PumpPrimer is an intramural funding program for Arts, Science and Engineering researchers. It is designed to stimulate extramural funding for projects that are otherwise difficult to launch.

PumpPrimer I

Multi-institutional and/or multi-investigator research projects:

Federal agencies are exploring award mechanisms that bring together experts with complementary skills to address grand challenges.

We encourage faculty to take on such large-scale initiatives because they can potentially benefit multiple AS&E faculty, increase the quality and stability of our research infrastructure, and increase our national and international visibility.

Since such proposals require intensive preparation, the Dean’s Office may provide:

  • Teaching relief for the faculty member who champions the project.
  • Administrative support from our office for proposal preparation.
  • Travel costs up to $5K for planning proposals that bring together researchers from different institutions.
  • Researcher mobility travel grants of up to $5K to conduct overseas research visits (one to three months) in support of faculty research and expanding international collaborative networks.

View PumpPrimer I Guidelines.

PumpPrimer II

Innovative and high-risk projects:

The increasingly competitive environment for extramural funding increases the need for proof of concept and/or pilot data in proposals and decreases funding of high-risk proposals. To help faculty secure extramural funding for bold new research directions, the Dean’s Office will provide funding for up to one year.

  • Budgets up to $50,000 will be considered.
  • Cost-sharing with departmental resources is encouraged.

View PumpPrimer II Guidelines.

Apply for PumpPrimer II.


Applicants for both mechanisms are expected to submit a proposal for external funding within 18 months of the allocation of intramural PumpPrimer support. Both mechanisms will require a brief final survey to help us evaluate the effectiveness of this program.

Faculty in Arts and Sciences:
Refer questions to Lindsey Junge, lindsey.junge@rochester.edu.

Faculty in Engineering:
Refer questions to Cindy Gary, cindy.gary@rochester.edu.