Document Type
Poster
Keywords
Intramural funding; Research ecosystems; Research support
Publication Date
Spring 2026
Abstract
Background: Intramural funding plays a pivotal role in strengthening research ecosystems by providing the flexibility and resources necessary for researchers to pursue novel ideas. Unlike external grants, internal funding enables organizations to rapidly support strategic priorities, foster cross-disciplinary collaborations, and catalyze early-stage projects that may later secure competitive external funding. The George Washington School of Public Health (GWSPH) Research Innovation Award (RIA) program provides a strong case study of the long-term impact of such investments.
Methods: This analysis draws on findings from the RIA Phase 2 Impact Report (2014–2022), which synthesizes data from annual surveys, final reports submitted by awardees, and fiscal records maintained by the GWSPH Office of Research Excellence (ORE). We examined metrics of productivity, collaborations, and return on investment (ROI) to evaluate the influence of institutional seed funding on innovation capacity and sustainability.
Results: Between 2014 and 2022, GWSPH distributed 31 internal awards totaling ~$1.3 million. 68% of the completed awards thus far have generated a remarkable level of productivity, with 97 peer-reviewed publications and 97 conference presentations advancing the school’s research portfolio. The funding also fostered 80 collaborations, spanning both internal departments and external organizations, thereby strengthening research networks and promoting interdisciplinary engagement. Importantly, award recipients leveraged their initial support to secure 45 additional external grants with a combined value of $35.9 million. This represents a return on investment of $27 in new grant funding for every $1 allocated, with an annualized ROI of 51%. Beyond financial gains, the program enabled faculty to pursue high-risk, high-reward ideas, empowered junior investigators, and enhanced the institution’s ability to rapidly respond to emerging public health challenges.
Conclusion: The RIA program illustrates that internal funding is more than a financial resource—it is a strategic investment that cultivates innovation, collaboration, and long-term sustainability within a research ecosystem. By enabling early exploration of novel research directions, internal funding strengthens institutional capacity, attracts top talent, and positions organizations to secure significant external funding. This case study demonstrates that targeted internal funding can yield transformative returns, advancing both institutional reputation and societal impact.
Creative Commons License
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Open Access
1
The Influence of Intramural Funding on Cultivating Innovation Withing a Research Ecosystem: A Case Study at The George Washington School of Public Health (2014-2022)
Background: Intramural funding plays a pivotal role in strengthening research ecosystems by providing the flexibility and resources necessary for researchers to pursue novel ideas. Unlike external grants, internal funding enables organizations to rapidly support strategic priorities, foster cross-disciplinary collaborations, and catalyze early-stage projects that may later secure competitive external funding. The George Washington School of Public Health (GWSPH) Research Innovation Award (RIA) program provides a strong case study of the long-term impact of such investments.
Methods: This analysis draws on findings from the RIA Phase 2 Impact Report (2014–2022), which synthesizes data from annual surveys, final reports submitted by awardees, and fiscal records maintained by the GWSPH Office of Research Excellence (ORE). We examined metrics of productivity, collaborations, and return on investment (ROI) to evaluate the influence of institutional seed funding on innovation capacity and sustainability.
Results: Between 2014 and 2022, GWSPH distributed 31 internal awards totaling ~$1.3 million. 68% of the completed awards thus far have generated a remarkable level of productivity, with 97 peer-reviewed publications and 97 conference presentations advancing the school’s research portfolio. The funding also fostered 80 collaborations, spanning both internal departments and external organizations, thereby strengthening research networks and promoting interdisciplinary engagement. Importantly, award recipients leveraged their initial support to secure 45 additional external grants with a combined value of $35.9 million. This represents a return on investment of $27 in new grant funding for every $1 allocated, with an annualized ROI of 51%. Beyond financial gains, the program enabled faculty to pursue high-risk, high-reward ideas, empowered junior investigators, and enhanced the institution’s ability to rapidly respond to emerging public health challenges.
Conclusion: The RIA program illustrates that internal funding is more than a financial resource—it is a strategic investment that cultivates innovation, collaboration, and long-term sustainability within a research ecosystem. By enabling early exploration of novel research directions, internal funding strengthens institutional capacity, attracts top talent, and positions organizations to secure significant external funding. This case study demonstrates that targeted internal funding can yield transformative returns, advancing both institutional reputation and societal impact.
Comments
Poster presented at the GWSPH Research Day 2026.