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Microbiome Platform Seed Grants

Center of Microbiome Science

Microbiome Platform NEW USER Seed Grant

Deadline: Friday, November 14 by 5pm EST

 

Purpose

The purpose of this seed grant is to introduce NEW USERS to Center of Microbiome Science resources, and specifically Microbiome Platform Services. These services are intended to enable and advance microbiome science across disciplines within our University community. Details about service options below. 

Details and requirements

  • Up to five Seed Grants of $5000 are available. A portion of this funding MUST be spent utilizing Microbiome Platform services which include:
  • Consultation with the Microbiome Navigator. (First hour of consultation is free.)
  • Sample extraction, library preparation, and/or sequencing.
  • Analysis of microbiome sequencing data (from 16S to genome-resolved shotgun metagenomics, viromics, and microbial eukaryote profiles that enable identification of putative functions within a microbial community).
  • Only one application may be submitted per lab.
  • Award winners are not eligible to seek seed grant funding from the Center of Microbiome Science for one calendar year.

How to Apply

Applications must include:

  • Applicant Information
    • Name of applicant
    • Email address of applicant
    • Applicant’s College and Department
    • PI full name and email (if submitted by an individual within a lab)
  • In your application, please respond to the following prompts:
    • Please briefly describe the project for which you intend to use Microbiome Platform services. Include, as relevant, background, significance, innovation, study objectives and hypotheses, and expected results. (500 words max)
    • How will this seed grant potentially enable future grants / publications? (200 words max)
    • Please provide a brief budget and budget justification

Email complete applications to microbiome@osu.edu

Award Details

  • Award funds will be transferred to the applicant’s home unit (Note: transfers will be made to non-OSP, unrestricted funds only; if awardee is at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, a separate process will be communicated).
  • An award letter will be sent to the recipient for signature prior to funds being transferred
  • Awardees should acknowledge this award in presentations / manuscripts as follows: “This work was partially supported by funds provided by The Ohio State University Center of Microbiome Science.”
  • Applications will be reviewed and awardees notified by December 2025.
  • Awardees must complete the annual Center of Microbiome Science member survey in 2026.
  • Awardees must provide a brief (~1 paragraph) annual report indicating how the funding was used and if there were subsequent grants, publications, presentations, or collaborations that resulted from this seed grant funding. 

Eligibility

  • Faculty, staff, postdoc, or student at The Ohio State University or Nationwide Children’s Hospital
  • Member of the Center of Microbiome Science (CoMS) (Join here).
  • Applicant must be a NEW USER of Microbiome Platform services and may NOT have previously submitted samples, DNA, or sequencing data for extraction, sequencing, or analysis, or sought paid consultation with the Microbiome Navigator. (Applicants MAY have had a previous FREE consultation with the Microbiome Navigator.)
  • Award must be used for new projects initiated after November 15, 2025.