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Welcome to the ERI Funding Opportunities Site

College of Engineering campus
Research drives excellence in the College of Engineering by serving as a magnet to attract and retain outstanding faculty and students. Funding opportunities relevant to the College of Engineering will be posted here. If you are interested in pursuing any of these opportunities please contact Lori Jarmon (ljjarmon@iastate.edu, 294-3316) for assistance or additional information. New opportunities are posted weekly. To have the new opportunities delivered directly to your inbox please subscribe using your ISU email address. One email per week.

Dear Colleague Letter: Post-Baccalaureate Research and Training (PBRT) in the Biological Sciences Supplemental Funding Opportunity

NSF

Solicitation: 24-128

https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2024/nsf24128/nsf24128.jsp?WT.mc_ev=click&WT.mc_id=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Posted Date: September 11, 2024

Proposal Due Date: May 19, 2025

Dear Colleagues:

A strategic focus of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is fostering the growth of a globally competitive and diverse research workforce. NSF’s Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) invites Principal Investigators (PIs) of active awards to submit a supplemental funding request to support the research and training of post-baccalaureate students (post-baccs) who wish to engage in research or who want to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) but have faced barriers to participation in research experiences as an undergraduate student.

For the purposes of this Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), a post-bacc is defined as an individual who has a bachelor’s degree but is not currently enrolled in another degree program and is not the recipient of a graduate degree. We expect that PIs will provide an intentional, mentored training effort that will develop the trainee’s independence and competence as a researcher and provide them the opportunity to acquire the requisite technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills necessary to be competitive for graduate education or entry into the workforce.

NSF recognizes that barriers to participation in research at the undergraduate level persist. There are many students that complete their baccalaureate degree without the opportunity to engage in research experiences necessary to be competitive for graduate programs and other STEM career pathways.

The purpose of this DCL is to provide support for inclusive research training pathways to engage recent graduates in authentic, mentored research experiences.

NSF BIO encourages input and participation from the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer which includes underrepresented and under-served communities.

By expanding the number and diversity of early-career individuals trained in the conduct of research, NSF BIO aims to mitigate the loss of talent that occurs between the attainment of a STEM undergraduate (baccalaureate) degree and entry into a STEM career pathway and, thereby, foster the growth of a competitive STEM workforce representative of the U.S. population.

Desalination and Water Purification Research Program: Research Projects FY 2025

DoI

Solicitation: R24AS00421

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/356396

Posted Date: September 11, 2024

Application Due: November 13, 2024, at 4:00 pm MST.

The funds provided through this NOFO will be available for selected recipients to conduct water treatment related research. Reclamation’s Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility (BGNDRF) in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and Water Quality Improvement Center
(WQIC) in Yuma, Arizona, may be available if a location for testing is needed. This DWPR Research NOFO invites applicants to address any of the following objectives:
• Develop or improve process or approaches to reduce the cost, energy consumption, feasibility, and/or environmental impacts of treating impaired water to standards necessary for an identified beneficial use.
• Improve existing membrane technologies, including reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, nanofiltration, membrane filtration, and pretreatment processes.
• Carry out basic and applied research on next-generation desalination technologies, including improved energy recovery systems and renewable energy-powered desalination systems.
• Develop cost-effective approaches for concentrate management that address feasibility, cost, and/or environmental impacts.
• Develop technologies or processes for the selective removal of nutrients and other target contaminants.
• Study methods for the recovery of byproducts resulting from desalination to offset the costs of treatment and to reduce environmental impacts from those byproducts.
• Develop improved intake/outfall methods at coastal facilities to minimize marine environment impacts such as impingement of larger organisms, entrainment of smaller ones, and impacts to benthic communities.
• Develop a better understanding of pathogen removal efficiencies and the variability of performance in various unit processes in reuse scenarios.
• Identify better indicators and surrogates to monitor process performance in desalination and reuse scenarios and develop online real-time or near real-time analytical monitoring techniques for their measurement.
• Develop a better understanding of the formation of hazardous and other transformation products during water treatment for reuse and ways to minimize or remove them.
• Improve the detection, characterization, monitoring, and separation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and other contaminants of concern.
• Develop new technologies or processes for the destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and other contaminants of concern.

FY24 Scale-Up of Integrated Biorefineries

DoE

Solicitation: DE-FOA-0003371

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/356393

Posted Date: September 11, 2024

Informational Webinar: October 2, 2024

Concept Papers Due: November 7, 2024 5:00 p.m. ET

Full Applications Due: January 16, 2025 5:00 p.m. ET

This FOA continues BETO’s multi-year biorefinery scale-up strategy to fill the RD&D-to-industry pipeline as technologies are ready to scale, ultimately demonstrating feedstock conversion or production pathways to support commercialization of sustainable transportation fuels and renewable chemicals.  The scale-up strategy utilizes a phased approach with a down-select between Phase 1: Verification and Design Basis Definition and Phase 2: Detailed Design, Construction and Operation of pilot- or demonstration-scale biorefineries.

Topic Area 1: Pilot Scale-up of Integrated Biorefineries – Phase 1 Preliminary Design and Phased Construction

Topic Area 2: Demonstration Scale-up of Integrated Biorefineries – Phase 1 Preliminary Design and Phased Construction

Topic Area 3: Scale-up of Organic Chemical Pathways – Phase 1 Preliminary Design and Phased Construction

 

Naval Engineering Education Consortium (NEEC) Broad Agency Announcement for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 (FY25)

DoD

Solicitation: N00178-25-0001

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/356389

Posted Date: September 10, 2024

Full Proposal Due: October 30, 2024, 11:59 p.m. EDT

On behalf of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Warfare Centers, NSWC DD is soliciting research of interest in support of the NEEC. The topics of interest are listed below:

CD-01: College & University Student Capstone/Senior Research projects

CD-02: Graduate Research Projects

CO-01: Multi Beam Antenna on Aerial Moving Platform

CO-02: Protecting Training Data in the Use of Large Language Models

CO-03: Synthetic Dataset Generation and Evaluation of Methods for Navy Data

CR-01 Photonic Compute

DD01: Thermal Protective System Material Analysis Thermal

DD02: Firmware Scanning

DD03: Embedding Systems Engineering Expertise

DD04: High-Power Antenna and Enabling Components

DD05: Hypersonic Materials and coupled fluid-thermal-structural interaction M&S

DD06: Improved Laser Weapons System Optics and Diagnostics

DD07: Non-Determinate System Impacts on System Safety, understanding the role of AI/ML and the ability to trust those systems

DD08: Cognitive EW

DD09: Effects Measurement Techniques

DD10: Clutter Recognition Algorithms

DD11: AI Analysis of Event-Driven Electromagnetic Spectrum Monitoring

DD12: Radio Frequency Machine Learning (RFML) Analysis for Anomaly Detection of Known Electromagnetic Emissions

DD13: Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

DD14: Guarantees in AI/ML

IH-01: Energetic materials that offer disruptive advances in performance. Desired technologies include innovative formulations, synthesis methods, processing methods and/or novel compounds that enable longer range rocket motors or increased warhead performance.

IH-02: Artificial Intelligence solutions that improve the performance of munitions and other energetic systems. Desired technologies include classical AI/ML models, Deep Learning, Large Language Models and/or Generative AI that enable longer range, faster speed, or increased warhead performance.

KPT-01: Explore directional sensors on subsurface bottom mounted platforms and data analysis techniques to provide situational awareness for the underwater environment.

KPT-02: Investigate potential payload designs to enable a Small Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (SUUV) to land (“bottom”) on the sea floor, maintain bottom position for extended periods (up to 24 hours), and separate from the sea floor under its own power.

KPT-03: Conduct basic, applied, and advanced technology research combining algorithms, data analytics, and computational science and engineering; especially in the areas of securing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning technologies. Develop cybersecurity solutions and technologies that interact with a variety of areas including combinatorial scientific computing, network science, data mining and machine learning, and high-performance computing.

KPT-04: Conduct basic, applied, and advanced technology research in the areas of securing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning technologies.

KPT-05: Explore integration of various EOAT position/orientation requirements for automated path planning. Demonstrate this capability by performing each of the orientation controlled actions on a provided geometry.

KPT-06: Explore path planning for continuous motion, non-tiled applications for curved and complex surfaces to support laser ablation, corrosion/damage removal and/or surface preparation prior to coating. Demonstrate the laser ablation capability by scanning a provided part, auto-generation of path, and robot execution of continuous motion over a surface curved in both directions, orientation control is desired, but not required.

KPT-07: Hypothesis-driven scientific exploration is critical to understand the physical mechanisms at work, the relationships between surface and bulk properties, and long-term impacts on performance. This data will be utilized to inform and develop a future laser ablation performance specification.

NPT-01: Advanced acoustic sensor and array technologies and active transduction technologies for platforms, fixed, and distributed systems that all address sub-sea and seabed arenas.

NPT-02: Novel computing techniques such as brain-inspired neural networks, deep learning processing, and machine/reinforcement learning for integration into systems to improve navigation, acoustic localization, underwater sound tracking in challenging environments, etc.

NPT-03: Innovative technologies for multi-vehicle autonomy, mobile distributed sensing, undersea networks, and next generation signal distribution platforms in order to produce sufficient and reliable communications and address new challenges.

NPT-04: Exploring the full electromagnetic (EM) spectrum to develop advanced imaging and electronic capabilities (antenna design, high dynamic range imaging, microwave interferometry, and high-energy laser research).

NPT-05: Options include but are not limited to: Investigate effects of marine environments on the performance of advanced coatings and/or metamaterials used for resistance to chemical, physical, and biofouling deterioration, etc. Investigate, identify & execute aspects of design, rapid prototyping, manufacturing, maintenance, and repair technologies associated with additive and advanced manufacturing (AM) research and development.

NPT-06: Key areas of interest include the development of robust planning and re-planning frameworks, advanced sensor fusion, AI-driven decision aids, and human-machine interface (HMI) innovations that enhance situational awareness and operational synergy between human operators and enabling capabilities.

NPT-07: Areas of particular interest include decision making in situations with imperfect information and high uncertainty, decision making within complex crew communication networks and team structures, as well as the development of methodologies for improving decision making in sociotechnical systems.

NPT-08: Research areas may potentially include novel additive manufactured designs for energy absorption, incorporation of energy absorbing materials into structural designs, or energy attenuation through structural design.

Lightweighting of PET bottles

Halo / Pepsi Co

https://www.halo.science/research/materials/enhancing-stability-and-shelf-life-of-lightweight-pet-bottles

Posted Date: September 04, 2024

Proposal Due Date: October 31, 2024

Current plastic beverage packaging presents limitations in shelf life, stability, and integrity throughout manufacturing and transportation. PepsiCo is looking for solutions for their beverage polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottling needs.

With our commitment to sustainability, one of our focus areas is to introduce more sustainable packaging through innovation. Aligned with our strategy to minimize single-use plastic, switching to lightweight packaging represents a solution that has been explored. However, lightweight PET bottles are more susceptible to damage, especially during production and transport. Their thinner walls are less rigid, more prone to deformation under stress, vulnerable to pressure changes, and less able to withstand mechanical stresses and impacts.

Additionally, PET bottles that undergo the hot fill process – where the beverage is filled into the PET container at high temperatures (175 to 195°F) to ensure sterilization and preservation – often experience structural instability and top-load issues, failing to withstand vertical compressive forces during stacking and capping. These bottles frequently suffer dents throughout the production line and transportation, causing them to fail PepsiCo’s quality standards. As a result, they do not meet the desired freshness and quality shelf-life goals.

Existing market technologies, such as some coatings and resins, involve high capital costs and have not proven cost-effective nor efficient for our needs. Therefore, we are seeking more effective solutions in terms of both efficacy and cost. We are open to resin, preform and bottle technologies to lightweight our PET packaging.

Technologies capable of enhancing the structural stability of lightweight PET bottles, addressing both integrity and extended shelf life, would not only ensure the bottle can withstand the stresses of production, transportation, handling, and storage but also allow it to be filled to the maximum volume without compromising structure. This would lead to a more efficient use of packaging materials, reducing the amount of plastic needed per unit of beverage.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for cost-effective and scalable technology to enhance the structural stability and extend the shelf life of carbonated soft drinks in lightweight PET bottles, while maintaining recyclability. The solution should increase the top-load capacity of bottles and maximize the volume a bottle can hold, while minimizing dents during production and RQL (rejectable quality limits) failures. We need solutions for all bottle sizes (up to two liters), with a primary focus on 20 oz / 500 ml bottles.

Energy Storage Pilot Demonstrations

DoE

Solicitation: DE-FOA-0003399

https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/#FoaId22c1262c-80dc-4361-9d06-4a2eda844221

Posted Date:

Concept Papers Due: October 16, 2024, 5:00 p.m. ET

Application Due: February 13, 2025, 5:00 p.m. ET

This program seeks to: 1. Advance a diverse set of non-lithium energy storage technologies towards commercial viability and utility-scale deployment. 2. Generate high-quality operational datasets and techno-economic models. 3. Build investor, utility, and other end user confidence in the real performance and adoptability of the proposed solutions. This program will fund technology demonstrations for energy storage solutions at the pilot-scale. The program will focus on non-lithium technologies, long-duration (10+ hour discharge) systems, and stationary storage applications. Applicant teams must include at least one technology provider as a recipient or a subrecipient. Priority will be given to proposals that include utility, developer, and/or end user members, a plan to demonstrate the solution in an operational environment, and a plan to build investor confidence to secure support for follow-on projects.

Dear Colleague Letter NSF and the Romanian Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI) Lead Agency Opportunity in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences

NSF

Solicitation: 24-125

https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/nsf-romanian-executive-agency-higher-education-research

Posted Date: September 06, 2024

Expression of Interest (EOI): 60 days prior to the intended proposal submission date.

Dear Colleagues:

The Mathematical & Physical Sciences Directorate (MPS) of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Romanian Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI) are in a partnership to support international collaboration under the NSF-UEFISCDI Lead Agency Opportunity in Mathematical and Physical Sciences. The goal of this activity is to promote collaborative research within the mathematical sciences by reducing barriers to conducting research with international collaborators. The NSF-UEFISCDI Lead Agency Opportunity allows U.S. and Romanian researchers to submit a single collaborative proposal that will undergo a single merit review process through NSF as the lead agency.

This document provides guidelines for the preparation, submission, review and award of NSF-UEFISCDI Collaborative Proposals.

Under the NSF-UEFISCDI Lead Agency Opportunity, proposals may be accepted for collaborative research in areas at the intersection of MPS’s and UEFISCDI’s missions. Proposers should review the participating MPS and UEFISCDI programs for further information on which areas of research are eligible for support through this activity. Proposals are expected to adhere to typical proposal sizes and durations for the relevant UEFISCDI and MPS programs from which funding is sought. Proposals will be accepted for both interdisciplinary and disciplinary research projects. Please consult the list of participating MPS programs. Please note that this activity is limited to core programs within the MPS Directorate; no cross-cutting or agency-wide special programs are eligible.

Proposers are advised that all documents submitted to NSF for this opportunity may be shared by secure electronic means with UEFISCDI.

Biomedical Research Initiative for Next-Gen BioTechnologies – SynBio Control (BRING SynBio)

NSF

Solicitation: 24-603

https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/bring-synbio-biomedical-research-initiative-next-gen-biotechnologies/nsf24-603/solicitation

Posted Date: September 05, 2024

Proposal Due Date: December 04, 2024 by 5:00 pm Local Time

The National Science Foundation Directorate for Engineering (NSF/ENG) and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIH/NIBIB) announce the Biomedical Research Initiative for Next-Gen BioTechnologies-SynBio Control (BRING-SynBio) Solicitation. The BRING-SynBio Control solicitation aims to accelerate the translation of novel fundamental synthetic and engineering biology advances to early-stage biomedical technologies through interagency collaboration.

Projects responsive to the BRING-SynBio solicitation will include a two-phased plan to pursue proof of principle synthetic and engineering biology research (Phase I) and exploratory research to translate findings toward biomedical technologies (Phase II). Phase II research should build on the projected outcomes of Phase I. NSF will provide support for fundamental research activity in Phase I. NIH will provide support for exploratory biomedical engineering technology development in Phase II. Successful completion of Phase I milestones will be administratively evaluated by NIH/NIBIB to determine eligibility to transition to Phase II. This transition is neither automatic nor guaranteed.

Ethical and Responsible Research (ER2)

NSF

Solicitation: 24-604

https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf24604

Full Proposal Target Date: January 23, 2025 (Fourth Thursday in January, Annually Thereafter)

The ER2 program supports projects that focus on what constitutes or promotes responsible and ethical research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The ER2 program promotes the development, improvement, and dissemination of responsible and ethical research practices and aims to build on organizational cultures that value and reward such practices. Proposers to the ER2 program may examine responsible and ethical research practices across one or more career stages. This can include, for example, the research practices of students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, or practitioners. ER2 projects could seek to improve responsible and ethical research practices in teams, organizations, or communities, or between researchers and the public. ER2 projects may include the development of interventions that promote responsible and ethical research practices, including in multidisciplinary, inter-organizational, cross-sector, translational, or international contexts. An ER2 project can also identify challenges that undermine or erode responsible and ethical research practices in STEM fields and evaluate measures to prevent or mitigate such challenges. A comprehensive approach to responsible and ethical research not only influences individual behavior, but it also contributes to an inclusive, equitable, and respectful research culture. Thus, proposers could examine organizational or other factors that positively influence responsible and ethical research practices in STEM fields.

RFI: Distributed Energy Resource Interconnection Roadmap

DoE

Solicitation: DE-FOA-0003463

https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/#FoaId1047f856-a5ca-4d00-9642-568c33b6a2d3

Posted Date: September 06, 2024

Responses Due: October 07, 2024 by 5:00 pm ET

The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from the diverse interconnection community on the challenges and solutions outlined in the draft Distributed Energy Resource Interconnection
Roadmap. This roadmap identifies solutions that can be implemented based on local, state, or regional needs and priorities. Given the significant variation in DER deployment levels, policies,
regulatory structures, market conditions, and other factors nationwide, some solutions may work better in some electric service territories, states or regions than others. Some electric
service territories have already adopted a subset of these solutions. To address this variation of needs, the roadmap assigns a deployment level and a timeframe for
which each interconnection solution is most appropriate. The roadmap is intended to serve as a guide to DER interconnection stakeholders and Tribes to evaluate and implement solutions for
current and emerging interconnection challenges. The i2X team is especially interested in feedback on the feasibility of implementing these solutions in the proposed timelines.

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