UCMerced Open Proposals is an online tool to enable transparent and collaborative proposal development, promote multi-disciplinary team building, and reduce the likelihood of redundant proposals.
Unlike the typical proposal preparation and submission process, Open Proposal applications are posted online and made available for review by a community of peers. Colleagues are invited to comment on proposals and make suggestions for improvement. Commenters are able to offer support and note useful resources, and might even join the proposal team. The reviewing entity may also provide early critical input to ensure proposals are responsive to the opportunity. Proposers are able to use this feedback to improve upon an application throughout the Open Proposal process. Eventually, revisions and comments are closed and the reviewing entity selects final proposals.
This online tool was developed by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) at UC San Francisco.
Open Proposal Process
OPEN SUBMISSION PHASE
During the first phase, proposers submit a proposal, or possibly seek collaborators to help develop an idea into a proposal. All proposals must be submitted by an established deadline.
OPEN IMPROVEMENT PHASE
The second phase is what makes UC Merced Open Proposals different. Others are invited to review proposals, ask questions, offer support, and give suggestions to make good ideas even better. Proposers can use this feedback to improve original proposals prior to a final deadline.
REVIEW PHASE
Proposals are read by the reviewing entity and final selected proposals are announced.
For technical issues, contact ctsi@ucsf.edu