Research Funding and Programs

Qualifying Institutional Funds

Texas University Fund (TUF)

The Texas University Fund (TUF) is administered by the Texas Safekeeping Trust Company. TUF-eligible institutions must expend an average of $20 million in federal and private research annually, award an average of 45 research doctoral degrees annually, and not be eligible for the Permanent University Fund (PUF). Currently, those institutions are the University of Houston (UH), University of North Texas (UNT), Texas Tech University (TTU), and Texas State University (TSU). Additional institutions may become eligible to participate in the TUF by achieving the required criteria, contingent upon legislative appropriations to maintain stable funding for the existing participants.

Texas Research Incentive Program (TRIP)

TRIP provides matching funds to assist eligible public institutions in leveraging private gifts for the enhancement of research productivity and faculty recruitment. Eligible public institutions are institutions of higher education designated as emerging research universities under the Coordinating Board’s Accountability System or a university-affiliated entity of an emerging research university. The program purpose is outlined in Texas Administrative Code.

Institutional Allocated Funds

Core Research Support Fund (CRSF)

Eligible institutions: emerging research institutions

The CRSF supports increased research capacity at eligible public universities and distributes funds by a set formula allocation to support faculty, including individual projects such as laboratory and equipment upgrades and graduate student tuition. The distribution formula is based on both total research expenditures and restricted research expenditures. The program purpose is outlined in Texas Education Code, Chapter 62, Subchapter F-1. Institutions report on expenditures from these funds (Research Reports, Policies, and Resources).

Texas Comprehensive Research Fund (TCRF)

Eligible institutions: doctoral, comprehensive, and master’s institutions

The TCRF supports increased research capacity at eligible public universities, distributing funds by a set formula allocation to support faculty, including individual projects such as laboratory and equipment upgrades and graduate student tuition. The distribution formula is based on restricted research expenditures. The program purpose is outlined in Texas Education Code, Chapter 62, Subchapter E. Institutions report on expenditures from these funds (Research Reports, Policies, and Resources).

Texas Research University Fund (TRUF)

Eligible institutions: research universities

TRUF provides funds to Texas’ research universities with total research expenditures above $450 million. TRUF supports faculty to ensure excellence in instruction and research. The distribution of funds is based on a three-year average of total research expenditures. The program purpose is outlined in Texas Education Code, Chapter 62, Subchapter C.

Competitive Research Funds

Autism Grant Program

State appropriations provide grant support for autism research centers at institutions of higher education, which currently provide evidence-based behavioral services and training.

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Contact

Research Funding and Programs

Inquiries regarding research funding and programs should be directed to the research team or Andrew Lofters.

Email Research TeamEmail Andrew Lofters