Center for Biochemical and Biophysical Studies

Research Support Through the Center for Biochemical and Biophysical Studies

Consistent with our mission to facilitate and coordinate biochemical and biophysical research at NIU we expend the major portion of our limited resources in direct assistance of CBBS faculty research projects. There is no formal deadline for applications and requests are reviewed by the CBBS Executive Committee as received.  Applications for such support should be concise, generally 1-5 pages, giving an overview of the investigators project, justification for this specific request, and the budget and any cost-sharing with other funding sources.  Requests should include a cv listing recent publications, grants received and proposals for extramural funding.

Since our funds are derived from a portion of the overhead CBBS investigators receive on their externally supported grants, applications for CBBS support should clearly explain how the requested funding will enhance the applicants research program and lead to additional external funding.  All faculty submitting proposals for extramural funding are encouraged to mention that a seed grant was received from CBBS, or that CBBS might provide future support for faculty research or for graduate student research or travel.

The following policy for the disbursement of funds was established in 1996.  "We would not restrict persons with active grants or contracts from applying, nor would we normally rebate the overhead money directly to the person who generated it.  We would like to have maximum flexibility along with responsible use of these funds.  Examples which would appear to qualify would be as follows:

  • Unexpected requirements and emergencies for projects supported from other sources.
  • Repair or replacement of equipment.  Requests may be for a cost-share with another funding source.
  • Development of improved research techniques or technical skills. 
  • Redirection of an investigator's research.
  • Instruments and equipment that cannot be justified by any single project.
  • Research services and specialized expertise such as animal care, computer technology and instruments. Miscellaneous.  Items in the miscellaneous category would be for projects for which funding is not normally available through regular channels, that would enhance a research program in a significant way for one or more persons.

"(We) give top priority to requests from new faculty as well as more senior ones who demonstrate evidence of repeated attempts to help themselves."

Applications for CBBS research funds should be submitted to:
Joel P. Stafstrom, Director
Center for Biochemical and Biophysical Studies
Department of Biological Sciences