Grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Science and Technology

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters has released a solicitation, titled Early Stage Innovations (ESI), as an appendix to the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) umbrella NASA Research Announcement (NRA) titled "Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion 2024 (SpaceTech REDDI 2024), on April 4, 2024. The ESI solicitation is available by opening the NSPIRES homepage at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/, selecting Open under "Solicitations," and searching "Early Stage Innovations (ESI24)" under Keywords. The Space Technology Research Grants (STRG) Program within STMD seeks proposals from accredited U.S. universities to develop unique, disruptive, or transformational space technologies that have the potential to lead to dramatic improvements at the system level performance, weight, cost, reliability, operational simplicity, or other figures of merit associated with spaceflight hardware or missions. The projected impact at the system level must be substantial and clearly identified. Only accredited U.S. universities are eligible to submit proposals. Teaming is permitted see solicitation for complete eligibility requirements as well as teaming restrictions. A Principal Investigator (see solicitation for restrictions) or Co-Investigator may participate in no more than two proposals in response to this solicitation. NASA encourages submission of ESI proposals on behalf of tenure-track or tenured faculty members at all U.S. universities and especially encourages proposals submitted on behalf of and/or that include as team members women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities. The solicitation exclusively seeks proposals that are responsive to one of the following two topics: Topic 1 Computational Materials Engineering for Lunar Metals Welding Topic 2 Passive Lunar Dust Control through Advanced Materials and Surface Engineering NASA anticipates addressing other topics in future ESI Appendix releases. The financial and programmatic support for ESI comes from the Space Technology Research Grants Program within the Space Technology Mission Directorate. Awards are planned to start in January 2025. NASA plans to make approximately 6 awards as a result of this ESI solicitation, subject to the receipt of meritorious proposals. The actual number of awards will depend on the quality of the proposals received; NASA reserves the right to make no awards under this solicitation. STMD is strongly committed to ensuring that proposal review is performed in an equitable and fair manner that reduces the impacts of any unconscious biases. To this end, this Appendix will employ a Dual-Anonymous Peer Review (DAPR) process to evaluate proposals. Using DAPR, not only are proposers not told the identities of the reviewers, but the identities of the proposers (personnel and organization names) will not be shared with the reviewers until after the technical review of all anonymized proposals has been completed. All proposals must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES by an authorized organizational representative. Notices of Intent (strongly encouraged) are due by May 9, 2024, with proposals due on or before June 6, 2024, 5 pm Eastern. Detailed submission instructions and due dates are provided in the solicitation. Potential proposers and their proposing organizations are urged to familiarize themselves with the submission system, ensure they are registered in NSPIRES, and submit the required proposal materials well in advance of the deadline. All technical and programmatic comments and questions may be addressed by email to the Space Technology Research Grants Program Executive, at [email protected]. Responses to inquiries will be answered by email and may also be included in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) documents located on the NSPIRES page associated with the solicitation; anonymity of persons/institutions who submit questions will be preserved.

This ISO seeks solution summaries and proposal submissions for projects that fall within the general scope of the ARPA-H Health Science Futures (HSF) mission office. HSF expands what is technically possible by developing approaches that will remove the scientific and technological limitations that stymie progress towards the healthcare of the future. HSF supports cutting-edge, often disease-agnostic research programs that have the potential for translational real-world change.Considering the current healthcare challenges that we face today, the goal of achieving better health outcomes is a moving target that requires daring and adaptable solutions. HSF awardees will develop innovative technologies, tools, and platforms that can be applied to a broad range of diseases. The following interest areas define the ground-breaking research we seek to support:Breakthrough Technologies: Paradigm shifting technologies that will change how we approach the diagnosis, treatment, and impact of diseases and conditions. Novel approaches to improve maternal and fetal medicine, decrease maternal morbidity and mortality during birth, and the post-partum period. Efforts should include new technology to monitor, detect, and/or treat maternal and/or fetal complications with less invasive and traumatic methods. Foundational advances in genetic, epigenetic, cellular, tissue, and organ replacement therapies that enable personalized medical interventions at scale in a manner that is accessible, cost-effective, and designed to impact the communities of greatest need. Interventions that target and reverse disease pathogenesis and/or enhance plasticity to address diseases of the nervous, neuromuscular, skeletal, lymphatic, cardiovascular, and other organ systems. Novel approaches to diagnose and treat diseases of the lymphatic system, particularly rare diseases, with a focus on the effects of genetic expression in the lymphatic system and/or models demonstrating the relationship between lymphatic dysfunction and health and disease.Transformative Tools: Novel, agile solutions that will move from bench to bedside quickly, facilitating revolutionary advances in medical care. Development of tools that counter idiosyncratic, off-target, or chronic effects of medicines that are commonly used or that are being used experimentally to treat or prevent disease. Development of bionics to restore sight, hearing, taste, or smell. Site-selective neuromodulation to regulate specific physiological functions and treat chronic health conditions such as inflammation, pain, and metabolic or endocrine disorders. Synthetic biology approaches to diagnosing, treating, and/or curing a multitude of diseases. Novel physics and/or chemistry-based approaches to improve imaging that reduces cost, increases availability, expands capability, improves resolution, reduces exposure to radiation, and accommodates pediatric patient populations. Integrated sensing and delivery devices for treating and diagnosing chronic health conditions, including mental health conditions or substance use disorders. Miniaturization of complex hardware to enable broader access to pediatric and other patient populations, as well as portability, such as diagnostic, treatment, imaging, or other devices.Platform Systems: Adaptable, multi-application systems and technologies that are reconfigurable for a wide variety of clinical needs Novel molecular platform approaches, including the modulation of host systems, delivery to targets with spatial and temporal precision, and mitigation of off-target effects to accelerate interventions that dramatically improve health outcomes. New approaches to accelerate and routinize mammalian and microbial cellular engineering to enable next generation therapeutic applications, develop multiscale interventions, and automate hypothesis generation and discovery to expand those applications to disease states in which cellular therapies have not traditionally been employed. Innovative approaches at the intersection of artificial intelligence, high performance computing (including quantum computing) and biological systems, including enabling de novo design of biomolecules with entirely new phenotypes.Other high-quality submissions that propose revolutionary technologies that meet the goals of HSF will be considered even if they do not address the topics listed above.Proposals are expected to use innovative approaches to enable revolutionary advances in medicine and healthcare, and the science and technology underlying these areas. While approaches that are disease agnostic are encouraged, ARPA-H welcomes proposals that bring radically new insights to address specific diseases including, but not limited to, cancer, diabetes, neurological diseases, pediatric and maternal/fetal health, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular disease.Specifically excluded are proposals that represent an evolutionary or incremental advance in the current state of the art or technology that has reached the clinical trial stage. An example of this type of proposal might include the request to fund clinical trials of an otherwise developed product. Additionally, proposals directed towards policy changes, traditional education and training, or center coordination, formation, or development, and construction of physical infrastructure are outside the scope of the ARPA-H mission.

The FY24 PCRP Early Investigator Research Award supports prostate cancer-focused research opportunities for individuals in the early stages of their careers under the guidance of one or more designated mentors. This opportunity allows early-career investigators to develop a research project, investigate a problem or question in prostate cancer research, and further their intellectual development as prostate cancer researchers of the future. All application components for the FY24 PCRP Early Investigator Research Award are to be written by the Principal Investigator (PI), with appropriate direction from the mentor(s).Key elements of this award mechanism are as follows: Principal Investigator: The postdoctoral investigator is considered the PI of the application and must exhibit strong potential for and commitment to pursuing a career as an investigator at the forefront of prostate cancer research; however, the PI is not required to have previous prostate cancer research experience. The PI must have 3 years or less of postdoctoral research experience (excluding clinical residency or clinical fellowship training) as of March 31, 2025. The PCRP strongly encourages applications from PIs who demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career focused on prostate cancer health disparity research. Mentor(s): Applications must include at least one mentor appropriate to the proposed research project who has experience in prostate cancer research and mentoring as demonstrated by a record of active funding, recent publications, and successful mentorship. The primary mentor can be a junior faculty member, in which case the PI is encouraged to include a secondary mentor with a more robust track record in prostate cancer research and mentorship. Applications that focus on prostate cancer health disparity should include at least one mentor with experience in prostate cancer health disparity research. The selected mentor(s) should also demonstrate a clear commitment to the development of the PI toward independence as a prostate cancer researcher. Research Approach: Proposed research ideas are required to address one or more of the FY24 PCRP Overarching Challenges. Projects that specifically address the FY24 PCRP Overarching Challenge to advance health equity and reduce disparities in prostate cancer are strongly encouraged. The scientific rationale and experimental methodology should demonstrate in-depth analysis of the research problem presented. The feasibility of the research design and methods should be well defined, and a clear plan should be articulated as to how the proposed goals of the project can be achieved. Inclusion of preliminary data relevant to prostate cancer and the proposed project is encouraged but not required. Any preliminary data provided should be from the PI, mentor(s), or member(s) of the collaborating team. Additionally, required resources should be identified and supported through documentation. Research involving human subjects and human anatomical substances is permitted; however, clinical trials are not allowed under this funding opportunity. Researcher Development Plan: The PI must outline an individualized, prostate cancer-focused researcher development plan, which should include a clearly articulated strategy for acquiring the necessary skills, competence, and expertise that will enable the PI to successfully complete the proposed research project and foster the PIs development as an independent prostate cancer researcher. An environment appropriate to the proposed mentoring and research project must be clearly described, although any deficiencies of resources and/or mentorship at the PIs institution can be mitigated through collaboration(s) with other institutions. If the PI will be utilizing resources at another institution to successfully complete the proposed project, then the PI is strongly encouraged to designate a co-mentor at the collaborating institution.Investigators are strongly encouraged to incorporate the following components into their study design, where appropriate, in order to maximize the potential impact of the proposed research project: authentication of proposed cell lines; statistical rigor of preclinical animal experiments; and incorporation of experiments to assess clinical relevance and translatability of findings. Studies utilizing data derived from large patient studies that include long-term health records, biospecimen repositories, and pre-existing research and apply state-of-the-art genomic and/or proteomic analysis, bioinformatics, and/or mathematical models to such data are also encouraged. Investigators are highly encouraged to provide a letter of support indicating access to and the availability of any resources required to support the study.A congressionally mandated Metastatic Cancer Task Force was formed with the purpose of identifying ways to help accelerate clinical and translational research aimed at extending the lives of advanced state and recurrent patients. As a member of the Metastatic Cancer Task Force, the CDMRP encourages applicants to review the recommendations (https://health.mil/Reference-Center/Congressional-Testimonies/2018/05/03/Metastatic-Cancer-Research) and submit research ideas to address these recommendations provided they are within the limitations of this funding opportunity and fit within the FY24 PCRP priorities.Innovative research involving nuclear medicine and related techniques to support early diagnosis, more-effective treatment, and improved health outcomes of active-duty Service Members and their Families is encouraged. Such research could improve diagnostic and targeted treatment capabilities through noninvasive techniques and may drive the development of precision imaging and advanced targeted therapies.Applications from investigators within the military services and applications involving multidisciplinary collaborations among academia, industry, the military services, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other federal government agencies are highly encouraged. These relationships can leverage knowledge, infrastructure, and access to unique clinical populations that the collaborators bring to the research effort, ultimately advancing research that is of significance to Service Members, Veterans, and/or their Families. If the proposed research relies on access to unique resources or databases, the application must describe the access at the time of submission and include a plan for maintaining access as needed throughout the proposed research.All projects should adhere to a core set of standards for rigorous study design and reporting to maximize the reproducibility and translational potential of clinical and preclinical research. The standards are described in SC Landis et al., 2012, A call for transparent reporting to optimize the predictive value of preclinical research, Nature 490:187-191 (http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v490/n7419/full/nature11556.html). While these standards are written for preclinical studies, the basic principles of randomization, blinding, sample-size estimation, and data handling derive from well-established best practices in clinical studies.Clinical trials are not allowed. A clinical trial is defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 45, Part 46.102 (45 CFR 46.102) as a research study in which one or more human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (which may include a placebo or another control) to evaluate the effects of the interventions on biomedical or behavioral health-related outcomes.Studies that do not seek to measure safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcome(s) of an intervention are not considered clinical trials.For the purposes of this funding opportunity, research that meets the definition of a clinical trial is distinct from clinical research. Clinical research encompasses research with human data, human specimens, and/or interaction with human subjects. Clinical research is observational in nature and includes:(1) Research conducted with human subjects and/or material of human origin such as data, specimens, and cognitive phenomena for which an investigator (or co-investigator) does not seek to assess the safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcomes of an intervention. Research meeting this definition may include but is not limited to: (a) mechanisms of human disease, (b) diagnostic or detection studies (e.g., biomarker or imaging), (c) health disparity studies, and (d) development of new technologies.(2) Epidemiologic and behavioral studies that do not seek to assess the safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcomes of an intervention.(3) Outcomes research and health services research that do not fit under the definition of clinical trial.Excluded from the definition of clinical research are in vitro studies that utilize human data or specimens that cannot be linked to a living individual and meet the requirements for exemption under 46.104(d)(4) of the Common Rule.The funding instrument for awards made under the program announcement will be grants (31 USC 6304).The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY24 PCRP Early Investigator Research Award should not exceed $300,000. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.Awards supported with FY24 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2025.The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $6.24M to fund approximately 13 Early Investigator Research Award applications. Funding of applications received is contingent upon the availability of federal funds for this program, the number of applications received, the quality and merit of the applications as evaluated by peer and programmatic review, and the requirements of the government. Funds to be obligated on any award resulting from this funding opportunity will be available for use for a limited time period based on the fiscal year of the funds. It is anticipated that awards made from this FY24 funding opportunity will be funded with FY24 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2030.

This funding opportunity supports clinical research projects that extend or enhance existing breast cancer studies, requiring collaboration with consumer advocates to improve outcomes for patients and the community.

This grant provides funding for researchers to investigate the causes and effects of social, political, and economic inequalities in the United States, focusing on how these disparities impact various outcomes for individuals and communities.

This grant provides funding to support research and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities in STEM fields and education.

This funding opportunity supports research on terrestrial ecosystems, focusing on plant-soil-microbe interactions and the ecological challenges of coastal and degraded lands, aimed at universities, nonprofits, and private organizations in the U.S.

This grant provides funding for university students in the U.S. to develop innovative aeronautics projects while also engaging in crowdfunding to support their research efforts.

This program provides funding to enhance research opportunities and collaborations at Minority-Serving Institutions, aiming to diversify the STEM workforce in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences.

This grant provides funding to Delaware-based nonprofit organizations and government entities for community-focused arts projects that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This grant provides funding for research teams to study agricultural emissions and their effects on air quality and climate, utilizing advanced technologies and collaborative efforts to enhance understanding and data sharing in this field.

This funding initiative provides financial support to Michigan-based nonprofits and higher education institutions that assist startups, aiming to boost innovation and economic development in the state.

The Arts in Society Grant, funded by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), aims to leverage the arts to address civic and social challenges within Colorado communities. This program aligns with a broader mission of fostering community development and social justice through creative engagement, recognizing the arts as a powerful tool for societal change and problem-solving. The grant offers both financial and organizational support, indicating a commitment to not only fund projects but also to nurture the growth and impact of participating artists and organizations. The target beneficiaries for this grant are broad, encompassing Colorado artists, activists, nonprofit organizations, universities and schools, government agencies, human service groups, neighborhood organizations, and healthcare organizations. The program particularly encourages applications from individual artists and non-arts organizations, emphasizing inclusivity and a cross-sector approach. The impact goals are centered on empowering these diverse groups to collaborate on projects where artists, organizations, and a target community work together to address specific social issues, ultimately leading to positive community transformation. The program's priorities and focuses include fostering collaboration, building support networks, and illustrating the impact of arts in cross-sector projects. Grantees are expected to attend learning community meetings to build support and share resources, underscoring a strategic priority of community building and knowledge exchange among participants. Another key focus is the promotion of grantee work through various marketing channels, highlighting the program's commitment to showcasing successful initiatives and advocating for the value of arts in society. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful completion of projects within 24 months, with an emphasis on projects that demonstrably engage a social issue and involve collaborative efforts. The mini-documentary highlighting grantee work and participation in evaluation processes are crucial mechanisms for measuring and illustrating the impacts of the arts in these cross-sector endeavors. This suggests a strategic priority of OEDIT to document and disseminate the effectiveness of arts-based solutions to civic and social challenges, thereby validating and expanding the theory of change that art can be a catalyst for tangible societal improvement.

This program provides funding to community organizations in New Jersey to create job opportunities and hands-on environmental experiences for underserved youth aged 16-20, focusing on fostering a diverse green workforce.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to historically black colleges and universities, as well as other minority-serving institutions, to acquire advanced research equipment that enhances STEM education and research capabilities relevant to national security.

This program provides funding for researchers and institutions to analyze scientific data from NASA's Discovery missions, advancing our understanding of planetary science.

This funding opportunity supports a wide range of research and technology development in space and Earth sciences, inviting proposals from various organizations, including academic institutions, private companies, and government entities, both domestic and international.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist cultural organizations in Louisiana in strengthening their emergency preparedness and response strategies to better withstand the impacts of natural disasters.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Illinois working to improve broadband access, digital literacy, and inclusion for underserved communities, helping bridge the digital divide and promote economic development.

This grant provides funding for innovative research projects that aim to transform manufacturing processes in the U.S. by addressing scientific, technological, and educational challenges, while promoting workforce development and inclusivity in STEM fields.