CHR Senior Research Affiliate Program
Lead. Partner. Expand your research impact.
The CHR Senior Research Affiliate designation is designed for Cal Poly faculty who are committed to advancing externally funded health research in partnership with the Center for Health Research.
Senior Research Affiliates route their externally funded health-related grants through CHR, creating a formal research partnership that strengthens proposal development, project administration, and long-term research infrastructure at Cal Poly.
This tier reflects a deeper level of engagement, collaboration, and shared investment in the growth of health research across campus.
Who Should Apply?
Cal Poly faculty who:
- Are submitting external health-related grant proposals and intend to route them through CHR
- Have active externally funded grants and wish to affiliate them with CHR
- Want comprehensive pre-award and post-award administrative support
- Are interested in playing a leadership role within the Center
Learn more about our current Senior Research Affiliates.
What It Means to Route a Grant Through CHR
Faculty may route grant proposals through CHR at the time of submission or reassign an existing award to CHR for a subsequent funding cycle.
To affiliate a grant with CHR, faculty notify their grants development or sponsored programs support person, indicating their intent to affiliate the proposal or award with the Center.
Affiliated grants generate indirect cost (IDC) return to CHR, as well as augmented IDC return rate for the Senior Research Affiliate, which supports both the investigator and the Center’s shared research infrastructure.
Benefits of Senior Research Affiliation
Senior Research Affiliates receive all Faculty Affiliation benefits, plus expanded research infrastructure and leadership opportunities:
Augmented Indirect Cost Return
- A portion of indirect cost (IDC) revenue from CHR-affiliated grants is redistributed to the PI’s professional development account (with additional allocations to the department and Center) to reinvest in your ongoing research program. Learn more about CHR's IDC Return Policy.
Research Infrastructure & Administrative Partnership
- Access to CHR shared research spaces (conference rooms, workspace, shared equipment)
- Pre-award support, including budget review and grant submission assistance
- Post-award project management support
- Assistance with contracting, invoicing, and budget management
- Administrative support for student onboarding, training, and compliance tracking
Leadership & Visibility
- Opportunity to serve on CHR’s Executive Board
- Featured presentations at CHR symposia and networking events
- Elevated visibility as a senior research partner within the Center
Expectations of Senior Research Affiliates
To maintain an active and mutually beneficial partnership, Senior Research Affiliates agree to:
- Route externally funded health-related grants through CHR
- Provide an annual research update
- Attend at least one CHR event per year (or contribute meaningfully to CHR activities)
- Serve as a “Center Ambassador,” such as:
- Mentoring a Tier 1 Affiliate
- Participating in a CHR panel
- Hosting a CHR event within their department
Senior Research Affiliates play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction and research excellence of the Center.
How to Become a Senior Research Affiliate
Interested faculty members can apply by completing a short Senior Research Affiliate Interest Form. The CHR Scientific Director will follow-up with you within 1-2 business days.
