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ERI Funding Opportunities

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 ERI at eri-pre@iastate.edu 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.

 

 

STRATEGIC ASTROPHYSICS TECHNOLOGY

NASA

Solicitation: NNH25ZDA001N-SAT

https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/viewrepositorydocument/cmdocumentid=1114914/solicitationId=%7B9455D565-3411-0574-BABC-255C7945CD08%7D/viewSolicitationDocument=1/D.07_SAT_050526.pdf

Posted Date: May 08, 2026

Notice of Intent Due: June 26, 2026

Proposal Due Date: August 06, 2026

NASA’s Astrophysics Division (APD) continues to undertake spaceflight missions that will explore the nature of the universe at its largest scales, its earliest moments, and its most extreme conditions; missions that will study how galaxies and stars formed and evolved to shape the universe we see today; and missions that will seek out and characterize planets and planetary systems orbiting other stars.

APD has three science-themed programs: Exoplanet Exploration (ExEP), Physics of the Cosmos (PhysCOS), and Cosmic Origins (COR), which cover, respectively, the search for and study of planets outside the Solar System, the origin and evolution of the universe, and the birth of stars and galaxies. These focus areas are all represented within the SAT program.
Due to evolving mission needs and funding, proposers are advised that NASA has narrowed the focus permissible within SAT-2025 proposals as compared to prior years; technologies must be aimed at meeting the needs of a future flagship mission or probe mission. Priority will be given to technologies that advance an X-ray and/or Far-Infrared flagship mission, with additional focused priority on either the X-ray or Far-Infrared regime if only one of those domains does not have a Probe-scale mission selected for development. Technologies that are needed for one or more of those missions and which additionally may enable other future time-domain and multi messenger astronomy missions are strongly encouraged.

Humanity AI Grants: $18 Million to Advance People-Centered AI

Humanity AI

Humanity AI Announces More Than $18 Million in New Grants to Shape AI for the Public Good 

Posted Date: May 12, 2026

Proposal Due Date:  Not Listed

Humanity AI, a collaborative philanthropic initiative dedicated to ensuring artificial intelligence (AI) serves the public good, today announced more than $18 million in new pooled grants. This includes $8 million in grants to organizations whose work spans the most urgent frontiers of AI’s impact on society, including safeguarding democratic institutions, protecting workers’ rights, strengthening journalism, and advancing education. Humanity AI will also support AI Civics, a new effort to advance public education, literacy, and community decision-making on AI and a forthcoming open call to identify further impactful projects.

 

Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESI)

NIH

Solicitation: PAR-27-032

https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/9a4aeb2f-d0ac-403b-ac67-9d1fd24d9556

Posted Date: May 12, 2026

Proposal Due Date: February 06, 2029

The Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) provides support for ESIs with a program of research that aligns with the NIGMS mission. MIRA distributes funding among promising investigators across the country. The goal is to boost scientific productivity and the chances for important breakthroughs. Through this program, investigators can: Receive independent research funding early to start and sustain strong research careers. Explore new, unique research areas in the NIGMS mission. Take on ambitious, creative projects. Shift focus to include emerging techniques and technologies as needed. Devote more time to mentoring trainees in a stable research environment.

Gravitational Physics (GP)

NSF

Solicitation: PD 26-1243

https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/gp-gravitational-physics

Posted Date: May 07, 2026

Proposal Due Date(s): November 25, 2026, The fourth Wednesday in November annually

Proposals in the area of Gravitational Physics submitted to the Physics Section that are not governed by another funding opportunity should be submitted to the Section-wide funding opportunity: MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics).

The Gravitational Physics program supports research and infrastructure on gravitation across large and small scales, including:

  • Data analysis for gravitational-wave detectors.
  • Instrumentation development and detector characterization at the NSF Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (NSF LIGO).
  • Technologies for next-generation detectors.
  • Research in classical and quantum gravity theory.

Maturation Initiative for Additive Metals Interchangeability (MIAMI)

America Makes

Maturation Initiative for Additive Metals Interchangeability (MIAMI)

Posted Date: April 30, 2026

Proposal Due Date: July 09, 2026

This funding opportunity supports projects that demonstrate material interchangeability by showing how a selected, moderately mature metallic additively manufactured (AM) alloy/process can replace one or multiple legacy alloys in Department of War (DoW) weapon system components. Teams will identify candidate parts and operating conditions, define performance requirements, and generate shared, pedigreed data proving the AM material meets or exceeds the critical properties of the traditional materials it aims to replace. Emphasis is on broad applicability across platforms, reduction of redundant testing, and accelerating qualification to enable drop-in substitution of AM materials for legacy alloys.

The National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) will conduct a competitive proposal process and reserve the right to select one, multiple, or no awards in the topic areas outlined in Section 2. Proposers are welcome to submit multiple proposals. Each proposal is limited to addressing one topic area only. Maximum allowable periods of performance (PoP) are dependent upon which topic area the proposal intends to address. Proposing shorter PoPs than listed are acceptable.

 

Bioengineering Research Grants (BRG)

NIH

Solicitation: PAR-27-072

https://files.simpler.grants.gov/opportunities/4fa4f79e-d43d-42c9-9269- f219c7bc09df/attachments/df17417b-1461-4df7-9d22-e6db9be87c44/PAR-27-072-Full-Announcement.html

Posted Date: May 04, 2026

Proposal Due Date(s):

October 05, 2026, February 05, 2027, June 05, 2027, October 05, 2027, February 05, 2028, June 05, 2028, October 05, 2028, February 05, 2029, June 05, 2029

The goal for a bioengineering research grant (BRG) is to foster the development of an innovative technology, model, technique, design, or method that has the potential for a significant impact on biomedical research by infusing principles and concepts from the quantitative sciences.

The purpose of this NOFO is to encourage BRG applications that: 1) apply a multidisciplinary approach to the solution of a biomedical problem; and 2) integrate, optimize, validate, translate or otherwise accelerate the adoption of promising tools, methods, and techniques for a specific research or clinical problem in basic, translational, or clinical science and practice. A BRG application may propose design-directed, developmental, discovery-driven, or hypothesis-driven research and is appropriate for small teams applying an integrative approach to increase our understanding of and solve problems in biological, clinical, or translational science.

 

NIJ FY25 Research and Development of Innovations in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes

NIJ

Solicitation: O-NIJ-2025-172598

https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/33f98bde-20cf-4990-b539-c9e3f028401e

Posted Date: April 30, 2026

Proposal Due Date: June 02, 2026 by 11:59 pm ET

This NOFO supports basic or applied research and development of Innovations in forensic science for criminal justice purposes. These awards support a discrete, specified, circumscribed project that will:
1. Increase the body of knowledge to guide and inform forensic science policy and practice;
or
2. Lead to the production of useful material(s), device(s), system(s), or method(s) that have the potential for forensic application.

The intent of this program is to direct the findings of basic scientific research; foster research and development in broader scientific fields applicable to forensic science; and support ongoing forensic science research toward the development of highly accurate, reliable, cost-effective, and rapid methods for the identification, analysis, and interpretation of forensic evidence for criminal justice purposes.

NIJ seeks proposals that include robust, creative, and multi-pronged dissemination strategies that include strategic partnerships with organizations and associations that are best equipped to ensure that research findings lead to changes in policies and practices.

Enhancing material recovery and water efficiency in industrial processes

HALO / Cargill

https://www.halo.science/request_for_solutions/enhancing-starch-recovery-and-water-efficiency

Posted Date: May 04, 2026

Proposal Due Date: June 26, 2026

We seek technologies, equipment, process innovations, and digital tools that reduce yield variability during starch modification, minimize starch loss, improve recovery of starch during washing, or enable efficient washing with reduced water use or partial water reuse. Solutions that offer energy-efficient concentration are also of interest. Ideal solutions should drive cost reduction without compromising product quality through increased yield, reduced water or energy use, or lower effluent load and treatment costs.

Solutions of interest include:
  • Improved reaction control & mixing technologies reducing formation of soluble/off-spec starch (e.g., advanced mixing, dosing, inline monitoring)
  • High-efficiency starch washing & separation equipment
  • Smart equipment design improvements enhancing separation and recovery (e.g., flow distribution, inlet geometry, lamella settlers)
  • Starch fines & solids recovery from wash streams (e.g., centrifugation, membranes, flocculants, dissolved air flotation)
  • Smart process control systems or AI optimization tools (e.g., model predictive control, digital twins)
  • Water-reuse or low-water process redesign (e.g., membranes, in-process recycling, hybrid separation systems)
  • Energy-efficient dewatering and drying technologies (e.g., advanced dewatering, low-energy drying, heat integration)
  • Advanced sensors enabling real-time measurement of process indicators (e.g., solids, protein, starch, turbidity) to improve control of product functionality (e.g., viscogram by RVA)

INtegrated System for In-situ Testing & Evaluation (INSITE)

America Makes

Project Calls

Posted Date: April 20, 2026

Proposal Due Date: July, 09, 2026

Webinar: May 07, 2026 Register HERE

This funding opportunity supports projects that develop, integrate, and demonstrate a comprehensive quality assurance framework for additive manufacturing by combining in-situ process monitoring, in-situ defect detection, and post-build nondestructive evaluation (NDE). Teams will identify representative materials, processes, part classes, and generate validated data demonstrating the ability to reliably detect, characterize, and disposition defects relevant to structural performance and intended use.
Emphasis is placed on correlating in-situ data with post-build inspection results, reducing reliance on costly and time-intensive traditional NDE methods, and enabling accelerated, risk-informed inspection strategies for complex, large, or difficult-to-inspect components. The end state is a scalable, standards-informed approach that improves inspection efficiency while maintaining or enhancing confidence in part quality, with clear pathways to implementation across the defense industrial base.

 

Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing (CSCS)

NSF

Solicitation: PD 26-7564

https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/cscs-circuits-systems-communications-sensing

Posted Date: April 16, 2026

Proposals Accepted Anytime

The Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing (CSCS) program supports the key role of electrical engineering in future communications, sensing, circuits, and signal processing. The program’s main goal is to advance next-generation systems that integrate communication, sensing, and computation with physical domains, from the nano- to the macro-scale. CSCS covers a wide range of fields and topics, with a focus on both classical and quantum aspects. The program addresses the need for spectrum sharing and resilient connectivity. It also advances national priorities such as quantum engineering, biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI). Ultimately, CSCS aims to create innovative solutions to spur economic growth, improve lives, and address national challenges.​

Biomedical Sensing Systems ​

CSCS supports research on sensing and imaging for health care.​ These technologies can be used to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases. Novel sensing research can advance implantable and wearable biomedical devices. It enables personalized medicine and the management of chronic illness. CSCS also invests in quantum sensors for ultra precise measurement and imaging, which promise breakthroughs in biology and medicine.

Communication Systems

CSCS research in communication systems advances 6G and beyond wireless networks and ultra high-speed internet. Research on terahertz wave and optical wave technologies offers far greater bandwidth and speed.​ Uses range from mobile communication and radar to aerospace and manufacturing. As these systems grow into intelligent ecosystems, smarter connectivity and more secure communication become possible.​ A key new area is secure quantum communication systems. CSCS supports research on quantum repeaters, entanglement distribution, and other quantum-based approaches.

Signal Processing ​

The modern world relies on signal processing. It is used in telecommunications, computational imaging, AI, and biotechnology. Signal processing involves techniques that manipulate, analyze, and optimize signals in communication and sensing systems. Techniques bridge hardware and computational algorithms to efficiently transmit, extract, and interpret data. Quantum signal processing represents a new frontier. It builds on phenomena like superposition, entanglement, and quantization to move beyond classical limits in information handling. Such methods allow signals to be processed in multiple states at once, enabling faster computation and better security. Machine learning can further improve signal processing, enabling new applications in sensing, communications, and circuit design.

Circuits and Antennas 

CSCS advances the design of compact and energy-efficient system components. These components are crucial for many parts of everyday life; they make much of today’s AI, communications, energy, transportation, health care, and robotics possible.​ CSCS aims to achieve new capabilities in circuits and antennas for future communications, sensing, AI, and quantum systems. The program’s research spans analog, mixed-signal, and radio-frequency integrated circuits. It includes heterogeneously integrated semiconductor circuits and systems. It also includes brain-inspired circuits.​ New abilities in antenna systems will improve wireless, satellite, and mobile communications; they will also enhance integrated communications, sensing, and power delivery. ​

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