About RDI

Vision

Various icons with text reading “USF Research Development Institute”.

Purpose

The Research Development Institute (RDI) advances the research mission of the university by delivering proactive, catalytic, capacity-building support to USF researchers.

Strategy

We provide grant support that elevates submissions to succeed in a highly competitive environment. RDI can help overcome research productivity barriers through a concierge service for grant seekers. We support the culture of collaboration by raising the visibility of research expertise.

Services

RDI can find and share funding opportunities; grant writing, editing and graphic design; draft non-scientific grant sections; strengthen culture of collaboration, help identify potential partners; and more.

Direction

The USF research enterprise has realized steady growth. From 2002 to 2022, the USF research portfolio increased over 61.5% from $208 million to $540 million. The goal is to help position USF to reach a $1 billion portfolio.

Stakeholders

Serving highly motivated PIs seeking to grow their research portfolio, including but not limited to center-scale efforts. The RDI will also work to advance the infrastructure and modernization of the USF research enterprise.

Our Team 

We are putting together a team that will serve researchers across all USF campuses. The RDI team includes expertise in graphic illustration, a contingent of grant writers, an Associate Director for Competitive Intelligence and the Director.

Our team helps researchers identify potential funding and prepare competitive proposals. We conduct informational workshops, provide proposal development support, assist with funding searches, and coordinate limited submissions and internal programs.

RDI Supports the Goals of USF Research & Innovation

  • Growth and Excellence: Increase USF rankings among public research universities by supporting people, operational excellence, and infrastructure
  • Visibility: Increase national and global reputation and partnerships and innovation activities
  • Collaboration: Foster an interdisciplinary research culture, building on existing strengths, with an emphasis on the seven USF Focus Areas
  • Impact: Increase the application and impact of USF research and innovation for cultural transformation, broadening participation, and economic mobility of communities