I have all my materials in, but it still says my application is not complete.
The application will be 100% complete once you actually click the submit button. You can also go back and edit your application after you submit up until the deadline
Who is eligible to apply for an IDEA Grant?
- Must be enrolled as a FSU student at the time of application
- Must have completed at least 12 credits
- Will return to FSU as an undergraduate student in Fall 2024
What if I have received an IDEA Grant in the past?
If you are applying for a second time, please let Dave Montez (dmontez@fsu.edu) know.
Can I use an IDEA Grant to start or continue Honors in the Major?
Yes! IDEA Grant awarded projects are student-led and faculty advised similar to a HITM project. Participation is encouraged.
Do the 8-12 weeks have to be consecutive?
No, as long as they all occur during the summer.
Can I do research at another university?
Yes. In this case, you should still have a supervising professor at FSU who will provide your first letter of recommendation. Once you have established a connection with a faculty member at the other university, he/she should provide your second letter of recommendation.
Can I participate in more than one research experience during the summer semester?
No. The IDEA Grants program expects your awarded project to be your central focus during the summer semester. If awarded, completing other research-focused programs and internships such as NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates is not permitted. If you have any questions, please email Dave Montez at dmontez@fsu.edu.
How does funding work?
In your application, you will create a budget outlining your projected expenses (e.g., airfare, food and lodging/living expenses, supplies/materials, visas, travel insurance, pre-trip vaccinations, lost income from not working during the summer) as an itemized list. Your budget cannot include tuition. You will receive your funding by the beginning of the summer. You are not required to keep your receipts.
What is the structure of the Fall Showcase for Undergraduate Research Excellence?
The Showcase will take place at the end of September or in early October. Students who receive an award at the $4000 level will give an oral presentation, and students who receive an award of $1000 will give a poster presentation. In addition, students who produce creative projects will be able to present their work in the “Creative Room.”
When will I hear back whether or not I have won?
You will hear back by Spring Break (mid March)
Can I apply with a group?
Group projects will be awarded up to $6000 (to split amongst the team). You will submit one application for the entire group.
If the group plans to have a prearranged division of labor for aspects of the project, please outline the details of the arrangement in the proposal. Each group member must submit a separate personal statement (500 words) with the application. See below for instructions on submitting letters of recommendation.
If I include references/citations in my personal statement or project proposal, does that count towards the word count?
It is not necessary to include references/citations. However, if you choose to include them, they do not count towards your word count.
Who should provide the different letters of recommendation?
Important: Please talk to your professors about writing letters of recommendation for you before you have the email link sent to them through the application.
The 1st letter of recommendation should come from the faculty member supervising the project. If you are applying as a group, this letter should speak to the entire group application. Here is the text provided to faculty members in the recommendation request email:
Thank you for agreeing to provide a recommendation letter for this applicant for an IDEA Grant. The award is for an eight to twelve-week project to be carried out over the summer of 2021. Letters of recommendation should be uploaded by February 8, 2021.
As the student's/group's primary mentor for the project: The letter should describe how the students' project articulates with their field of study, confirm the availability of any necessary equipment or resources, detail the supervision that will be provided, and describe whether the student(s) is qualified. You may also want to discuss how the students' project will prepare him or her for the next phase of his or her education or career.
A 2nd required letter of recommendation should come from a faculty member. If you are applying alone, this letter will offer additional support of your application.
For group projects: Each team member requires a separate, unique personal letter of recommendation. A 1st team member can request this additional letter here (make sure that team member is logged into the Survey Monkey system and makes the request). The unique text sent to faculty members who are requested to provide this letter:
As the student's second letter of reference: The letter should attest to the student's capabilities and potential. Please discuss how the student's project articulates with the field of study, describe whether the student is qualified, and how the student's project will prepare him or her for the next phase of his or her education or career.
Does my supervising faculty member have to be tenure-track?
No. However, they must have a terminal degree i.e. PhD or MFA.
How does funding work?
In your application, you will create a budget outlining your projected expenses (e.g., airfare, food and lodging/living expenses, supplies/materials, visas, travel insurance, pre-trip vaccinations, lost income from not working during the summer) as an itemized list. Your budget cannot include tuition. You will receive your funding by the beginning of the summer. You are not required to keep your receipts.
What is the structure of the Fall Showcase for Undergraduate Research Excellence?
The Showcase will take place at the end of September or in early October. Students who receive an award at the $4000 level will give an oral presentation, and students who receive an award of $1000 will give a poster presentation. In addition, students who produce creative projects will be able to present their work in the “Creative Room.”
Can I do a creative project?
Yes! Past award-winners have produced paintings, sculptures, interactive art installations, and even a musical.
What if my research includes human subjects?
If your research involves human subjects (as defined by FSU's Institutional Review Board), please identify the participants (e.g., vulnerable populations) you hope to recruit for your project as categorized by FSU's Institutional Review Board. Please outline the methods you intend to use to protect them. Projects subject to IRB review must receive committee approval before data collection begins. It is not expected that you have already submitted an application for IRB approval prior to submitting your application for this summer research award. Your faculty mentor should offer guidance in this process, and IRB offers additional training and assistance.
What if I am doing research in partnership with a community partner organization (e.g., a school in Uganda, an arts organization, a start-up business, etc.)?
You will be able to upload a letter or email from the community organization articulating their support of your project/involvement. The committee wants to know that you have access to and the support of the organization. This letter/e-mail can be very simple/short.
What is a donor-sponsored IDEA Grant?
Certain individuals or organizations have provided funding for grants. Some have specific requirements, while others are open to all applicants. When completing the application, you will have the opportunity to select the specific donor-sponsored awards for which you wish to apply. Receiving a donor-sponsored award does not change the amount of funding you will receive.