Overview

The R.O.A.D. to D.C. initiative was created by the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) to provide faculty the platform to build and cultivate relationships with program managers from agencies such as National Institute of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and other D.C. area agencies in an effort to enhance research funding. 

Mentor Mapping Program

The R.O.A.D. to D.C is a multi-faceted program that includes opportunities to gain deeper knowledge of the funding landscape while laying the foundation toward submitting competitive proposals. Candidates must have a formed research idea and identified potential funding opportunities. Faculty will be paired with UT Dallas mentors who will share their insights into the proposal process and offer tips on how best to engage with program managers from funding agencies.  Meetings are typically 30-60 minutes in length. The Office of Research and Innovation will set up the first Mentor Meeting, follow up meetings should be agreed upon and scheduled by the faculty member and mentor. The objectives for this program are to secure and attend two or more virtual or in-person appointments with program managers and culminate in a proposal submitted to an external sponsor.  

Submission Deadline: February 28, 2025

Take Flight Program

The Take Flight Program is intended for those faculty who have previously participated in the R.O.A.D. to D.C. program and have secured in-person meetings with program managers.  This program will cover travel expenses for their trip to Washington, D.C. Funds are limited to one trip per faculty per year.

The faculty member’s department Travel Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating your travel and processing your reimbursement with the provided Office of Research and Innovation cost center.

We are not accepting applications at this time.

Contact Us

For further information please contact Emily Lacy or Suzanne Head.