The McKnight Brain Institute (MBI) is pleased to announce the MBI HiPerGator Research Fund designed to help support hypothesis-generating research projects leveraging the computational resources of HiPerGator. This program provides one-time or annual match funds of $1,000 to $5,000 to cover costs associated with HiPerGator storage, CPU, and GPU usage. Applicants must secure matching funds from other sources (e.g., PI startup funds, active grants) as a condition of eligibility.
Eligibility
- Open to all UF researchers in neuroscience-related fields.
- Applicants or their Principal Investigator (PI) must be a member of the MBI.
- Applicants must have completed a consultation with HiPerGator prior to submission.
- Matching funds from institutional, departmental, or external sources must be documented in the application.
Applications
All applications must be submitted as a single PDF at: bit.ly/MBI-HiPerGator. Applications should include:
- One-Page Summary:
- Provide an abstract describing the research project, its goals, and the rationale for utilizing HiPerGator resources.
- Explain why HiPerGator’s capabilities are critical for the project.
- Include a budget specifying the requested amount ($1,000-$5,000) and how the funds will be utilized.
- Document secured matching funds, including their source (e.g., PI startup funds or grants).
- Statement from HiPerGator Consultant:
- Include a very brief letter/statement (printout of email is acceptable) from UF Research Computing/HiPerGator consultant affirming that the applicant has completed a consultation regarding services and the costs for HiPerGator resources.
- Letter of Support (Trainees Only):
- Trainees must include a letter from their PI or department chair affirming their support for the project and the anticipated benefits of HiPerGator usage.
- Biosketch or CV:
- A brief biographical sketch or CV outlining your academic and professional background, including relevant research experience.
Review Process & Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated monthly by the MBI scientific directors and leadership team. The evaluation will focus on:
- Relevance and Impact: The significance of HiPerGator usage in advancing the research project’s objectives and generating hypotheses.
- Alignment with Research Goals: How well the proposed work aligns with the applicant’s long-term research goals and its potential for meaningful growth.
- Scientific Merit: The quality and feasibility of the proposed research project.
Contact for More Information
Ramon Sun, PhD
Associate Director of Innovation
McKnight Brain Institute
ramonsun@ufl.edu
Kate Casey-Sawicki, MA
Assistant Director of Research Administration,
McKnight Brain Institute
ksawicki@ufl.edu