The LaSPACE Research Enhancement Awards (REA) Program is intended to provide support for faculty (and students) at LaSPACE member institutions, particularly aimed at the emerging researcher or an established researcher who wishes to pursue new research directions, for the development of projects, contacts, and collaborations that will bring Louisiana scientists into the mainstream of NASA related research activity, thereby increasing their chances to successfully compete in the aerospace R&D marketplace. The REA Program is funded by state matching funds, through the Louisiana Board of Regents Support Fund. The awards are intended to develop expertise and to contribute to research competitiveness. However, awards are not intended purely to support faculty salaries or student stipends. It is anticipated (and advised) that students will be involved in REA projects, but the overriding goal is the development of research capabilities and infrastructure in support of the country’s space/aerospace endeavors. In that regard, contacts/collaborations/ties to NASA centers and NASA researchers are strongly encouraged.

Program Summary

• A Notice of Intent (NOI) to propose is required for the REA program. NOIs do not need to be routed for institutional approvals/signature the way the final proposal needs to be.
• The overall goal for this Program is to effectively utilize the resources available through LaSPACE as incentive for faculty and students: 1) to develop research competitiveness, 2) to develop new research projects or directions, and 3) to foster collaborations with NASA researchers, federal laboratories, and with the business/industry community.
• Faculty affiliated with LaSPACE campuses are eligible to apply. On ALL proposals, only one PI can be proposed. Additional personnel should be listed as key personnel / researchers.
• PIs may only submit one proposal per competition cycle.
• Proposals must be signed off on by the Project PI and the Authorized Organizational Representative for Sponsored Programs at your institution.
• Student tuition is expressly forbidden on requested funds but is allowed as part of the institutional match.
• The final invoice and a final project report must be submitted to the LaSPACE office within 30 days of the project end date. Photographs and copies of all papers, presentations, and posters generated should be shared with LaSPACE as they occur and collected/referenced in the Final Report. Final Report guidelines can be downloaded from the LaSPACE website’s document center. A link to our new online reporting tool is also available.

Proposal Submissions

• Submit all properly executed proposals via email as fully searchable pdf documents to laspace@lsu.edu by 11:59 pm on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
• Important Dates:
  • Proposal Release Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
  • NOI Due Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
  • Proposal Due Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
  • Anticipated Award Announcements: July/August 2025
  • Award Period of Performance: 09/15/2025 – 06/30/2026 

2025-2026 REA Proposal Guidelines 
Download Link (Word Document): LaSPACE_REA_Proposal_Guidelines_2025-2026
Download Link (PDF Document): LaSPACE_REA_Proposal_Guidelines_2025-2026