Principal Investigator (PI)ÌýAcademy
Principal Investigator (PI) Academy supports early‑career, eligible Â鶹ÊÓƵ PIs as they navigate the campus research ecosystem. Participation is recommended for faculty and researchers within their first three years on campus.
PI Academy provides a structured curriculum on core research development topics to help new investigators pursue external funding for their research, scholarly and creative work.
The program has launched the research careers of scholars at every college and institute on campus, equipping participants with the contacts, connections and context they need to succeed.
How to Join
- Step 1: Assess program alignment and fit by .
- Step 2:ÌýRegister for PI Academy.
You may register for PI Academy at any time of year. The program cadence is from August through May each year.
Benefits
Participation in PI AcademyÌýincludes the following benefits:
- Faculty Network—Build a network with faculty leaders and peers from across campus.
- Workshops—Priority workshopÌýregistration plus foundational offerings that will support you in your research.
- Identify Funding—One-on-one assistance in identifying relevant funding opportunities.
- Proposal Development Support—Priority access to services including strategic grant writing advice and proposal development, editing, proofreading and rigorous proposal review.
- Biweekly Onboarding Email Series—Delivers practical, just‑in‑time guidance on navigating Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s research landscape, getting funding‑ready, and building long‑term success as a PI.
Eligibility
PI Academy is for eligible Â鶹ÊÓƵ PIs who are within the first three years of their Â鶹ÊÓƵ academic appointment at the level of Assistant Professor or the equivalent. If you are interested but not eligible, please follow steps 1 and 2 above and we will reach out.
Postdocs are supported through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. Postdocs are not eligible for PI Academy.
ÌýÌýNote: PI Academy provides a deep dive into Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s research and creative work ecosystem, setting it apart from Thriving at CU through the Office of Faculty Affairs. We encourage you to look through both programs to ensure you maximize your first few years at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.Ìý
Core Offerings
The following events and trainings provide a foundation to support you in your research at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. We encourage you to join any that make sense for you. Sessions are typically 1.5 hours in length, offered hybrid. After each event, we provide opportunities for casual in-person networking you may stay for should you attend in person.
PI Academy Kickoff
Thursday, October 2, 2025
This event welcomed participants and provided an opportunity to network and learn about various resources and components of PI Academy, the Research & Innovation Office, and research across Â鶹ÊÓƵ.Ìý
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Avenues to External Funding
Friday, October 31, 2025
Learn how to use freely available databases of external funding opportunities for fellowships and grants. Including setting up funding alerts specific to your scholarly research or creative work through Pivot. You will also learn to use Philanthropy News Digest (PND) to identify potential philanthropic funding opportunities. The session concludes with guidance on the best next steps after identifying a promising funding opportunity.
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One-Pager, Concept Note, Letter of Intent
Friday, November 21, 2025Ìý
Learn how to clearly and concisely communicate your research through common early‑stage proposal formats. You will come away with a refined one‑paragraph summary of your current research project, a foundations‑focused tips sheet to guide future philanthropic outreach, and a one‑pager reference guide to support you as you shape and present your next compelling idea.
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Social Impacts and Engagement
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Learn best practices for building and sustaining transdisciplinary research relationships that strengthen the societal impacts of your work. This session will highlight how transdisciplinary approaches are increasingly used to address today’s complex scientific, medical and societal challenges. These challenges require diverse disciplinary and experiential knowledge to understand, design solutions for, and successfully secure external support. You will gain practical guidance on developing impactful collaborations and positioning your work for stronger Broader Impacts and Societal Impacts in future proposals.
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Industry Collaborations, Ventures and IP
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Learn practical strategies for building effective relationships with industry partners and navigating the pathways that support entrepreneurial activity. This session will introduce key considerations for engaging in ventures, approaching contracts, and protecting your intellectual property. You will gain guidance on how to establish sustainable industry collaborations to ensure continuity and support throughout your research career.
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Proposal Development & Project Management
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 @ 2:30-4 p.m. MT
The Office of Contracts & Grants (OCG) Proposal Analysts and the Program Management Office (PMO) are designated officials to assist PIs with the development of the project and the proposal submission. This session covers the essentials of proposal development and project management, from funding readiness through submission. We will address the critical project considerations within the PSR, discuss common cost elements, and identify how to work effectively with OCG Proposal Analysts and the PMO through the proposal development process. Emphasis is placed on how early project management strengthens proposals and supports successful award implementation.
- To join this event, first watch the , then register for PI Academy.Ìý