Award Information

AB Nexus seeks research project proposals from teams that involve new collaborations as well asÌýteams that have collaborated in the past.


  1. New Collaborations ($75k)Ìýinvolve teams that have not previously worked together, but have identified a path for how integrated, joint work could facilitate the study of unique research concepts and may include projects led by junior investigators seeking to form connections early in their research career or senior investigators interested in expanding their research scope and capabilities.Ìý
  2. Existing Collaborations ($125k)Ìýinvolve teams with a history of collaboration, who may have received external funding, and are interested in expanding research efforts.ÌýÌýinvolve teams with a history of collaboration, who may have received external funding, and are interested in expanding research efforts.Ìý​

Teams may include junior and/or senior investigators pursuing interdisciplinary research that could lead to new sources of external funding. Projects will potentially explore research concepts that have been identified as areas of growth in the research community and which are of strategic interest to external agencies. Projects potentially propose higher-risk research concepts, which have not previously been explored in depth or involve a non-traditional approach.

Ìý ÌýNote:ÌýResearch ideas that are in a more preliminary stage than what is described above are encouraged to consider pursuing theÌýÌý(contact: Kristen House, CCTSI:Ìýkristen.house@cuanschutz.edu).ÌýÌý

Research Tracks

In each annual AB Nexus Research Collaboration funding cycle, we invite collaborative intercampus research project proposals that address challenges related to human health and well-being (Track 0).ÌýFor the Spring 2024 funding cycle, two (2) special tracks have been developed in an effort to best align with shifting trends in federal research funding. AB Nexus, therefore, seeks to support research efforts that stimulate and catalyze interdisciplinary research from the following two tracks, in addition to the original broad initiative:

  • Track 0. Broad Initiative: Broadly, what challenges related to health and human well-being could be investigated via unique collaborations between two or more interdisciplinary research disciplines?Ìý
  • Track 1. Climate Change & Health: Explores health threats from climate change across the lifespan and builds health resilience in individuals and communities, especially among those at highest risk (). ÌýÌý
  • Track 2. AI and Advanced Computing & Health: Leverages artificial intelligence and advanced computing to address biomedical and healthcare challenges. Teams may consider but are not limited to submitting proposals that utilizes artificial intelligence, virtual/augmented reality simulation, computational modeling, robotics and quantum technologies.Ìý

Awarded Project Requirements

Upon accepting an award, the project PIs agree to fulfill several requirements.

  • Project Reporting
    • Project PIs will submit a brief progress report during the project period and a final report upon project completion. Progress reports will outline the general progress of the project and key metrics including external funding, resulting publications and other research products, and student engagement.ÌýAfter the project completion date, teams will respond to periodic surveys that will aid in establishing return on investment of the program.ÌýÌý
  • Reviewer Duties
    • Awardees will agree to serve as reviewers in subsequent annual AB Nexus Research Collaboration Grant cycles.
  • Pursuit of External Funding
    • Project PIs will agree to identify and pursue external funding. Research development staff will be available to assist in this activity through funding opportunity searches and proposal development support.Ìý

Key Dates and Deadlines

AB Nexus Spring 2024 Collaborative Seed Grant Competition

  • Feb. 1: Information session​
  • Feb. 16: Notice of intent deadline
  • March 27: Proposal deadline
  • June 15: Award notification
  • July 1: Project start date