About the Awards
The Office of Research and Innovation (OR&I) is pleased to announce the January 2026 recipients for the Shared Research Infrastructure Program (SRIP) awards. SRIP supports one-time, non-recurring purchases or investments in specialized research infrastructure that will support and advance cutting-edge research at MSU, benefit a diverse range of researchers, and align with MSU’s strategic research priorities. This program is funded in part through the generosity of the Michigan State University Research Foundation.
Advancing our research infrastructure starts with identifying where targeted investments can make the greatest difference, and the SRIP program provides a clear framework for doing just that. Our goal is to maximize impact for as many researchers and students as possible, ensuring MSU’s research enterprise remains innovative and sustainable for years to come.Kay Connelly, Associate Vice President for Operations and Strategy
These awards expand scientific capabilities and advance innovative research across campus.
Award Summaries
Toolbox Dialogue Initiative Team Science Shared Infrastructure
PIs: Edgar Cardenas, Michael O'Rourke, Marisa Rinkus, Chet McLeskey
This proposal would create a scalable team science shared infrastructure for MSU by developing a customized set of Toolbox Dialogue Initiative training modules and resources to strengthen the collaborative capacity of cross-disciplinary research teams. The requested support would standardize and scale proven Toolbox methods into high-quality instructional video modules and supplemental materials on practical topics like team planning, feedback, psychological safety, and dialogic communication cultures, expanding the number and robustness of structured team exercises while reducing staff time required to deliver programming. These resources can be used as stand-alone modules or integrated into workshops, enabling broad reach across MSU and addressing a widely underrecognized need given the volume of interdisciplinary projects campus-wide.
Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Excedion Pro Mass Spectrometer for the MSU Proteomics Core
PI: Erik Martinez-Hackert
The proposal emphasized the urgent need to replace an aging, high-use Orbitrap mass spectrometer in the RTSF Proteomics Core that is increasingly unreliable and creating backlogs that threaten research productivity. The replacement instrument would modernize MSU’s proteomics capabilities, add critical new functionality (higher sensitivity, faster throughput), and bring the core back in line with peer institutions, thereby supporting publications, grant competitiveness, and future instrumentation funding opportunities.
iXRF Apex M Advanced Micro X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer
PI: Thomas O’Halloran
The proposal to acquire a microXRF spectrometer is a strong addition to an existing area of institutional strength at MSU through the QBEAM shared resources. The instrument would meaningfully expand elemental analysis capabilities, particularly for non-destructive, micron-scale mapping of thicker and more complex samples relevant to plant biology, materials science, and engineering, and would provide analytical capabilities not currently available on campus. Broad cost-share commitments from multiple colleges demonstrate institutional enthusiasm and suggest campus-wide value.
Mid-Infrared Dual Comb Spectroscopy User Facility for Advanced Manufacturing, SmartAg, Energy, and Environment
PI: Hongtao Zhong
The proposed Mobile Spectrometer Core is a compelling, forward-looking investment that would introduce a first-in-the-Midwest dual-comb mid-infrared spectroscopy capability and significantly elevate MSU’s technical strengths in energy, materials, manufacturing, environmental sensing, and related interdisciplinary research areas. The breadth of committed users across multiple colleges, strong letters of support, alignment with MSU’s strategic priorities, and potential to drive high-impact publications, major federal proposals, and industry engagement were clear strengths.
Next Deadline
The next deadline for pre-applications due to college Associate Deans for Research is February 3, 2026. For more information, including how to apply, visit the SRIP webpage.