Discoveries In Safety Grants

The Fire Safety Research Institute, a division of UL Research Institutes, has launched the Discoveries in Safety Grants program to support innovative scientific research that enhances firefighter safety. This initiative specifically targets the reduction of thermal and chemical fire exposures faced by firefighters in the line of duty. FSRI, renowned for its commitment to advancing fire safety science, is offering substantial financial backing to projects that will produce meaningful insights and methodologies for mitigating exposure risks in fireground conditions. Under this program, FSRI will award up to two research grants, each valued at $200,000 annually for a three-year period beginning in 2024. These grants aim to fund research focused on either understanding the human and environmental impact of fire or developing improved personal protective equipment (PPE). Projects may involve innovations in measurement techniques, numerical modeling, or assessments of contamination and decontamination methods. Applications are encouraged from qualified research teams capable of advancing the scientific understanding of PPE contamination and fire effluent exposure, particularly in structure, wildland urban interface, or vehicle fire scenarios. Applicants must select one of two core focus areas. The first—Human and Environmental Impact—invites research into measuring and modeling fire-related exposures and their physiological effects. The second—PPE—encourages projects analyzing the contamination of firefighting gear and evaluating potential improvements in design or cleaning methods. FSRI prioritizes sharing findings widely to support the broader firefighting and research communities in reducing operational risks. Eligible applicants include accredited academic institutions, government entities, and nonprofit organizations with legal recognition in their countries. The application process involves several key dates: a question period closing January 19, 2024, an informational webinar on January 26, 2024, a required letter of intent due by February 16, 2024, and a full proposal submission window open from April 1 to May 10, 2024. Projects must begin by September 1, 2024. Proposals are accepted through ProposalCentral. No matching funds are required for eligibility, and the program has a national scope without any stated geographic limitations. The research is expected to yield actionable insights into reducing both direct and secondary exposures through improved firefighting gear and cleaning practices. Contact for this opportunity is Daniel Madrzykowski, Senior Research Director at FSRI, whose oversight supports the program’s alignment with broader fire safety research goals.