The Soft Matter Incubator (SMI, smi.gatech.edu) seed grant program seeks proposals on fundamental soft matter that will enable obtaining preliminary data for submitting multi-investigator proposals. As a result, only proposals with a strong scientific potential and significance, which clearly articulate a path forward towards assembling a strong team and a cohesive theme, will be considered.

Since multi-investigator proposals require teams of investigators at different career stages, the submitting team must consist of at least two Georgia Tech investigators with different academic ranks, one of whom must be associated with SMI.

Proposals should include a project summary of no more than 250 words and a project description that should not exceed two pages. Emphasis will be placed on proposals that clearly articulate why the research is new and important and how it can lead to the assembly of a larger team and the eventual development of a multi-investigator proposal.

A separate one-page budget, not to exceed $15,000, should also be provided. Seed grant funds may be used to support student salaries, materials, and supplies.

Proposals should be submitted electronically to Sharon Lawrence (sharon.lawrence@chemistry.gatech.edu) by November 15, 2017.

SMI anticipates a total of two seed grants, which will be announced by December 1, 2017. Funds must be spent by June 30, 2018.

Required deliverables include a final written report on progress made and a presentation of the major findings/results and the path for continuing the work and/or submitting proposals seeking external funds.