(COLUMBIA, Mo., AP) — Leaders of the University of Missouri system want researchers on the system’s four campuses to collaborate.

The system has set up a $1 million Interdisciplinary Intercampus Research Program. It will provide funds for research if it involves faculty from at least two different campuses and two different academic disciplines. The research must be considered likely to attract outside funding.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/10tT6Gl) the four campuses must each contribute $125,000, and the UM system will add $500,000.

The fund is temporary until system officials see if it is successful.

University system official Mike Nichols says more federal agencies are considering intercampus and interdisciplinary research when they award grants.

Proposals for the first round of funding are due by March 1. Awards will be announced May 1.