The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) is seeking Concept Papers describing topics for future Convergent Research Initiatives within the Institute. The mission of UT-ORII is to strategically align ORNL and UT expertise and infrastructure in research and graduate education.
The Concept Papers requested by this document will propose topics for two additional CRIs that will be selected by UT-ORII to be launched in calendar year 2024. At least one additional CRI will be developed by UT-ORII in the future. Additionally, they may also be used to help proposers develop connections and resources to support this future selection. The evaluation of Concept Papers from this open call is intended to evaluate a wide range of potential CRI topics and to allow UT-ORII to develop a balanced portfolio of research activities.
Eligibility
Concept Papers may be submitted by any UT faculty member or ORNL staff member. Coordination of efforts between related topics to define CRI topics with the technical breadth and interdisciplinary character that define UT-ORII’s mission is strongly encouraged.
Selection Process
Concept Papers from this open call will be reviewed by UT-ORII’s leadership team and a subject of UT-ORII’s Internal Advisory Committee to select around 10 topics that will be invited for further development and review in Phase II of this process. Selection of topics for Phase II is expected to be complete by late September 2023.
How to Submit
Complete submissions must be sent before 5:00 p.m. on September 15, 2023 to utorii@ornl.gov. Late submissions will not be considered.
Questions about the Concept Papers or submissions process should be directed to David Sholl, UT-ORII’s Interim Executive Director at shollds@ornl.gov.