As a research support unit focused on the pre-award stage of extramural funding and pursuit of prestigious honors, PDO staff members work in a team-based environment to provide wide-ranging support to faculty, staff, and students across all stages of their grant and fellowship and honors applications. Staff members conduct funding searches and assist in the preparation of competitive proposals by reviewing and critiquing proposal drafts, providing descriptive material on UK resources, writing sections of proposals, and providing project management support where appropriate. PDO staff can also identify collaborators for  multidisciplinary projects. PDO staff have extensive experience with a broad variety of funding mechanisms, federal agencies, and private sponsors.

Key PDO information resources include PDO Funding Alerts, as well as funding forecasts and notices on grant-related issues and funding. 

PDO presents seminars, workshops, and special events that provide information on specific agency or funding programs, enhance proposal development skills, or stimulate the development of multidisciplinary projects.

Mission

The mission of the Proposal Development Office (PDO) is to assist University of Kentucky faculty, staff, and students to seek and secure external funding for research, scholarship, and creative activities through the submission of competitive grant and contract applications and to support pursuit of prestigious honors and awards.

Vision

Through leadership in research administration and targeted research support, the Proposal Development Office will contribute to the advancement of the University of Kentucky’s national research standing.