Physical Biosciences Division

FAQS

What is LDRD?
LDRD stands for Laboratory Directed Research and Development. It is small-scale funding awarded for timely, direct research in promising scientific directions. LDRD is frequently the first source of support for research at the forefront of its discipline, addressing science and technology challenges that are of critical national interest.

How does LDRD work?
Proposals are evaluated by scientific and management peer review prior to selection. The LDRD annual call for proposals typically comes out in February, with proposals due to the Division about two months later. There is a review and ranking of proposals at the Division level, after which they are forwarded to the Directorate for review and evaluation by laboratory managers and/or other independent peer reviewers as appropriate. Final selection is by the Laboratory Director with assistance from the Deputy Director for Research.

How many years can my LDRD research continue?
LDRD projects are approved for one year of funding at a time, although funding for a specific project may be awarded for up to three consecutive years.

Do I have to resubmit my LDRD proposal?
Researchers wishing to extent their projects past the first year must resubmit their proposal the following year, and their proposal will compete along with new proposals in the review process. Multiyear projects are not guaranteed continued funding past the first year.

What's the difference between "strategic" and "division" LDRD proposals?
Proposals are grouped into these two categories based on their scope and budget. Large, multidivisional proposals that focus on major initiatives and involve multiple PIs are generally considered "strategic" proposals. They receive an joint review separate from other proposals. Smaller proposals focusing on areas of interest within the Division are generally considered "division" proposals.

What's the importance of having a careful LDRD spending plan?
Your spending plan projects how LDRD funds will be spent thoughout the fiscal year. Actual spending patterns are compared to your spending plan. Although deviations are acceptable with reasonable cause, significant variation could suggest that LDRD funds are not being well managed.

Can LDRD funding be used for equipment?
Yes, as long as the equipment is used for an explicit research goal described in the researcher's LDRD proposal for that year. Capital equipment (over $25K) must be identified and is allocated separate from operating funding.

Why is it important to complete the section about follow-on funding?
This information helps determine which agencies benefit from LDRD seed funding. It also helps determine a rough return on investment for various LDRD projects.

Why are the NEPA/CEQA forms important?
These forms are a Federal requirement. Be sure to complete them before the start of research.


A quick guide to year-end reporting:

• Use the final report template.
  
• Do not include confidential information such as patentable details. The report will become public and be published on the Web.
  
• Helpful hints by section:

1) Project Description - One to three paragraphs reflecting the "Purpose/Goals and Approach/Methods" of the proposal coversheet submitted at the beginning of the project.

2) Accomplishments - The concise, 2-4 paragraph centerpiece of the report. You may include a figure, but be aware that the final report submitted to DOE will be a B&W photocopy.

3) Publications - Include in-press, submitted, and draft publications for the work funded by the LDRD project. For continuation projects, include only those resulting from the previous FY work.

4) Questionnaire - Please answer the questions about follow-on programmatic funding and the outcome of the LDRD project thoughtfully.

• Questions? Need help?
  
  LBNL LDRD Program Administrator: Todd Hansen (tchansen@lbl.gov, x6105).