The goal of the academic research grant program is to increase activity in the field. It aims to provide Sales with cause to begin new conversations with potential or return customers in leading academic research. The program begins with Sales encouraging new or existing contacts to submit a 1-2 paragraph pre-proposal abstract noting the research project and the intend of using NI products if awarded the grant. Authors of selected abstracts will then be invited to submit a full proposal. Number of grant winners is determined by the number of quality submissions and the program budget. Preference is given to researchers in need of NI products for their projects.