Laboratory Teaching Initiative Grants -- 2005

Ruth E. Beattie
University of Kentucky
rebeat1@uky.edu

The ABLE Scholarship Committee invites proposals for grants of up to $2000 to develop and implement lab initiatives. The purpose of these grants is to encourage, support, and acknowledge developments in biology laboratory teaching at the university and college level.

To be eligible, candidates must be affiliated with a two- or four-year post-secondary institution as faculty, staff, or graduate student; be currently teaching (including demonstrating labs) an undergraduate-level life science course; and be able to attend an ABLE conference within the next two years to present the project as an ABLE workshop. Candidates need not be a current ABLE member.

Examples of activities that are "fundable" include, but are not limited to: designing new labs, improving existing labs, developing pedagogical techniques for teaching in a laboratory setting, or developing multi-media tools (including computer aided instruction). Highest priority will be given to proposals that are innovative and adaptable to being taught at other institutions. Priorities for funding will be equipment, supplies, and materials necessary to complete the project. Salaries are less likely to be funded. Applicants should indicate justification for funding requested. Further evidence for institutional support would be viewed favorably by the committee.

Projects must be original work. If you plan to adapt existing material, clearly cite your source and describe how your project differs. In addition, be sure that your project clearly reflects current safety standards and animal use protocols.

The grants are not for supporting normal laboratory activities of an instructor such as revising a lab manual, reviewing literature, or repairing equipment; or for one-time only activities such as field trips, guest speakers, or multi-media rentals. The grants are intended to develop lab teaching material to benefit the home institution as well as the ABLE membership.

Deadlines and Details

Proposals are to be submitted by May 3, 2005. The selection and notification of recipients will be by June 28, 2005. Applicants should complete a Laboratory Initiative Grants form (available as a PDF file; requires Acrobat Reader). Submit a completed form with a detailed protocol and budget along with a recent curriculum vitae to:

Dr. Ruth E. Beattie
Dept. of Biology
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506
phone: 859-257-7647
e-mail: rebeat1@uky.edu

Grant recipients will be expected to submit a summary of the project with preliminary progress reports by December 6, 2005 to the editor of ABLE's newsletter, Labstracts, for inclusion in the winter issue.

Grant recipients will be asked to present a workshop at an ABLE conference within two years of the award. They may present a mini-workshop (30-60 minutes) or a major workshop (3 hours, hands-on). A $300 stipend is received for presenting a major workshop.

Address further inquiries or proposals to:

Dr. Ruth E. Beattie
Chair of the ABLE Scholarship Committee
Dept. of Biology
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506
phone: 859-257-7647
e-mail: rebeat1@uky.edu