NIOSH Underground Mine Evacuation Technologies and Human Factors Research

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through its National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has released a funding opportunity titled "NIOSH Underground Mine Evacuation Technologies and Human Factors Research." This cooperative agreement is rooted in the congressional mandate outlined in the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act). The initiative seeks to support U.S. academic institutions that can contribute to improving underground mine evacuation through advanced technologies and human factors research. The CDC/NIOSH has long been a pivotal agency in public health, safety, and occupational research, and this program reflects its continued focus on reducing mining-related injuries, fatalities, and improving overall worker safety in hazardous underground environments. This NOFO is tailored to academic institutions that meet a very specific criterion: they must offer both an ABET-accredited undergraduate program in mining or mineral engineering and graduate programs in both mining and explosives engineering. The program aims to fund innovative research into technologies and methods that improve miners' ability to evacuate safely during emergencies. Focus areas include the development of wireless communication devices and systems, self-escape training tools, and improved refuge chamber designs. Proposals are encouraged to utilize unique facilities—such as operational underground mines or refuge chamber testing labs—that enhance the feasibility and applicability of the research. The funding opportunity carries an expected total program funding of $15 million over a five-year period, with up to $3 million available per 12-month budget cycle. Only one award is expected from this solicitation, and while cost sharing is not required, all funds are subject to strict adherence to federal research, data sharing, and safety policies. Applications that exceed budget or fail to meet eligibility documentation requirements will be deemed non-responsive. Eligible applicants must adhere to a single application per institution policy. The application process involves electronic submission through Grants.gov or NIH ASSIST platforms and must include required documentation such as program accreditations, a full research strategy, budget details, and data management plans. A final application deadline is stated as December 5, 2025. The earliest start date for awarded projects is expected to be September 1, 2026. While this is a recurring opportunity, new applications are only accepted for the first cycle; resubmissions will be accepted thereafter. The review process is merit-based and includes both scientific peer review and CDC/NIOSH programmatic assessments. Review criteria will emphasize the significance of the research problem, the qualifications of investigators, innovation, feasibility, and the institutional environment. Special consideration will be given to projects that demonstrate strong partnerships with industrial stakeholders and NIOSH itself. For inquiries, applicants can contact Maria Lioce, MD at MLioce@cdc.gov for scientific matters, or Christina Park at lsk1@cdc.gov for grants management issues. The official NOFO and supporting documents are available via Grants.gov and the NIH grant portal.

Submit documentation proving ABET accreditation and degree program eligibility; focus proposals on miner self-escape, refuge design, and wireless comms systems.