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07/07/2025

Dear All-

Because of the uncertainty regarding federal support for research at universities, the VPR limited the budgets of the RPAs for FY26 to their available funds.  This resulted in us needing to make some difficult decisions.  We felt it important to maintain the infrastructure we built to support neuroscience research across campus, but we will have to suspend several of the NRPA programs.  We met with the NRPA Internal Advisory Council last week to discuss our options.

We will be maintaining the work of the NeuroBank, continuing the annual Neuroscience Clinical-Translational Conference, and be able to provide statistical support, albeit at a reduced level.  We can fund one pilot award, also at a reduced funding level.

We need to otherwise suspend the Pilot Award Program, Equipment Grant Program, Collaborative Groups Program, Faculty Recruitment and Retention support, the Visiting Faculty and Technical Experts Program, and Student Research Fellowships.

We hope that these reductions are only temporary, but please take advantage of the programs we are able to continue during this difficult time.

Larry and Linda

Program Grant Details

All NRPA Faculty Recruitment and Retention grants should be expended within two years of the initial hiring date for new faculty and when the funds are dispersed to retain faculty.

After two years, any remaining funds will revert to the NRPA on a pro-rated basis. In unusual circumstances requiring strong justification, exceptions to this expiration time frame may be requested in writing. If approved, the remaining funds may be carried forward for up to six months. At the end of this time, unspent funds will revert to the NRPA.

NRPA Faculty Recruitment and Retention grants cannot be used for faculty salary, furniture, visa fees, moving expenses, or any expense that is prohibited under university policies.

Unless otherwise specified, NRPA Faculty Recruitment and Retention grants may be used for the purchase of necessary equipment and supplies, travel, other research-related expenses, staff, trainees, or temporary personnel. All UK guidelines and procedures must be followed when hiring personnel.  Items purchased with recruitment grants are the property of the faculty’s college and are intended for the professional use of the faculty member and/or program(s) of that faculty member. Items purchased with recruitment/retention grants remain with the department upon the departure of the faculty member from the university.

Any faculty member who receives this grant must submit an annual report reflecting their progress and accomplishments to the NRPA at NeuroscienceRPA@uky.edu.