How to Write a Winning ORIC Application

Posted On: 02-03-2026

Posted In: Deadlines, ORIC Spotlight,

Becoming an ORIC institution means joining an international network of organizations committed to embedding research impact (RI) into their culture, systems, and practices. The Program to Enhance Organizational Research Impact Capacity (ORIC) from the Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS) supports universities, research offices, and nonprofits in building sustainable, organization-wide approaches to research engagement and impact.

If your organization is preparing to apply for the next ORIC cohort, here’s how to make your application stand out.

1. Demonstrate Institutional Readiness
   
   A strong ORIC application shows that your organization is ready to grow its capacity—not just interested in the concept. Reviewers look for evidence that leadership supports your participation and that your organization is poised to act on what you learn.
   • Show leadership commitment. Include statements of support from senior administrators who can allocate time, staff, and resources.
   • Identify a core team. ORIC is cohort-based, and each participating organization commits to sending a small team. Select people positioned to influence strategy—such as research development staff, outreach leads, or center directors.
   • Highlight alignment. Explain how ORIC fits into your institution’s mission, strategic plan, or broader impacts framework.
2. Clearly State Your Goals
   
   Reviewers want to see that your organization understands why it’s joining ORIC and what you hope to achieve.
   • Define at least one specific goal: for example, developing internal policies for broader impacts, improving researcher support systems, or integrating impact metrics into evaluation processes.
   • State what success looks like for your team at the end of the two years.
3. Show a Plan for Action and Sustainability
   
   ORIC is not just training; it’s about long-term institutional change. Strong applications describe how participation will lead to concrete outcomes.
   • Plan for implementation. Describe how you’ll share what you learn with colleagues or embed new practices after the program.
   • Develop a sustainability plan. How will your organization continue this work beyond ORIC? Identify existing networks, partnerships, or funding streams that can help sustain your efforts.
4. Pay Attention to Details
   
   Follow all submission instructions on the ARIS website. Include all required information, review deadlines carefully, and ensure the application is clear, well-organized, and complete.
   

Becoming an ORIC institution is a powerful step toward embedding research impact into your organization’s DNA. By showing readiness, focus, and a plan for meaningful change, your application can stand out—and help your institution become a leader in advancing the societal impact of research.