Faculty-directed research to explore NASA collaborations and NASA-aligned research topics. Alignment with NASA interests and meaningful collaborations with NASA scientists are essential to the development of competitive proposals for federal funding opportunities. Research Initiation Awards (RIA) are a flexible funding program for faculty to become familiar with NASA research programs and Mission Directorates, establish and cultivate relationships with NASA scientists, and visit NASA facilities. RIA funding is the first step in the faculty pathway to build capacity to conduct NASA aligned research. RIA proposals may include travel, experiments to obtain preliminary results, data analysis or manuscript preparation. Any combination of faculty salary, student support, travel, materials and supplies, and corresponding indirect costs may be requested up to the maximum award amount. This opportunity has a preference for PIs in the first five years of their careers who have not received prior NASA research funding.

Proposals will be accepted from Principal Investigators at NASA Kentucky Space Grant Consortium Affiliate Institutions to develop NASA-aligned research activities. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. US Citizenship is required. The proposed research topic must be aligned with NASA themes addressed by one or more of the MD/OCT. Principal Investigators are expected to submit at least one proposal for follow-on funding based on the RIA activities