Colleagues,
Faculty members’ entrepreneurial activity fuels the research enterprise of AgriLife Research. Therefore, the agency is establishing an award to recognize the high achievements of the top 5% of research-active faculty members. We aim to reward a superior and sustained level of grantsmanship, based on a 3-year rolling average of extramural grant expenditures and the associated indirect cost (IDC).
Individuals and teams with high performance in research, education, extension and service are currently recognized through multiple focused awards from the college, agencies and the Vice Chancellor’s Office. Now, we will also have a transparent way to recognize exceptional grantsmanship.
The top 2% of research-active faculty across AgriLife and the college will receive an annual award of $15,000. The next 3% will receive an award of $5,000. Or, in lieu of the award, you may choose to accept local agency funds to support your research program. This AgriLife Research award for grantsmanship does not replace merit awards from a department or agency during a budget period.
Faculty who currently have a retention or hiring agreement that includes a special IDC distribution arrangement are not eligible for this award unless they give up that agreement at the close of FY20. If they keep their agreement in place beyond FY20, they will remain ineligible for 5 additional years after the end of the agreement.
In addition, this grantsmanship award can only be given to faculty members with an annual evaluation of “meets expectations” or above. Hence, recipients of these awards must continue to perform in teaching and service and complete the trainings mandatory for their position.
This new award replaces the current practice of returning additional IDC to faculty above the 10% threshold, a practice we can no longer afford. We will continue to be aggressive in attracting and retaining a world-class faculty in support of our mission.
In short, I am happy to have an additional way to support and reward your work.
All the best,
Patrick J. Stover, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor, Texas A&M AgriLife
Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research