Interaction with federal research funding agencies is an important strategy to increase the competitiveness of faculty proposals for research grants. To enhance faculty interaction with federal funding agencies, the Office of Research Development (ORD) at the University of California, Merced leads the planning and coordination for annual trips for faculty to meet with federal research funding agencies and foundations in Washington, D.C.
The primary purpose of the program is introduce junior to mid-career faculty to program managers at federal funding agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Energy, etc. The meetings provide opportunities to discuss research projects and explore potential opportunities for funding and partnerships with federal programs.
In addition, faculty meet with Congressional representatives and staff on Capitol Hill and staff of the UCDC Office. They also attend a reception with area alumni and current UC Merced students interning in D.C. Staff from the Office of Research Development (ORD), GCR staff, and University administrative leaders, including the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development (ORED) and the Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor, accompany faculty to meetings with program officers, when appropriate.
