CESFAS Seed Funding: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can postdoctoral researchers apply?
A: Yes. Postdoctoral researchers may apply; however, a faculty member must be listed as the Principal Investigator (PI) and assume responsibility for the project and award administration.
Q: Does collaboration have to be across colleges?
A: Yes. While collaboration within a college and across departments may be highlighted, this seed funding opportunity is intended to support interdisciplinary collaborations across multiple NMSU colleges. Proposals should demonstrate how cross-college partnerships leverage complementary expertise to address complex, value-added agricultural and food system challenges.
Q: What is considered an acceptable senior and junior faculty collaboration?
A: For the purposes of this seed funding opportunity, senior faculty mentors are defined as full professors with a demonstrated record of external grant awards and scholarly or applied research outputs. Junior faculty are defined as non-tenured assistant and associate professors. Tenured associate professors with strong funding and research track records may also serve in a senior mentoring role.
Q: Are collaborations with other institutions or agencies allowed?
A: Yes. Collaborations with other institutions, agencies, or external partners are welcome and may be included as part of the project. However, all fiscal grant management and award administration must be conducted solely by NMSU PIs, in accordance with university policies.
Q: What is the indirect cost of the project?
A: This is an internal grant that does not include indirect costs. Proposals may be submitted without approval from the sponsored research office.
A: This is an internal grant that does not include indirect costs. Proposals may be submitted without approval from the sponsored research office.