportunities for your students.