Research Proposals for the AMRC
The period for submitting research proposals for the 2005 funding year is closed.
See the Frequently Asked Questions below for general information about the proposal review process.
- What is the purpose of the AMRC Program?
- Who is eligible to participate in the AMRC Program?
- Is the AMRC looking for a particular research emphasis?
- What is the process if a project is selected for funding?
- How many researchers were mailed the Request for Information?
- Who will decide which projects will be funded?
- Who makes up the University Technology Advisory Committee (UTAC)?
- What criteria will be used by the UTAC in making its selection?
- Must all personnel involved in AMRC funded projects be from organizations inside Texas?
- Can student salaries be paid using AMRC funds?
- Is there a cap on the amount of funds that can be requested for a one (or multiple) year project?
- Is there a predetermined amount for each award? Is there a budget limitation for each year funded? Is there a budget limitation for each project?
- How many projects will be funded under the AMRC university programs?
- How many years has the AMRC program been in existence?
- What level of development is the AMRC looking for in project proposals (fundamental research or developed product)?
Q1 What is the purpose of the AMRC Program?
In 2002 Governor Rick Perry established the Texas Technology Initiative (TTI), a ten year plan to grow knowledge-based industries in Texas that are the key to sustained prosperity in a global economy. The first phase of the TTI included the establishment of the Advanced Materials Research Center. The AMRC is a 5-year collaborative effort, commencing in 2003, between the State of Texas, Texas universities, and SEMATECH. The goal of the AMRC is to accelerate the development and commercialization of semiconductor technology; nanotechnology, biotechnology; software technology/wireless; Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS); photonics; and, manufactured energy.
Q2 Who is eligible to participate in AMRC Programs?
SEMATECH works with a number of industry partners to implement AMRC (1) general programs and (2) university programs. All Texas universities are eligible to participate in the university programs pursuant to the proposal process. However, other industry partners are welcome to participate in AMRC’s general programs, details of such participation to be negotiated.
Q3 Is the AMRC looking for a particular research emphasis?
The AMRC funds university projects on a variety of topics within the six advanced technology areas identified by the Governor as critical to the future economic health of the State of Texas.
Q4 What is the process if a project is selected for funding?
Once a project has been selected for funding by the UTAC, SEMATECH will work with the Principal Investigator (PI) and university to write a statement of work and negotiate terms of a sponsored research or grant agreement.
Q5 How many researchers were mailed the Request for Information?
In 2004 Texas universities were invited to submit a letter of interest in participating in the AMRC university programs. Approximately 70 researchers responded to the invitation. All 70 researchers were invited to respond to a Request for Information giving further details of their proposed project.
Q6 Who will decide which projects will be funded?
The University Technology Advisory Committee (UTAC) will decide which projects will be funded under the AMRC university program.
The UTAC membership consists of six individuals representing academia and industry.
Q8 What criteria will be used by the UTAC in making its selection?
Selected projects must be within the technology areas identified in Q1 above. Additionally, the UTAC will consider recommendations made by a SEMATECH evaluation team that will evaluate all projects submitted for AMRC funding. The SEMATECH team will conduct a business and technical review of the information in your response. Evaluation criteria may include the consideration of institutional knowledge, past performance, the potential for commercialization, and other factors deemed relevant by SEMATECH and the UTAC.
Q9 Must all personnel involved in AMRC funded project be from organizations inside Texas?
All AMRC university programs are with Texas universities. Collaboration and/or subcontracting with Texas organizations is encouraged and PIs may use subcontractors or research partners in other locations, subject to UTAC approval.
Q10 Can student salaries be paid using AMRC funds?
Yes, the salaries of all staff participating in an AMRC university program can be paid using AMRC funds.
Q11 Is there a cap on the amount of funds that can be requested for a one (or multiple) year project?
The UTAC has not set a limit on the amount of funds that will be directed to a particular project. Your proposed funding should be relevant to the work to be done. Please note that funds from this program are awarded on a yearly basis and if you have a multi-year project, there is no guarantee of funding beyond year one. However, please do not let this discourage you from submitting multi-year proposals.
Q12 Is there a predetermined amount for each award? Is there a budget limitation for each year funded? Is there a budget limitation for each project?
A predetermined amount for each award has not been set. Funding for a project will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Although multiple year projects may be funded, please keep in mind that all projects are subject to funding renewal each year, and if you submit a multi-year proposal, there is no guarantee the project will be funded beyond the first year.
Q13 How many projects will be funded under the AMRC university programs?
The UTAC has not set a limit on the number of projects it will support using AMRC funds.
Q14 How many years has the AMRC program been in existence?
The first AMRC University programs were funded in September of 2003 and it is anticipated that funding will be available for university programs though 2008, but this is not guaranteed.
Q15 What level of development is the AMRC looking for in project proposals (fundamental research or developed product)?
The AMRC will consider project suggestions in all stages of development. The relevance of your research to the research need areas (see Q1 above) will be the determining factor in granting funds for a given project.