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FORGE Foundation

FORGE Foundation

Supporting early career faculty in launching, developing, and sustaining competitive research programs.

FORGE Foundation is a flexible, faculty-centered program designed to help early-career faculty and faculty new to FSU to navigate the University’s research environment, develop competitive proposals, and build a long-term research strategy. You can engage at any time – whether you’re just getting started or refining your next steps.

What You'll Gain

Clarity on Your Research Direction

  • Define short- and long-term research goals.
  • Align your work with funding opportunities.

Skills to Develop Competitive Proposals

  • Understand sponsor expectations (e.g., NSF, NIH, foundations).
  • Strengthen proposal narratives and strategy.

Access to Research Support

  • Personalized guidance from Research Development staff.
  • Connections to key support units across FSU.

Confidence Navigating Processes

  • Systems, timelines, and expectations.
  • When and how to engage support units.

Program Components

FORGE Foundation is designed for flexible participation, allowing faculty to engage in one or more components to align with their individual research goals, needs, and priorities.

Research Strategy & Planning

  • 1:1 consultations to discuss your research goals and needs.
  • Development of a 1-5 year research funding strategy.
  • Guidance on aligning research ideas with funding opportunities.

Proposal Development Support

  • Proposal review (scientific & strategic).
  • Narrative and broader impacts development.
  • Templates and examples for key proposal components.
  • Timeline planning: When to engage Research Development for maximum impact.

Finding Funding

  • Internal funding opportunities.
  • External funding databases and curated opportunities.
  • Guidance on selecting appropriate funding pathways.

Navigating the FSU Research Ecosystem

  • Overview of key research support units: Research Development, SRA, compliance, libraries & data services.
  • Clear guidance on who to contact and when.

Collaboration & Mentorship

  • Opportunities to connect with collaborators & mentors.
  • Pathways to engage in mentoring programs.
  • Support for building interdisciplinary partnerships.
  • Ongoing Research Development support as desired to help you meet your research goals.

How You Can Engage

  • Schedule 1:1 consultations as needed.
  • Attend workshops & webinars.
  • Work with Research Development on specific proposals or long-term strategy.
  • Use tools and resources at your own pace.

Ready to Build Your Plan?

New to FSU or ready to design your research plan? Start here.

How FORGE Foundation Fits into Your Research Journey

FORGE Foundation focuses on helping you establish and strengthen your research identity. As your research needs scale up, you may also choose to engage in:

FORGE Mentors (to develop your mentoring practice)  
FORGE Leadership (when you’re ready to scale up your research)