Research Funding Programs and Advisory Committees
The Office of Research administers internal funding programs and convenes advisory committees that help advance the School of Medicine's research mission. Through strategic investments, faculty support programs, and research planning initiatives, these programs and committees strengthen the research enterprise and promote scientific innovation across the School of Medicine.
Announcements regarding funding opportunities and application review cycles are distributed by the Dean's Office to Department Chairs and research leadership in advance of application deadlines.
Funding Programs
| Program | Upcoming Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
| AFL | September 30, 2026. Future cycles: March 31, 2027, and September 29, 2027. |
| Bridge | November 18, 2026. Future cycles: April 28, 2027; July 28, 2027; and November 24, 2027. |
| SIRC | Letter of Intent: September 16, 2026. Full application (if invited): September 30, 2026. Future cycles: March 31, 2027, and September 29, 2027. |
The Across the Finish Line (AFL) Funding Program provides targeted internal funding to support faculty at critical stages of research development. AFL helps investigators generate preliminary data, respond to changing funding landscapes, redirect research programs when needed, and maintain momentum through temporary funding disruptions.
Beginning July 1, 2026, AFL operates through three funding tracks designed to address specific barriers to research advancement:
Preliminary Research Funding
Supports investigators in generating critical data, establishing feasibility, and strengthening future grant applications.
Pivot Funding
Supports adaptation to changing sponsor priorities or strategic redirection of research programs, including faculty affected by changes in federal funding opportunities.
Expanded Gap Funding
Helps investigators maintain research momentum during temporary funding disruptions that do not qualify for traditional bridge funding.
The Bridge Funding Program provides one-time support to principal investigators who have experienced a lapse in major external funding and are actively preparing a competitive proposal for resubmission.
The Strategic Infrastructure for Research Committee (SIRC) advises the Office of Research on the use of Academic Enrichment Funds to support shared research infrastructure across the School of Medicine. The committee evaluates proposals for equipment, core services, technologies, and other resources that serve multiple departments and strengthen the research enterprise at CU Anschutz.
Advisory committees review applications to the AFL Program, the Bridge Funding Program, and SIRC, and provide recommendations and guidance to the Dean of the School of Medicine.
Search faculty expertise, publications, and research interests through the CU Anschutz Research Profiles directory.