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UNF MedNexus Research Innovation Fund
The MedNexus Research Innovation Fund aims to support faculty conducting research that integrates emerging technology to improve health outcomes, delivery of care, or direct clinical impact.
Eligibility
Tenured and tenure earning faculty across disciplines may apply. Collaboration between departments and with other colleges is encouraged. Project including industry partners are of particular interest.
Scope of Funding
Proposals will be funded up to $20,000 each. Faculty salary support is not the primary focus of this funding mechanism and should be limited to no more than 20% of the total budget request. Funds may be used for equipment, patient/participant costs, materials and supplies, high-impact manuscript publication costs, and personnel (including students).
Application
Applications will include a brief paragraph on the study, specific aims for this funding, a brief budget and budget justification, and NIH-style biosketch for each faculty investigator.
Timeline
The proposal window opens on January 23, 2026, and closes March 6, 2026. Finalists will be notified and scheduled for in-person interviews by March 13, 2026. Final awards will be announced by April 24, 2026, and funding will be available by July 1, 2026. Funding must be used within one academic year. Faculty awarded an MedNexus Research Innovation Fund grant are eligible to submit for funding to continue their work.
Review Process
Applications will be reviewed by the MedNexus leadership team with additional review by UNF faculty with relevant experience. Finalists will be asked to present their proposal to a panel of industry professionals.
Reviewers will consider the following criteria when scoring proposals:
- Scientific rigor
- Inclusion of student assistance (undergraduate or graduate)
- Clear plan for high-impact manuscript publication, external funding, and/or patents
- Inclusion of industry partners
- Potential for impact on health and biomedical outcomes
Commitment
Awardees must:- complete a progress report six months after award and a final report.
- present a poster or panel presentation at regional healthcare events and conferences.
- coordinate with Marketing and Communication to showcase scholarship through media.
- submit for external funding