Preparing and Submitting
Starr and LORAL Trust Research Grant Proposals

The Starr Research Program allows students to submit 2 types of proposals: a Starr Research Grant request for funding and Starr Research Review Only. Both types include feedback from Iowa scientists to improve the research project. Review Only proposals are not considered for funding. The LORAL Trust Student Research Grants provide funding to high school students with a demonstrated interest in science or science research. The grants will also provide mileage funding for students participating in research experiences with academic or other research organizations.

Tutorials

Read the following tutorials to learn how to make a successful submission. Our reviewers must read many proposals so writing a clear concise grant proposal helps the reviewers evaluate your proposal favorably. A well written and organized proposal follows the IJAS format and uses correct grammar and spelling. It communicates your plan clearly making it easy for reviewers to understand. An important part of science is being able to communicate effectively with other scientists and the public. Take care when writing your proposal. It is a very important part of your research experience.

Notice: Projects which include use of human subjects, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous materials, biological agents, pathogenic agents, regulated substances, or human/animal tissues will require documentation that proper safety procedures will be followed. More information is available under "Writing a STARR Grant Proposal."

Step 1: Writing Your IJAS Grant & Review Only Proposals

How to write your proposal.

Criteria used by proposal reviewers.

Step 2: Submit Your Proposal
- Funding is Available -

Access the submission form by clicking on the button below. The form must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save it and finish later. 

The Student Programs Committee of the Iowa Academy of Science will contact you with comments and/or suggestions for your proposal. If you have requested funding you will learn if and how much funding you will receive. If you submitted a ‘Request for Comments Only’ proposal you will receive the comments.

Step 3: Conduct Your Research

STEP 4: Prepare to present your Research

After completing your research it is time to prepare your presentation(s). Be sure to follow the directions provided by each science fair you decide to enter. The IJAS Science Symposium directions are in STEP 5.

Step 5: IJAS Research Presentation Guidelines

Scientists must learn how to present their research. The purpose of your presentation is to clearly communicate your research to your audience. Researchers must communicate in technical language with other scientists but also be able communicate in plain language to people not familiar with their topic. This is a great opportunity to communicate with experts or with individuals with little knowledge of your topic. Be prepared to meet people in both categories at the IJAS Science Symposium. All IJAS presenters are required to follow the IJAS Guidelines when presenting. 

Step 6: Claiming Your Grant Funding

Once you complete your project and make your presentation it is time to claim your funding. Please follow the guidelines below.

Students who present at the IJAS Science Symposium or students writing Starr Review Only proposals may skip this step. Starr Grant recipients who present at the IJAS Science Symposium automatically receive their grant funds without making a request.

1. Present your Research

Before IJAS Grant recipients receive their check they must present at either a regional or the State Science and Technology Fair or at the IJAS Science Symposium.  A list of approved science fairs is found under Science Opportunities near the bottom of this page.

2. Provide Proof of Attendance

Students who attend a regional or state science fair must provide proof of attendance. Verification of participation could be a program, newspaper clipping, or photograph of you at your display.
 
NOTE: Grant recipients who present at the IJAS Science Symposium are not required to provide proof of attendance or request reimbursement. They will be contacted by the IAS office staff about payment.

3. Request your Funding

Students needing to provide proof of attendance must fill out the IJAS Grant Request for Payment form below. Unless otherwise indicated the check will be made out in your name and sent to your school or the address provided in your membership profile. For projects by two students, each student will receive a check for half of the grant award.  

Submit your claim for funds by the second Friday in May.   You may request your grant award any time after you have presented your project and before the deadline.  Please note that you are not required to submit receipts.  

It is the responsibility of the student to claim their funding award by the deadline. IJAS Grant recipients who present at the IJAS symposium automatically receive their payment. 

Request for Payment Form

For Grant recipients who present at a regional or the State Science and Technology Fair
but NOT the IJAS Science Symposium.

Click on the button below to submit your request for payment to the Iowa Academy of Science. Payments will be made after the IJAS Science Symposium

Please contact the IAS office if you have questions or problems.