Traditional Research Initiation Grant (RIG)
Traditional Research Initiation Grant (RIG) supports Oklahoma researchers starting NASA-aligned projects with NASA counterparts to build lasting partnerships and research capacity in the state.
Funder: Oklahoma NASA EPSCoR
Due Dates: October 12, 2026 (Proposals) | June 7, 2027 (Research report)
Funding Amounts: $30,000 per award; November 2, 2026–May 14, 2027 project period
Summary: Supports Oklahoma researchers starting NASA-aligned research collaborations that build lasting research capacity in the state.
Key Information: Applicants must have visited their proposed NASA collaborator through a recent Oklahoma NASA EPSCoR Travel Grant or other funding.
Description
Oklahoma NASA EPSCoR’s Traditional Research Initiation Grant (RIG) helps Oklahoma researchers begin new scientific and technical collaborations with counterparts at NASA Centers and Mission Directorates. Projects must align with NASA’s 2026 Strategic Priorities and a relevant Mission Directorate, while building sustainable NASA-relevant research capacity in Oklahoma. The program is administered at Oklahoma State University.
RIG funding can support postdoctoral researchers, graduate and undergraduate assistants, materials and supplies, and research visits to NASA Centers. Its aim is to establish lasting NASA partnerships and position researchers to pursue larger, longer-term NASA EPSCoR Research Implementation grants. Traditional RIG and Faculty Research Initiation Fellowship proposals compete for five awards in total.
