The Center for the Environment offers a wide range of customized research development support. Drawing on the expertise of Center Scholars and staff, we help WashU researchers develop funding strategies, connect with potential collaborators, and prepare successful proposals for a wide range of funding opportunities.

Consultation & Proposal Management

The Center for the Environment offers individualized support to help researchers and research teams navigate the complex funding landscape for environmental research and prepare successful funding proposals. Our support for researchers includes:
  • Individual consultations to discuss funding opportunities and strategies
  • Identifying and making connections to internal and external partners
  • Developing a proposal management plan and timeline
  • Organizing and facilitating proposal team meetings 
  • Facilitating letters of support and letters of collaboration 
  • Managing the peer review process of proposal drafts

Workshops & Collaboration

A centerpiece of our support for research teams is our ability to organize workshops and other events to foster research collaboration. Throughout the year, we host workshops focused on specific funding opportunities, research themes, or collaborative goals. Our workshops give researchers an opportunity to connect with potential collaborators, develop initial plans for specific funding proposals, and learn more about environmental research at WashU. Past workshop topics include:
  • Implementation Science and Environmental Research
  • Geoscience & AI Research Networking
  • Planetary Health Roundtable
  • Climate & Health Research Connections
  • Networking Workshop for WashU Ignite Seed Grant Program

Funding for Research Development

The Center for the Environment provides funding to WashU researchers and proposal teams to support the development of competitive external funding proposals. If you are a WashU researcher working on a funding proposal with an environmental dimension, you can apply for funding to support proposal development activities, including:
  • Hosting proposal development meetings or workshops, including inviting external collaborators
  • Hiring graphic designers to create or improve scientific figures
  • Recruiting external reviewers to provide feedback on proposals and participate in a red-team review panel
  • Hosting a proposal writing retreat with collaborators

To apply for research development funding, please fill out the application form.

If you have any questions about the Center for the Environment’s Research Development services or would like to request support for funding proposals, please reach out to Mike O’Toole, Research Development Associate.