{"id":25878,"date":"2025-11-14T13:35:03","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T19:35:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/?page_id=25878"},"modified":"2026-09-29T12:00:27","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T17:00:27","slug":"research-excellence-fund","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/","title":{"rendered":"Research Excellence Fund"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id25878_d3174b-3a{margin-top:-75px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id25878_d3174b-3a > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id25878_d3174b-3a > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id25878_d3174b-3a > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:var( --global-content-width, 1500px );padding-left:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-right:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-top:134px;padding-bottom:30px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(67.1% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(32.9% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id25878_d3174b-3a{background-image:url('https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/11\/MCB-BlueSky-scaled-1.jpg');background-size:cover;background-position:51% 32%;background-attachment:scroll;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.kb-row-layout-id25878_d3174b-3a > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.85;background-color:var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id25878_d3174b-3a > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-4xl, 8rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 2fr) minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id25878_d3174b-3a > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id25878_d3174b-3a alignfull kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-layout-overlay kt-row-overlay-normal\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-left-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top kb-theme-content-width\">\n<style>.kadence-column25878_4c135c-5e > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column25878_4c135c-5e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column25878_4c135c-5e > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column25878_4c135c-5e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column25878_4c135c-5e > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column25878_4c135c-5e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column25878_4c135c-5e{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column25878_4c135c-5e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column25878_4c135c-5e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column25878_4c135c-5e inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b\"]{font-size:80px;line-height:0.9;font-style:normal;letter-spacing:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b\"]{letter-spacing:-1px;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-xl, 3rem);line-height:0.9;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b\"]{font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-xl, 3rem);}}<\/style>\n<h1 class=\"kt-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_89aaa2-7b\">research excellence fund<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column25878_0bea5a-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column25878_0bea5a-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column25878_0bea5a-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column25878_0bea5a-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column25878_0bea5a-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column25878_0bea5a-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column25878_0bea5a-25{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column25878_0bea5a-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column25878_0bea5a-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column25878_0bea5a-25 kb-section-has-link\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/\" class=\"kb-section-link-overlay\" aria-label=\"Research Excellence Fund\"><\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id25878_775410-ba > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id25878_775410-ba > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id25878_775410-ba > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-lg, 4rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:var( --global-content-width, 1500px );padding-left:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-right:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxl, 5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(20% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-lg, 4rem) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(80% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-lg, 4rem) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id25878_775410-ba > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}.kb-row-layout-id25878_775410-ba{z-index:7;position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id25878_775410-ba > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id25878_775410-ba > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id25878_775410-ba alignfull has-theme-palette9-background-color kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-row kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top kb-theme-content-width\">\n<style>#wrapper.site{overflow:clip;}.kadence-column25878_ed0882-2d > 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.kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column25878_ed0882-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column25878_ed0882-2d kb-section-is-sticky inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-navigation25929-cpt-id{--kb-nav-dropdown-border-top-left-radius:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-top-right-radius:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-bottom-right-radius:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-bottom-left-radius:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-radius-top:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-radius-right:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-radius-bottom:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-radius-left:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-toggle-border-left:1px solid #999999;--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-bottom:1px solid #999999;--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}.header-desktop-transparent .wp-block-kadence-navigation25929-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}.item-is-stuck .wp-block-kadence-navigation25929-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}.wp-block-kadence-navigation25929-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-link-background-hover:#dddddd;--kb-nav-top-link-background-active:#ffffff;}.wp-block-kadence-navigation25929-cpt-id > .navigation > .menu-container > .menu > .wp-block-kadence-navigation-link > .kb-link-wrap{font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-sm, 0.9rem);line-height:1.3;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-navigation25929-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.header-tablet-transparent .wp-block-kadence-navigation25929-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.item-is-stuck .wp-block-kadence-navigation25929-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-navigation25929-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}.header-mobile-transparent .wp-block-kadence-navigation25929-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}.item-is-stuck .wp-block-kadence-navigation25929-cpt-id{--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-right:var(--kb-nav-link-border-right);}}<\/style><div class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation25929-cpt-id kb-nav-desktop-horizontal-layout-standard kb-nav-tablet-horizontal-layout-standard kb-nav-mobile-horizontal-layout-standard navigation-desktop-layout-fill-stretch-false navigation-tablet-layout-fill-stretch-false navigation-mobile-layout-fill-stretch-false navigation-desktop-orientation-vertical navigation-tablet-orientation-vertical navigation-mobile-orientation-vertical wp-block-kadence-navigation\" data-scroll-spy=\"\"><nav class=\"navigation navigation-desktop-style-standard navigation-tablet-style-standard navigation-mobile-style-standard navigation-desktop-dropdown-animation-none navigation-tablet-dropdown-animation-none navigation-mobile-dropdown-animation-none navigation-desktop-collapse-sub-menus-true navigation-tablet-collapse-sub-menus-true navigation-mobile-collapse-sub-menus-true navigation-desktop-parent-toggles-menus-true navigation-tablet-parent-toggles-menus-false navigation-mobile-parent-toggles-menus-false navigation-desktop-parent-active-false navigation-tablet-parent-active-false navigation-mobile-parent-active-false\"><div class=\"menu-container\"><ul class=\"kb-navigation menu collapse-sub-nav-desktop-true collapse-sub-nav-tablet-true collapse-sub-nav-mobile-true\">\n<style>.kb-nav-link-25878_586dea-d0 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-25878_586dea-d0 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-25878_586dea-d0 menu-item\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/\">HOME<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-25878_71240f-d0 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-25878_71240f-d0 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-25878_71240f-d0 menu-item\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/graduate-fellowships-program\/\">Graduate Fellowships<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-25878_9f9694-67 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-25878_9f9694-67 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-25878_9f9694-67 menu-item\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/early-stage-research-development-grants\/\">Early-Stage Collaborative Discover Grants<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-25878_128847-fc > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-25878_128847-fc > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-25878_128847-fc menu-item\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/collaborative-discovery-grants\/\">Collaborative Discovery Grants<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-25878_3343b2-e0 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-25878_3343b2-e0 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-25878_3343b2-e0 menu-item\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/research-equipment-grants\/\">Research Equipment Grants<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-25878_c0d4d7-69 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-25878_c0d4d7-69 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-25878_c0d4d7-69 menu-item\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/animal-research-facilities-grants\/\">Animal Research Facilities Grants<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-25878_8d9dca-62 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-25878_8d9dca-62 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-25878_8d9dca-62 menu-item\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/research-collaborative-meeting-grants\/\">Research Collaboration Meeting Grants<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-25878_53e1fc-18 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-25878_53e1fc-18 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-25878_53e1fc-18 menu-item\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/faculty-fellowship-program\/\">Faculty Fellowships<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-25878_bcf0f7-32 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-25878_bcf0f7-32 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-25878_bcf0f7-32 menu-item\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/faculty-hiring-and-retention-program\/\">Faculty Recruitment and Retention Grants<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-wto5bp7ym > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-wto5bp7ym > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-wto5bp7ym menu-item\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/faqs\/\">FAQs<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/nav><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column25878_969b01-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kadence-column25878_969b01-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top:0px dashed #666666;border-right:0px dashed #666666;border-bottom:0px dashed #666666;border-left:0px dashed #666666;}.kadence-column25878_969b01-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column25878_969b01-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column25878_969b01-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column25878_969b01-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column25878_969b01-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column25878_969b01-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);}.kadence-column25878_969b01-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column25878_969b01-a3{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column25878_969b01-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top:0px dashed #666666;border-right:0px dashed #666666;border-bottom:0px dashed #666666;border-left:0px dashed #666666;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column25878_969b01-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top:0px dashed #666666;border-right:0px dashed #666666;border-bottom:0px dashed #666666;border-left:0px dashed #666666;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column25878_969b01-a3\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/11\/DSC_9821_1-copy-1024x643.jpg\" class=\"fade-bottom-white\" alt=\"Scientist working in a lab\" borde=\"0\">\n<style>\n\n.fade-bottom-white {\n  width: 1500px;\n  aspect-ratio: 16 \/ 9;\n  object-fit: cover;\n\n  margin-bottom: -70px;\n  position: relative;\n  z-index: 0; \/* lower if needed *\/\n\n  mask-image: linear-gradient(to bottom, black 70%, transparent 100%);\n  -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(to bottom, black 70%, transparent 100%);\n  background-color: white;\n}\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"dropdown-wrapper\">\n  <button class=\"dropdown-btn\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n    \u25bc <span class=\"dropdown-text\">Find Section<\/span> \u25bc\n  <\/button>\n\n  <ul class=\"dropdown-menu\" role=\"menu\">\n    <li><a href=\"#executive-summary\" role=\"menuitem\">Executive Summary<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#purpose-goals\" role=\"menuitem\">Purpose and Goals<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#program-components\" role=\"menuitem\">Program Components<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#governance-administration\" role=\"menuitem\">Governance and Administration<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#expected-outcomes\" role=\"menuitem\">Expected Outcomes<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#conclusion\" role=\"menuitem\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n  <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<style>\n\/* Wrapper centered on page with fixed width *\/\n.dropdown-wrapper {\n  position: relative;\n  display: flex;\n  justify-content: center;\n  margin: 20px auto;\n  width: 300px; \/* fixed width for button & menu *\/\n}\n\n\/* Main button *\/\n.dropdown-btn {\n  width: 100%; \/* matches wrapper width *\/\n  background: #eeeeee;\n  color: #333333;\n  padding: 12px 16px;\n  font-size: 16px;\n  font-weight: bold;\n  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;\n  border: 1px solid #ccc;\n  cursor: pointer;\n  box-shadow: 0 2px 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.2);\n  text-align: center;\n  transition: background 0.2s;\n}\n\n.dropdown-btn:hover,\n.dropdown-btn:focus {\n  background: #cccccc;\n  color: #333333;\n}\n\n.dropdown-btn:active,\n.dropdown-btn:focus-visible {\n  background: #cccccc;\n  color: #333333;\n  outline: 1px solid #500000;\n  outline-offset: 2px;\n}\n\n\/* Dropdown menu *\/\n.dropdown-menu {\n  list-style: none;\n  padding: 0;\n  margin: 0;\n  background: #eeeeee;\n  border: 1px solid #ccc;\n  position: absolute;\n  top: 100%;\n  left: 0;\n  width: 300px; \/* match fixed width *\/\n  box-shadow: 0 2px 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.2);\n  text-align: left;\n  white-space: normal;\n  word-wrap: break-word;\n  display: none;\n  z-index: 999;\n}\n\n\/* Menu links *\/\n.dropdown-menu li a {\n  display: block;\n  padding: 10px 16px;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  color: #333333;\n  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;\n  font-weight: 400;\n  box-sizing: border-box;\n  border-bottom: 1px solid #999999;\n}\n\n.dropdown-menu li:last-child a {\n  border-bottom: none;\n}\n\n.dropdown-menu li a:hover {\n  background: #cccccc;\n}\n\n.dropdown-menu li a:focus {\n  outline: 1px solid #500000;\n  outline-offset: -2px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<script>\n\/\/ Select button and menu\nconst btn = document.querySelector('.dropdown-btn');\nconst menu = document.querySelector('.dropdown-menu');\n\n\/\/ Toggle menu on click\nbtn.addEventListener('click', () => {\n  const expanded = btn.getAttribute('aria-expanded') === 'true';\n  btn.setAttribute('aria-expanded', !expanded);\n  menu.style.display = expanded ? 'none' : 'block';\n});\n\n\/\/ Toggle menu on Enter or Space key\nbtn.addEventListener('keydown', (e) => {\n  if (e.key === 'Enter' || e.key === ' ') {\n    e.preventDefault();\n    const expanded = btn.getAttribute('aria-expanded') === 'true';\n    btn.setAttribute('aria-expanded', !expanded);\n    menu.style.display = expanded ? 'none' : 'block';\n  }\n});\n\n\/\/ Close menu when clicking outside\ndocument.addEventListener('click', (e) => {\n  if (!e.target.closest('.dropdown-wrapper')) {\n    btn.setAttribute('aria-expanded', 'false');\n    menu.style.display = 'none';\n  }\n});\n<\/script>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column25878_a418f7-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column25878_a418f7-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column25878_a418f7-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column25878_a418f7-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column25878_a418f7-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column25878_a418f7-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column25878_a418f7-3e{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column25878_a418f7-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column25878_a418f7-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column25878_a418f7-3e\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 id=\"executive-summary\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_3f8f3f-70, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_3f8f3f-70[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_3f8f3f-70\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_3f8f3f-70 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_3f8f3f-70[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_3f8f3f-70\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_3f8f3f-70 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_3f8f3f-70[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_3f8f3f-70\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading25878_3f8f3f-70 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_3f8f3f-70\">The Texas A&amp;M University System (A&amp;M System) <strong>Research Excellence Fund (REF)<\/strong> continues in its second year in FY27. The focus of the REF is to significantly elevate research capacity, competitiveness, and impact across the A&amp;M System. The REF will accelerate <strong>research growth<\/strong> at all member institutions with dedication to strategic programs that advance discovery, innovation, and national competitiveness.<br>&nbsp;<br>The fund operates as <strong>competitive, merit-based program<\/strong>, with priority placed on strategic research investments,&nbsp;<strong>collaboration among A&amp;M System members<\/strong>, alignment with state and national priorities, and high-return investments that create sustained research capacity and impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#eeeeee;color:#eeeeee\"\/>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 id=\"purpose-goals\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">II. purpose and goals<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_e23418-33, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_e23418-33[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_e23418-33\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_e23418-33 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_e23418-33[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_e23418-33\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_e23418-33 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_e23418-33[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_e23418-33\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading25878_e23418-33 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_e23418-33\">The purpose of the REF is to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has--font-size\">\n<li><strong>Accelerate Research Growth<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Increase research expenditures, awards, scholarly output, and impact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foster System-Wide Collaboration<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Leverage the strengths of all A&amp;M System institutions to pursue large, multi-disciplinary initiatives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recruit and Retain Top Talent<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Secure the next generation of high-impact faculty and graduate students and prepare the future-ready workforce.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enhance Infrastructure<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Equip researchers with world-class facilities, instrumentation, technology, and capabilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Increase Competitiveness for External Funding<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Position the A&amp;M System as a leader in winning large federal, state, and private research awards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Address Grand Challenges<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Target research toward pressing global, national, and Texas priorities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#eeeeee;color:#eeeeee\"\/>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 id=\"program-components\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><strong>III. <\/strong>PROGRAM COMPONENTS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has--font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Following an initial $35 million investment in REF\u2019s inaugural year, the Board of Regents approved an additional $40 million investment for FY27, to be allocated across the following strategic initiatives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/graduate-fellowships-program\/\">Graduate Fellowships<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;$6 million<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Support for&nbsp;<strong>prestigious graduate fellowships<\/strong>&nbsp;to recruit and retain exceptional doctoral students in strategic research areas with preference for inter-institutional advising and mentoring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/early-stage-research-development-grants\/\">Early-Stage Collaborative Discover Grants<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;$2 million<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Competitive grants for <strong>early-stage, proof-of-concept, and pilot discovery research<\/strong> conducted by multi-system member collaborative teams on transformative research topics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/collaborative-discovery-grants\/\">Collaborative Discovery Grants<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<strong>$4 million<\/strong><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Competitive grants supporting&nbsp;<strong>multi-system member collaboration<\/strong>&nbsp;on transformative research topics. Focus will be on projects with strong potential for large-scale follow-on funding from federal, state, and private sponsors. Preference will be given to collaboration teams that have previously received REF Early-Stage Research Grants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/research-equipment-grants\/\">Research Equipment Grants<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<strong>$1 million<\/strong><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Competitive program to acquire&nbsp;<strong>cutting-edge research equipment and technology <\/strong>that will be shared across multiple A&amp;M System institutions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/animal-research-facilities-grants\/\">Animal Research Facilities Grants<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;$500,000<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Program to invest in, upgrade, and maintain animal research facilities to ensure outstanding animal research and compliance with accreditation standards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/research-collaborative-meeting-grants\/\">Research Collaboration Meeting Grants<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;$500,000<\/strong><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Funding to host system-wide participation in a research meeting\/symposium\/summit to encourage collaboration on a high-impact research priority aligned with state and national research priorities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/faculty-fellowship-program\/\">Faculty Fellowship<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;$1 million<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Support for short-term research fellowships for faculty at all A&amp;M System universities to participate in collaborative research projects in laboratories at other A&amp;M System campuses, including Texas A&amp;M-RELLIS and Texas A&amp;M-Fort Worth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/faculty-hiring-and-retention-program\/\">Faculty Recruitment and Retention Grants<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;$25 million<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Funds to support start-up funds for&nbsp;<strong>high-profile research-active faculty hires<\/strong>&nbsp;and to retain leading researchers. Priority will be given to hires who enhance competitiveness for major funding and collaboration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#eeeeee;color:#eeeeee\"\/>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 id=\"governance-administration\" class=\"wp-block-heading has--font-size has-large-font-size\">IV. Governance and Administration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The REF will be administered by the&nbsp;Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research with guidance from the&nbsp;<strong>REF Advisory Committee<\/strong>&nbsp;composed of representatives from A&amp;M System member institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key governance principles:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Competitive peer-reviewed selection process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transparent criteria and scoring rubrics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Annual reporting of funded projects, outcomes, and impacts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Annual review to assess outcomes, impact, return on investment (ROI) and strategic alignment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The total annual REF investment along with the distribution among the various program components will be re-evaluated annually and are subject to change as determined by the Chancellor and Board of Regents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#eeeeee;color:#eeeeee\"\/>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 id=\"expected-outcomes\" class=\"wp-block-heading has--font-size has-large-font-size\">V. Expected Outcomes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has--font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The REF is expected to achieve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Significant growth in A&amp;M System external research funding and research expenditures system-wide<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased high-value collaborative projects&nbsp;initiated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased graduate fellowships&nbsp;awarded<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased recruitment and retention of top-tier faculty<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acquisition, development, and utilization of&nbsp;state-of-the-art research infrastructure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Significant increase in competitive grant success rates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National recognition of the A&amp;M System as a&nbsp;leader in research<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ascension of High Research Activity (R2) institutions to Very High Research Activity (R1) as defined by the Carnegie Classifications of Institutes of Higher Education (CCIHE)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#eeeeee;color:#eeeeee\"\/>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 id=\"conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading has--font-size has-large-font-size\">VI. conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has--font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The A&amp;M System REF represents a bold, strategic investment in the future of Texas research, innovation, and economic competitiveness. These investments and outcomes create a transformative environment for students and researchers expanding access to cutting-edge opportunities, world-class mentorship, and state-of-the-art facilities that advance discovery and prepare the next generation of scholars and innovators.<br>&nbsp;<br>Building on the $35 million investment in FY26, the FY27 REF provides an additional $40 million to support strategic initiatives that advance research excellence, foster collaboration, develop talent, and address significant challenges facing Texas, the nation, and the world. Through these investments, the A&amp;M System will continue to build a stronger, more connected, and more competitive research enterprise with lasting impact for its institutions, researchers, students, and the communities they serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#eeeeee;color:#eeeeee\"\/>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_ef2682-55, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_ef2682-55[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_ef2682-55\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_ef2682-55 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_ef2682-55[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_ef2682-55\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_ef2682-55 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading25878_ef2682-55[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_ef2682-55\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading25878_ef2682-55 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading25878_ef2682-55\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>research excellence fund \u25bc Find Section \u25bc Executive Summary Purpose and Goals Program Components Governance and Administration Expected Outcomes Conclusion I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Texas A&amp;M University System (A&amp;M System) Research Excellence Fund (REF) continues in its second year in FY27. The focus of the REF is to significantly elevate research capacity, competitiveness, and impact&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2713,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_theme","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"hide","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"sidebar-secondary","_kad_post_content_style":"boxed","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"top","_kad_post_feature":"show","_kad_post_feature_position":"above","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25878","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Research Excellence Fund - Office of Research<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/research\/research-excellence-fund\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Research Excellence Fund - Office of Research\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"research excellence fund \u25bc Find Section \u25bc Executive Summary Purpose and Goals Program Components Governance and Administration Expected Outcomes Conclusion I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Texas A&amp;M University System (A&amp;M System) Research Excellence Fund (REF) continues in its second year in FY27. 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