Governor Abbott launches grant program to attract researchers to universities

Texas Capitol

Gov. Greg Abbott hopes to bring nationally recognized researchers to Texas universities through a newly launched grant program.

The application to the Governor’s University Research Initiative (GURI) opened online Wednesday. Eligible universities can apply for a grant that would assist in recruiting a “distinguished researcher” to the school.

The grant program classifies as “distinguished researcher” as a person who has received a Nobel Prize or similar honor, or is part of an honorific organization such as the National Academy of Engineering or National Academy of Sciences.

The grants cap off at $5 million per researcher, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.

- FWBP Digital Partners -

The 84th Texas Legislature enacted the GURI in 2015. The Economic Development and Tourism Division within the Office of the Governor is in charge the program.

The new program is a shift away from former Gov. Rick Perry’s Emerging Technology Fund which provided money for startups in the state.

For more information:

http://gov.texas.gov/ecodev/guri/home