Grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Federal

The purpose of this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is to solicit applications to participate in the Immunobiology of Xenotransplantation Cooperative Research Program (IXCRP), a multi-center program dedicated to resolving immunologic and physiologic barriers to safe and efficacious xenotransplantation using preclinical pig to nonhuman primate (NHP) or human decedent models of pancreatic islet, kidney, heart, lung, or liver xenotransplantation. Transplantation is often the preferred or only therapy for end-stage organ disease. In 2023, 46,630 organ transplants were performed in the United States. In addition, transplantation of pancreatic islets offers a potential therapy for individuals with type 1 diabetes whose disease is not effectively managed with exogenous insulin. Unfortunately, with over 103,500 adults and children on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting list, those in need of a transplant greatly exceed the number of available organs. It is estimated that 20 people on average die each day waiting for a transplant. Xenotransplantation offers a potential interim or definitive solution to the severe shortage of human organs and pancreatic islets. Pigs are the primary species of interest as xenograft donors due to their favorable reproductive capacity, and anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. However, there are multiple barriers to successful clinical xenotransplantation, including immunologic rejection of non-human organs and tissues by the human immune system, physiological differences between non-human and human molecules that prevent proper functioning of various biochemical pathways, and potential transmission of zoonoses. To address these challenges, the IXCRP was established by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in 2005 with a co-fund for type 1 diabetes from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) (RFA-AI-04-042). Subsequently, in 2010, the program was renewed solely by NIAID (RFA-AI-09-035), in 2015 (RFA-AI-14-047 and RFA-AI-14-048), and in 2020 (RFA-AI-19-042 and RFA-AI-19-043). IXCRP investigators and other researchers in the field have made significant advances over the past two decades, and NIAID is committed to support this challenging area of research. Historically, the most significant hurdle to successful xenotransplantation was hyperacute rejection caused by preformed, xenoreactive naturally-occurring antibodies (XNA) that destroy the xenograft within hours post-transplant. The primary target of XNA is a carbohydrate epitope, galactose-alpha-(1,3)-galactose (Gal), which is not present in humans and Old World NHPs. To overcome this hurdle, two decades ago, the enzyme responsible for terminally linking Gal onto oligosaccharide chains, alpha-1,3 glycosyltransferase (GT), was knocked out in genetically modified pigs. Xenografts from GT knockout (GTKO) pigs elicit substantially less severe hyperacute rejection in NHPs. Cytidine monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH) gene knockouts and mutations to beta-1,4-N-acetyl-galactosaminyltransferase 2 (B4GALNT2) were similarly engineered to reduce reactivity to other notable XNA to pig carbohydrate antigens, namely N-glycolylneuraminic acid-modified glycans and SDa swine blood group antigen, respectively. Over the last decade, application of CRISPR-Cas 9 technology combined with somatic cell nuclear transfer cloning has significantly accelerated the pace of multi-gene modification and donor pig production. Additional genetic modifications, most on the GTKO background, were developed to address key species-to-species incompatibilities and create more human-like organs. These include the insertion of human complement regulatory proteins to minimize the deleterious effects of the complement cascade in antibody-mediated rejection, human thrombomodulin and/or tissue factor pathway inhibitor to overcome coagulation pathway dysfunction, and human anti-inflammatory and/or immune suppressive genes to reduce immune activation contributing to graft rejection. These strategies have dramatically reduced the frequency and severity of hyperacute rejection and have prolonged survival in pig-to-NHP xenotransplantation models for up to 4 years. Success in prolonging xenograft survival in the pig-to-NHP model allows more in-depth investigation of the remaining immunologic and physiologic issues that must be addressed in order to achieve safe and efficacious clinical xenotransplantation. These include physiologic differences that influence xenograft function and long-term survival, and risks associated with zoonoses. Transmission of pathogenic zoonoses to a human recipient and, potentially, the general population is a concern. To reduce this risk, animals used for xenotransplantation are bred in specific-pathogen-free conditions, weaned early or caesarian-derived, and routinely screened to eliminate most, if not all, known zoonotic agents. Porcine Cytomegalovirus (PCMV) is a swine pathogen known to have deleterious effects on xenograft survival. In the first human patient to receive a cardiac xenotransplant, conventional testing failed to detect latent PCMV in the donor pig and the virus reactivated post-transplant. The extent to which PCMV reactivation contributed to the patient’s death is unknown; however, this event underscores the need for sensitive and reliable assays to detect both latent and active infection with PCMV. Porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERV), another potential zoonotic threat, were successfully inactivated in a line of pigs through a combination of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing and somatic cell nuclear transfer, further highlighting the potential of these technologies to both protect against immunologic attack and reduce the risk of zoonoses. The field of xenotransplantation has recently witnessed an expansion in research models beyond NHP recipients to include an evaluation of safety, feasibility, and short-term outcomes (2 – 60 days) in humans declared to have irreversible loss of brain function (individuals with brain death, also referred to as human decedents) maintained on cardiopulmonary support. These experiments, using varying genetically modified pig hearts and kidneys transplanted into human decedents whose organs were declined for allotransplantation based on organ quality, have demonstrated early hemodynamic stability, an absence of hyperacute rejection, and basic organ functionality under immunosuppression. No chimerism or transmission of porcine retroviruses were detected; however, many of these experiments have demonstrated thrombotic microangiopathy and/or antibody-mediated injury. As of the time of this writing, medical teams that include IXCRP-funded investigators have performed two pig-to-human orthotopic heart transplants under expanded access (compassionate use) authorization from the FDA. The two xenograft recipients expired at 8 and 6 weeks, respectively. These initial clinical xenotransplants demonstrated good early xenograft function but also highlighted fundamental gaps in our knowledge of 1) critical pathways leading to inflammation and graft failure, 2) best practices for zoonotic viral surveillance and treatment, 3) optimal design of the donor pig, and 4) postoperative immunosuppression regimen. These knowledge gaps must be addressed prior to broader clinical translation. Scope and Research Objectives The re-issue of the IXCRP will support research projects centered around preclinical NHP and/or human decedent models of porcine pancreatic islet, kidney, heart, lung, or liver xenotransplantation. The research objectives must address one or more of the remaining key immunologic and physiologic barriers to achieving safe and efficacious xenotransplantation, including issues affecting engraftment, survival, and function of xenografts. Research foci may include 1) development or optimization of the models themselves, including genetic modifications of the pig-donor to address FDA concerns, as well as refinement of surgical xenotransplantation techniques, 2) development or optimization of the immunosuppression (IS) regimen to prevent rejection and minimize toxicity, 3) characterization and resolution of physiological and immunological barriers to long-term xenograft survival, and 4) development or optimization of strategies to screen for and prevent pathogen transmission to recipients. Examples of research topics may include, but are not limited to the following: Elucidation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of and development of strategies to prevent hyperacute, acute, and chronic xenograft rejection; Characterization of the recipient’s innate and adaptive immune responses to the xenograft; Evaluation of regimens to induce and maintain immune tolerance to xenografts and/or delineation of cellular and molecular mechanisms promoting xenograft tolerance; Development and characterization of strategies to prolong xenograft survival in life-supporting xenotransplantation models; Development of approaches to eliminate or minimize the use of immunosuppressive drugs through genetic modifications of donor organs/tissues/cells, utilization of encapsulation techniques, or other tolerogenic approaches; Characterization of and application of approaches to address differences in the anatomical, physiological, and/or endocrinological features of donor pig organs, tissues, or cells that limit a xenograft’s survival and function in NHP or human decedent recipients; Delineation and study of cross-match differences between pigs and NHPs or humans; Development and testing of tools/approaches to diagnose, monitor, and treat porcine zoonoses in human decedent models; Development and testing of tools/approaches to diagnose, monitor, and treat xenograft rejection; and Development and testing of tools/approaches to diagnose, monitor, and treat causes of xenograft dysfunction other than immunologic rejection. Applications proposing any of the following will be considered non-responsive and will not be reviewed: Pig-to-NHP xenotransplantation studies of any organs, tissues, or cells other than pancreatic islets, kidney, heart, lung, or liver. Small animal models of xenotransplantation, such as rodent models, unless the model is proposed only as an in vivo bioassay of large animal immune function (e.g., trans in vivo delayed type hypersensitivity assay); Clinical trials or clinical/human studies of xenotransplantation; (only preclinical human decedent model research is allowed). Studies of zoonotic agents or infections, except for those studies designed to prevent transmission of, or improve diagnosis, monitoring, or treatment of zoonotic infections in xenograft recipients. Studies focused on HIV/AIDS-related research. Applications that do not include annual milestones. Applications that propose studies in human decedents but do not include a Human Decedent Research Plan. Milestones The research plan must include explicit, detailed, and quantitative annual milestones. These milestones will be used by NIAID program staff to assess annual progress and support funding decisions. Steering Committee Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s)) of awards funded under this program will form a Steering Committee after award. The Steering Committee will serve as the main governing body of the IXCRP. At annual meetings, the Steering Committee will review progress of xenotransplantation projects, provide guidance and recommendations to investigators regarding study implementation and conduct, identify scientific opportunities, emerging needs, and impediments to success, and encourage collaborations among consortium members. The voting members of the Steering Committee will include the PD/PI (contact PI) from each single project U01 award and the PD/PI (contact PI) plus one project leader from each multi-project U19 award. Additional PDs/PIs, Project Leaders, Core Leaders, and the NIH Project Scientist will serve as non-voting Steering Committee members. All IXCRP investigators will be required to accept and implement common guidelines and procedures approved by the Steering Committee. Applicants are encouraged to consider using the following NIAID-supported programs: The Immunology Database and Analysis Portal (ImmPort) The Immunology Database and Analysis Portal (ImmPort) program will provide support for public sharing of research data and experimental protocols of the IXCRP. ImmPort is a NIAID-funded data sharing platform, which has developed templates for data collection, standardization, and sharing from various NIAID-supported research programs. The IXCRP recipients are encouraged to participate with ImmPort in developing data standards for IXCRP-specific data types, where applicable, and be responsible for collecting and submitting data and documents into ImmPort. The IXCRP Steering Committee will provide information, consistent with the goals of the program and NIH policy, regarding research data and experimental protocol sharing within the IXCRP and with the public. The National Swine Resource and Research Center (NSRRC) The Office of Research Infrastructure Programs within the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the NIH Director supports the National Swine Resource and Research Center (NSRRC), which is co-sponsored by NIAID and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The NSRRC was established in 2003 to develop the infrastructure needed to ensure that biomedical investigators across a variety of disciplines have access to critically needed swine models of human health and disease. The purpose of the NSRRC is to provide the biomedical research community enhanced access to critically needed swine models and to develop genetically modified swine when required for studies involving human health and diseases, including xenotransplantation. NIAID encourages IXCRP-funded investigators to submit relevant cell lines and animal models developed under this NOFO to the NSRRC, when applicable. This U01 NOFO is appropriate for applicants that are proposing a single research project while the companion U19 NOFO (RFA-AI-24-020) should be used for investigators proposing a more complex research program involving 2 or more research projects supported by cores. Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss the proposed research with NIAID staff listed in the Scientific/Research contact well in advance of the application submission deadline. See Section VIII. Other Information for award authorities and regulations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that develop innovative strategies and tools to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities, focusing on inclusive practices and diverse populations.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications for sites to participate in the Genomic Medicine eConsult Research Network, hereafter referred to as the eConsult Network. The eConsult Network will consist of 2-3 sites working with NHGRI to conduct research on the impact of and methods for implementing regional clinician-to-clinician genomic medicine eConsult services. Specifically, sites will be funded to research how to best design, develop, and implement regional genomic medicine eConsult services; provide outreach to potential users, including those at underserved settings; and assess the impact on key stakeholders while developing successful implementation strategies and resources that can be broadly shared and adopted.

Abidjans Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) program seeks a cooperative agreement with one partner who will oversee a series of speaking engagements on a diverse range of topics. The program will bring together American and Ivoirian experts to engage the public on pressing issues which are priorities for both countries. The program topics will be chosen in tandem with PDS and can include but are not limited to:Coastal protection and climate change,Ethical Uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI)Entrepreneurship: developing and scaling a business across sectorsCivic Engagement: The Future of African Youth: encouraging youth participation

This funding opportunity provides financial support for U.S. universities, national laboratories, and industry to conduct innovative research in nuclear energy, with a focus on advancing technology and promoting collaboration while benefiting disadvantaged communities.

This funding opportunity supports innovative research aimed at understanding and addressing mood and psychotic disorders that may arise or worsen during the menopause transition, encouraging collaboration among interdisciplinary researchers.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to academic and nonprofit research institutions for the modernization or construction of shared biomedical research facilities that enhance research capabilities and benefit the broader scientific community.

This grant provides funding to various organizations in New Jersey to promote sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship through community gardens and conservation education in urban and underserved areas.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) encourages formative research, intervention development, and pilot-testing of interventions. Primary scientific areas of focus include the feasibility, tolerability, acceptability and safety of novel or adapted interventions that target HIV prevention, treatment or services research for people who use drugs. For the purposes of this FOA, "intervention" may include behavioral, social, or structural approaches, as well as combination biomedical and behavioral approaches that prevent the acquisition and transmission of HIV infection, or improve clinical outcomes for persons living with HIV.

This funding opportunity supports the development and use of research infrastructure that fosters interdisciplinary collaborations to address complex aging-related scientific questions, particularly benefiting diverse and underserved populations.

This grant provides funding to organizations that aim to improve healthcare delivery and reduce disparities for underserved populations by implementing evidence-based practices and fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, government agencies, and community organizations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the development of a collaborative data framework that enhances data sharing and innovation among agricultural stakeholders, including universities, producers, and nonprofit organizations across the U.S.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in strengthening the labor rights, protections, and conditions of decent work for migrant domestic workers in Malaysia.

The U.S. Department of State provides funding for well-conceived projects that support U.S. Embassy Santiagos strategic priorities in Chile. All proposed projects should strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and Chile and include a clear U.S. element that will promote increased understanding of the United States among the Chilean public. They may include U.S. expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.Proposals should address one or more of the following priority program objectives: Bolster Free and Independent Media: Chilean journalists and students, acquire new skills and tools to recognize and mitigate the spread of disinformation and online violence, as well as reduce vulnerability to unreliable news sources. Advance Social and Economic Inclusion: Chilean civil society and government advance the rights of and opportunities for marginalized and vulnerable communities, including women, indigenous and African descendant Chileans, and immigrants, in order to promote more stable and sustainable social and economic conditions. Promote Partnerships for Climate Action: Strengthened partnerships among different stakeholders including civil society, academia, business, and government increase citizen participation in climate action, in order to build climate resilience and help Chile lead alongside the United States in the region.

This funding opportunity supports projects that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Myanmar, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, media literacy, and English language learning, particularly for disadvantaged communities.

Notice of Funding Opportunity summary:The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for aCooperative Agreement from qualified entities to implement the Urban Health Activity. Eligibilityfor this award is not restricted.USAID intends to make an award to the applicant who best meets the objectives of this fundingopportunity based on the merit review criteria described in SECTION E of this Notice of FundingOpportunity (NOFO), subject to a risk assessment. The applicant receiving an award will be theRecipient. Eligible parties interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read thisNOFO thoroughly to understand the type of program sought, application submissionrequirements, and selection process.Activity short summary:USAID/Uganda plans to award a five-year Cooperative Agreement to enhance health systemresilience and improve the survival and well-being of the residents of Kampala city, Mukono, andWakiso districts (hereafter referred to as the Target Districts) (the Activity). The Activity willstrengthen public and private health systems at the facility and community levels to deliverresponsive, timely, evidence-based, quality services. The Activity will strengthen maternal,newborn, and child health (MNCH); malaria; family planning (FP) / reproductive health (RH);nutrition; and Global Health Security (GHS) services in the Target Districts.

The NSF Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) is a community-inspired and community-serving large scale research facility enabling ocean science research. It consists of an integrated network of instrumentation arrays, distributed in various coastal and global ocean locations that collect, archive, and distribute quality oceanic and marine atmospheric data to the ocean and Earth science communities. NSF has established the NSF Ocean Observatories Initiative Facility Board (OOIFB) to engage the user community through workshops, community meetings, and other interactive mechanisms to provide the NSF OOI and the NSF with a better understanding of the current and future community needs as they relate to the scientific and technological innovation that the OOI supports. This solicitation invites proposals for an Administrative Support Office to support the OOIFB in carrying out its responsibilities. The Support Office is responsible for organization of meetings and workshops, coordination and support for travel for OOIFB members and workshop participants, maintenance of the OOIFB website, as well as other activities described within the Program Description section of this solicitation.

This grant provides financial support for advanced graduate students conducting dissertation research that applies behavioral science to improve social services for low-income families in the United States.

U.S. Embassy Riyadh announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to facilitate partnership opportunities between U.S. and Saudi higher education institutes (HEIs), including bringing a delegation of university leaders to Saudi Arabia. Please read this document carefully and follow all instructions. This notice is subject to availability of funding.

The surge in online media usage has surged within recent years, especially within Africa where a growing portion of the population happens to be young adults who have come to find digital technology at the forefront of their everyday lives. Because of its substantial importance in day-to-day life, theres now a major interest in ensuring security, safety, and responsible use within online mediums of communication. A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam / Bureau of African Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to create targeted exchange programs and a conference aimed at relevant Tanzanian policymakers, civil servants, and civil society to explore internet governance structures and strategies that promote a free and open internet governance policy in Tanzania to catalyze the expansion of the local digital economy and lead to economic growth. Please follow all instructions below. Program Objectives: This opportunity seeks to directly engage a Tanzanian civil society organization to identify a cohort of colleagues across a range of sectors, engage the cohort through multiple education and information sessions, and organize a major international conference on the theme of building resilient, open, and democratic digital systems. The conference should include U.S. experts who can advise on regulatory firewalls, policy creation and coordination, and balancing the protection of individual rights, general online safety and security with freedom of expression principles. The selected organization should have demonstrated familiarity with Tanzanias civic space and policy processes. This opportunity also seeks to provide international exchange opportunities where Tanzanian thought leaders can engage with counterparts in international fora such as the UN Internet Governance Forum and/or with American counterparts. Through these engagements, the program will help to build an ecosystem of Tanzanian innovators and champions of democracy who can effectively advocate as citizens and government civil servants to contribute to an economic growth friendly digital infrastructure. Challenges that should be addressed by proposals: Boosting civic participation and engagement Addressing the limited access to accurate and verified information in rural and underserved communities and offered in local languages. Tackling the lack of media literacy to help individuals discern credible sources of information and leveraging digital tools and platforms to build resiliency. Examine the government’s efforts to manage cybersecurity risk and assess threats to critical infrastructure. Reducing and overcoming cultural divides by promoting accessible digital literacy resources and training programs to Tanzanian communities. Providing opportunities for open discussions and exchanges for tech leaders and policy makers in a variety of fields to prepare Tanzania to be an international partner in tech innovation. Discuss efforts to secure an open interoperable secure and reliable cyberspace in accordance with U.S. security standards. Discuss strategies to collaborate and counter cyber threats. Participants and Audiences: Tech industry stakeholders, STEM students, policymakers, social media influencers/reporters, and academic experts. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 6 to 24 months Number of awards anticipated: 2 awards (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $75,000 to a maximum of $425,000 Total available funding: $495,000 Type of Funding: FY23 Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act Anticipated program start date: 10/01/2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding.