The Research Development team in the Division of Research and Innovation is launching a brand-new program for new faculty on campus. This program, called Beginning Investigator Research Development Support (BIRDS), will begin in early November and last through the end of the Spring 2023 semester. All investigators within their first two years at the U of A are encouraged to apply.

The BIRDS program will focus on peer networking, finding funding and general grantsmanship training. Participants will receive several opportunities to network and collaborate with fellow beginning investigator colleagues. They will learn more about the services that Research Development offers investigators on campus. And they will work one-on-one with the Research Development team to create personalized research and funding plans for their research careers on campus. Additionally, each participant will receive an individual review of one specific aims or project summary that they are working on for an upcoming or planned proposal.

The BIRDS cohort will meet once a month as a group. The cohort group meetings will consist of networking activities as well as guest speakers from research stakeholders on campus. Each participant will also be encouraged to meet individually with the Research Development team throughout the school year.

If you are interested in joining the inaugural BIRDS cohort, please fill out the BIRDS application. The deadline to apply is Monday, Oct. 31.

For more information, reach out to Molly Throgmorton, associate director for research development, at mthrogmo@uark.edu or at 479-575-3171.