Internal Research Resources
Support for Research
Research is at the heart of SMU’s mission. Consistent with this, Dedman College provides a number of mechanisms to facilitate and support the research creativity and productivity of its faculty members.
Grants
The Dean’s Research Council is a group of Dedman College supporters from the Dallas community whose generosity provides funds for the annual Dean’s Research Council Grant. Faculty may apply after their 2nd year at SMU (award is contingent on passing 3rdyear review) with a maximum budget of $30,000 ($10,000 for Humanities). Applications undergo internal review. Preference is given to projects that will lead to an application for federal funding, or for a national fellowship or award.
Faculty members writing a large application for federal funding may apply for a 1-semester, 1-course reduction to prepare the application. Faculty members awarded a federal grant with labor-intensive startup can apply for a 1-semester, 1-course reduction to initiate the project. Alternatively, the award may be used toward summer salary to allow for proposal preparation during the summer.
Grant programs for interdisciplinary research are also offered through the Dedman College Institute for Interdisciplinary Research and Teaching (DCII).
Grants for research and/or international travel are offered through the University Research Council, sponsored by the Office of the Associate Vice President for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies. Maximum budget for these grants is $10,000. Applications are accepted twice a year; approximately 40 grants per year are awarded.
Workshops
The Associate Dean for Research, together with the Office of National Fellowships and Awards and the Office of Research Administration, offers grant-writing workshops as needed. The workshops focus on preparation of applications for federal grants as well as applications for national fellowships and awards.
The Office of National Fellowships and Awards offers consultation and support for preparation of applications for fellowships (e.g., NEH) and awards (e.g., book awards). Services include assistance with identifying potential funding and award sources, research and proposal planning, strategic positioning to enhance competitiveness, and proposal development.
Proposal Pre-Review
This program provides an external pre-review of applications to be submitted to federal agencies. The awardee may choose two individuals who have expertise in the proposed research topic and have served as reviewers for the agency to which the application is to be submitted. If those reviewers accept the invitation to review the application, they will be asked to provide a written review of it (in the same form that the agency reviews are written) and to be available to answer questions the applicant has about the review. The external reviewers will be compensated for providing the review.
Travel
Dedman College provides funds for domestic travel for the purpose of research dissemination and enhancement. Depending on rank and tenure status, faculty can receive up to $1,200 or $1,600 per year for faculty members to present at professional conferences, consult with colleagues, or conduct research. Consultation
Contacts
Renee McDonald, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Dean for Research and Academic Affairs
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
rmcdonal@smu.edu or 214-768-1128
Kathleen Hugley-Cook, Ph.D.
SMU Office of National Fellowships and Awards
khugley@smu.edu or 214-768-3325
Angelita Treviño
Director of Sponsored Projects
angelitat@smu.edu or 214-768-4708