The USF Microbiomes Institute aims to unify interdisciplinary researchers and departments across the University of South Florida, USF Health, and Moffitt Cancer Center, focusing on microbiomes studies in various environments including soil, water, plants, animals, food, and human health. It strives to facilitate transdisciplinary projects that merge different fields, from engineering to business, promoting academic-industry partnerships and enhancing microbiome research and knowledge through education, data analysis, infrastructure development, and scientific programs.
The Ignite Award by the USF Microbiomes Institute is designed as a small, rapid-access funding mechanism to support investigative teams in microbiome research. It targets feasibility projects that show a high chance of bridging research gaps, obtaining pilot data for larger grant applications, or providing internal funding for new peer-reviewed research projects to reach a fundable stage. With up to $5,000 available for use within a 3-month period, this grant seeks proposals that demonstrate scientific quality and potential for further development, research feasibility and innovation, a clear need, the likelihood of overcoming a translational gap or securing pilot data for subsequent larger applications, and the chance of leading to a more competitive application upon resubmission. The appropriateness of the budget and project period are also considered in the review process.