DECEMBER 22, 2005

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Arts & Humanities

Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions

The National Endowment for the Humanities seeks applications for Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions. Preservation Assistance Grants help small and mid-size institutions, such as libraries, museums, and historical societies, archival repositories, town and county records offices, and colleges, improve their ability to preserve and care for their humanities collections. These may include special collections of books and journals, archives and manuscripts, prints and photographs, moving images, sound recordings, architectural and cartographic records, decorative and fine arts, textiles, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, furniture, and historical objects. Deadline: May 15, 2005.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 8, 2005.

Preservation and Access Research and Development Projects Grants

The National Endowment for the Humanities seeks applications for Preservation and Access Research and Development Projects Grants. These grants support research and development projects that advance the nation's capacity to preserve and provide access to humanities resources. NEH particularly encourages applications that will make innovative use of digital technology. Eligible projects should:

• develop technical standards and best practices for preserving and creating access to humanities collections;
• explore more effective scientific and technical methods of preserving humanities collections;
• develop new procedures to create reference works; or
• improve the policies and practices of humanities research institutions affecting preservation and access on a national level.

Deadline: Jul. 3, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 8, 2005.

Preservation and Access Education and Training Grants

The National Endowment for the Humanities seeks applications for Preservation and Access Education and Training Grants. These grants support national or regional (multi-state) education and training programs on the care and management of, and the creation of intellectual access to, library, archival, and material culture collections. Eligible projects include:

• the development and presentation of courses or programs on the care and management of collections for staff in cultural organizations who are responsible for the day-to-day care of collections;
• the development and presentation of courses or programs that focus on the skills and knowledge required to provide or enhance intellectual access to humanities collections;
• graduate programs in preservation and conservation; and
• preservation field services that serve a multi-state region and provide surveys, consultations, workshops, reference services, and informational materials to the staff of institutions responsible for the care of humanities collections.

Deadline: Jul. 3, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 8, 2005.

Preservation and Access Reference Materials Grants

The National Endowment for the Humanities seeks applications for Preservation and Access Reference Materials Grants. These grants support projects that create reference works and research tools. Eligible projects include:

• databases and electronic archives that codify and integrate humanities materials, or provide bibliographical control of a subject or field;
•  print and online encyclopedias about various fields in the humanities or about a particular area or subject;
•  historical, etymological, and bilingual dictionaries for undocumented languages, as well as reference grammars and other linguistic tools (separate funding is available for endangered language projects in partnership with the National Science Foundation);
•  tools for spatial analysis and representation of humanities data, such as atlases and geographical information systems (GIS); and
•  descriptive catalogs that provide detailed information about humanities materials.

Deadline: Jul. 17, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 8, 2005.

Grants to Preserve and Create Access to Humanities Collections

The National Endowment for the Humanities seeks applications for Grants to Preserve and Create Access to Humanities Collections. These grants support projects that preserve collections and create intellectual access to collections that, because of their intellectual content and value as cultural artifacts, are considered highly important for research, education, and public programming in the humanities. Collections may include, but are not limited to, books, journals, newspapers, manuscript and archival materials, maps, still and moving images, sound recordings, and objects of art and material culture. Deadline: Jul. 17, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 8, 2005.

Preservation and Access Grants for Stabilizing Humanities Collections

The National Endowment for the Humanities seeks applications for Preservation and Access Grants for Stabilizing Humanities Collections. These grants help museums, libraries, archives, and historical organizations preserve their humanities collections through support for improved housing and storage, environmental conditions, security, lighting, and fire protection. Eligible activities include:

• the purchase of storage furniture and the rehousing of humanities collections and materials that directly document the collections, such as field notes, site maps, or catalog records;
• the improvement of environmental conditions under which collections are stored or exhibited (which may encompass the installation of climate control systems); and
• the installation of security, lighting, and fire detection and suppression systems.

Deadline: Oct. 2, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 12, 2005.

Also see this listing:

• National Endowment for the Arts - Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest for High School Students
• Open Competition Seeking Professional Exchanges Programs in Africa, East Asia, Eurasia, Europe, the Near East, North Africa, South Asia and the Western Hemisphere
• Request for Grant Proposals: Religion and Society: A Dialogue

Community Development

National Endowment for the Arts - Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest for High School Students

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Poetry Foundation announce Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest, the expansion phase of a program that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. Starting in early 2006, schools in each state capital region will participate in classroom and schoolwide contests, advancing to state competitions next April. The NEA will host the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, to take place on May 16 in Washington, DC. Poetry Out Loud will award a total of $50,000 in scholarships and school stipends at the National Finals, with at least a $20,000 college scholarship for the Poetry Out Loud National Champion.

WEB LINK

Also see this listing:

• Community-Responsive Interventions to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in American Indians and Alaska Natives
• Grants to Preserve and Create Access to Humanities Collections
• Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions

Curriculum Development

Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) invites applications for the Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity. The program seeks to facilitate and promote, at research institutions with significant number of mentors with NIH or other extramural research support, the entry into biomedical or behavioral research fields of undergraduate and graduate students from groups underrepresented in these fields. The program provides institutional support for existing or innovative student development activities, including research internships, which will increase students' knowledge, skills, and information as they move to more advanced levels and ultimately attain the Ph.D. degree in biomedical or behavioral research fields. Note: Because the sponsor limits the number of proposals an institution may submit to this program, anyone at Duke (Campus or Medical Center) interested in a submission should email a statement of intent to Ken Macdonald (ORS) kwmac@duke.edu no later Jan. 9, 2006. Deadline: Jan. 9, 2006 (Duke internal).

WEB LINK. NIH Guide, December 2, 2005.

Request for Grant Proposals: Middle East Partnership Initiative Study of the United States Institute for Undergraduate Student Leaders

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Office of the Middle East Partnership Initiative invite proposal submissions for the design and implementation of a six-week Middle East Partnership Initiative Study of the United States Institute for Undergraduate Student Leaders. The Bureau anticipates awarding two separate assistance awards to support two institutes for undergraduate student leaders from the Middle East and North Africa. Note: Because the sponsor limits the number of proposals an institution may submit to this program, anyone at Duke (Campus or Medical Center) interested in such a submission should email a statement of intent to Ken Macdonald (ORS) kwmac@duke.edu no later than one month before the application deadline.

Deadline: Jan. 31, 2006.

WEB LINK. Federal Register, December 15, 2005.

Public Telecommunications Facilities Program

The Department of Commerce seeks applications for the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP) to assist, through matching grants, in the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities. The objectives of the program are to

• extend delivery of services to as many citizens as possible by the most cost-effective means, including the use of broadcast and non-broadcast technologies.
• increase public telecommunications services and facilities available to, operated by, and controlled by minorities and women.
• strengthen the capability of existing public TV and radio stations to provide public telecommunications services to the public. Deadline: Feb. 7, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 13, 2005.

Also see these listings:

• Preservation and Access Education and Training Grants
• Request for Grant Proposals: Religion and Society: A Dialogue
• Training for a New Interdisciplinary Research Workforce

Environmental & Life Sciences

Finite Element Modeling

The Naval Air Warfare Center-China Lake CA, intends to issue a firm-fixed-price contract for Finite Element Modeling on a full and open competition basis. The Government is seeking finite element modeling to improve the existing models of fracture likelihood, fracture orientation, expected fluid flow pathways and critically stressed structure in the Coso Region and the Coso Geothermal field. This will be a two year study. Complete description, including the Statement of Work will be available with the Request for Proposal (RFP). The RFP will be issued on or about 23 Dec 05 and be available for viewing and downloading. Deadline: Jan. 23, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedBizOpps, December 9, 2005.

National Oceanographic Partnership Program

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) solicits research proposals meeting the goal and purpose of the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP). Any NOPP member agency may fund research in response to this solicitation. The FY06 announcement seeks only proposals for new projects under Education and Outreach, and Collaboration. The proposal for BAA 05-026 is available at www.onr.navy.mil/02/baa. Deadline: Jan. 24, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, September 15, 2005.

Pilot-Scale Libraries for High-Throughput Screening

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS/NIH) seeks applications for Pilot-Scale Libraries for High-Throughput Screening (P41). This is a reannouncement of an RFA (RFA-RM-05-014) originally released on November 18, 2004.The Institutes and Centers of the NIH invite applications for funding from the NIH Molecular Libraries Roadmap program for the generation of pilot-scale chemical diversity libraries. These libraries will be used for high-throughput biological screening by the Molecular Libraries Screening Center Network (MLSCN). The NIH intends to commit up to $2.5 million per year for each round of funding. The NIH Biotechnology Resource Grant (P41) award mechanism will be used. Deadlines: Jan. 27, 2006 (letter of intent), Feb. 22, 2006 (application).

WEB LINK. NIH Guide, December 8, 2005.

Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks applications for Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants (BRAG) Program. The purpose of program is to assist Federal regulatory agencies in making science-based decisions about the effects of introducing genetically modified organisms into the environment. Investigations of effects on both managed and natural environments are relevant. Applications to the USDA BRAG Program must seek partial funding for a conference or address one of the following areas:

• Identify and develop practices to minimize risks associated with genetically engineered organisms;
• Research methods to monitor the dispersal of genetically engineered organisms; 3) Research to increase knowledge about the characteristics, rates, and methods of gene transfer that may occur between genetically engineered organisms, and related organisms;
• Perform assessments to provide analysis which compares impacts of organisms modified through genetic engineering to other types of production systems;
• Other areas of research designed to further the purposes of the USDA BRAG program.

Deadline: Feb. 16, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 8, 2005.

3rd Annual P3 Award: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity, and the Planet

The Environmental Protection Agency's National Center for Environmental Research has announced the 3rd Annual P3 Award: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity, and the Planet. The P3 competition will provide grants to teams of college students to research, develop, and design solutions to challenges to sustainability. The program is a partnership between the public and private sectors to progress toward sustainability by achieving the mutual goals of economic prosperity, protection of the natural systems of the planet, and providing a higher quality of life for its people. Up to $10,000 per Phase I grant for one year including direct and indirect costs will be awarded to the successful applicants. Phase I grant recipients will have the opportunity to apply for Phase II funding of up to $75,000 for one additional year. Feb. 20, 2006.

WEB LINK

Strategic Agricultural Initiative/Food Quality Protection Act Grant Program: FY 2006 Request for Proposals

The Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 is soliciting proposals to help implement the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) and to support efforts by the agricultural community to "transition" away from high-risk pesticides to lower risk pesticides and sustainable practices in food production. The program supports grants for education, extension and demonstration projects for FQPA transition and reduced risk practices for pest management in agriculture. Deadline: Mar. 8, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 13, 2005.

Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment

The National Science Foundation (NSF) seeks applications for Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE). This program will facilitate reform in geoscience education by funding programs that connect the work of scientists to the practice of teaching and learning science in the classroom. The NSF is seeking to establish new partnerships between GLOBE program participants and scientists associated with Integrated Earth Systems Science Programs (IESSP), defined as major NSF- or NASA-funded research programs related to Earth system science. This solicitation seeks proposals from IESSP teams for projects that can be used to facilitate inquiry-based investigations of the environment and the Earth systems via the GLOBE program. Deadline: Mar. 8, 2006.

WEB LINK

Advanced Technologies and Instrumentation: Special Competition: Astronomical Applications with the Advanced Electro-Optical System of the United States Air Force

The National Science Foundation (NSF) seeks applications for Advanced Technologies and Instrumentation: Special Competition: Astronomical Applications with the Advanced Electro-Optical System of the United States Air Force. This special competition is to enable access by the US community to the 3.67-meter Advanced Electro-Optical System (AEOS) telescope with its sophisticated adaptive optics system for astronomical research. This telescope system is made available for approximately 90 hours for observation in calendar year 2006. This special competition makes available to the U.S. astronomical community a 3.67-meter telescope with state-of-the-art passive adaptive optics for imaging through atmospheric turbulence. Seven fixed Coude rooms are available for astronomical observations with user-provided instrumentation. Alternatively, scientific observations can be made using the cameras and instruments provided on-site by the Air Force. NSF expects to fund approximately 4 to 8 standard grants for up to 3 years. Approximately $820,000 is anticipated to be available for this competition in FY 2006. Deadline:  Mar. 20, 2006.

WEB LINK

Also see these listings:

• Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity
• Materials Use: Science, Engineering, and Society (MUSES)
• Notice of Intent to Publish: Near-Term and Revolutionary Sequencing Technology Development RFAs for Regular and SBIR/STTR Programs
• Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring
• Training for a New Interdisciplinary Research Workforce

Funding News

ORS Workshop for Graduate Students: Locating & Applying for Funding

The Office of Research Support is offering a workshop for graduate students, Locating & Applying for Funding. Got funding? Seeking a fellowship to support research? Want to fund travel for a summer project? Need dissertation support? Take this opportunity to sign up for an account to use Duke's funding databases and learn how to search for funding. Class size is limited.

• Date: Friday, January 13, 2006
• Time: 10:30 am until 12:00 noon

Registration is required: Email the Outreach Coordinator at the Office of Research Support with workshop title, date, dept., year of study, & phone number. The workshop location will be announced later.

Graduate Funding

ORS Workshop for Graduate Students: Locating & Applying for Funding

The Office of Research Support is offering a workshop for graduate students, Locating & Applying for Funding. Got funding? Seeking a fellowship to support research? Want to fund travel for a summer project? Need dissertation support? Take this opportunity to sign up for an account to use Duke's funding databases and learn how to search for funding. Class size is limited.

• Date: Friday, January 13, 2006
• Time: 10:30 am until 12:00 noon

Registration is required: Email the Outreach Coordinator, Office of Research Support, with workshop title, date, dept., year of study, & phone number. The workshop location will be announced later.

International Youth Volunteerism Summit for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

From February 23-26, 2006, Northwestern University will play host to the first annual International Youth Volunteerism Summit: Social Entrepreneurship in Youth Volunteerism. Bringing together big-thinking undergrads and graduate students, NGO representatives, young social entrepreneurs and academic experts, the Summit will introduce major problems of direct international engagement while building its delegates' capacities to more successfully act as catalysts of sustainable progress. Keynote speakers and panel discussions introduce delegates to overarching issues faced by international volunteers, while practical workshops build particular skills sets like grant writing and business planning necessary to international organizational planning. Students apply the lessons directly to project proposals of their creation, and are invited to submit them for funding consideration to the Summit after the culmination of the weekend. Deadline: Dec. 19, 2005.

WEB LINK

Franklin Humanities Institute -- Multiple Graduate Fellowships Available for 2006-07

The John Hope Franklin Humanities Institute is now accepting applications for five Graduate Fellowships for the 2006-2007 academic year. Fellowships in both programs are designated for advanced (post-prelim) graduate students in the humanities and social sciences. Applicants may apply to one or both fellowship programs. Deadlines: Jan. 13, 2006.

• Three graduate fellowships are available for participants in INTERFACE: the 2006-2007 Franklin Humanities Institute Seminar. The term of appointment is September 1, 2006 -- May 31, 2007. Fellows will receive a stipend of $8,250, as well as a fully appointed shared office (computer, desk, bookshelves, access to library delivery services, etc.) in the Franklin Center. The fellowship entails no teaching duties.
• Two graduate fellowships are available for participants in the 2006-2007 A.W. Mellon Foundation Sawyer Seminar: Human Being, Human Diversity and Human Welfare: A Cross-Disciplinary and Cross-Cultural Study in Culture, Science and Medicine. Fellows will receive a stipend of $16,500. The term of appointment is September 1, 2006 -- May 31, 2007. This fellowship does not include residency in the Franklin Center. The fellowship entails no teaching duties.

WEB LINK

FY 2006 National Network for Environmental Management Studies Fellowship

The Environmental Protection Agency established the NNEMS program in 1986 to foster a growing interest among higher education students in environmental careers. The NNEMS program is a comprehensive fellowship program that provides students an opportunity to participate in a fellowship project that is directly related to their field of study. Deadline: Feb. 13, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 8, 2005.

Women's Studies Dissertation Fellowships

The Graduate School awards two full Women's Studies Dissertation Fellowships each year. Each fellowship carries a nine-month ~$15,000 stipend (registration and health fees to be paid by the Graduate School). The intent of these awards is to 'buy time' for a doctoral candidate who is past course work and engaged in the early stages of dissertation research. As the fellowships are in Women's Studies, it is assumed that fellowship recipients will devote the year to deepening their knowledge of feminist theory and methods, and exploring interdisciplinary angles on the topics being researched. Graduate students enrolled in the Certificate Program will have priority for these awards. Deadline: Apr. 1, 2006.

INQUIRIES: Pat Hoffman 919/684-3655; EMAIL: phoffman@duke.edu; WEB.

Health Sciences

Notice of Intent to Publish: Near-Term and Revolutionary Sequencing Technology Development RFAs for Regular and SBIR/STTR Programs

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) plans to issue six Requests for Applications (RFAs) that will solicit applications for the development of near-term and revolutionary genome sequencing technologies. The research scope will be essentially the same as that of previously issued RFAs on the same subjects: 1) Near-Term Technology Development for Genome Sequencing and 2) Revolutionary Genome Sequencing Technologies. Deadlines: Jan. 17, 2006 (letter of intent), Feb. 17, 2006 (application).

WEB LINK. NIH Guide, December 8, 2005.

Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Project

The Department of Education seeks applications for the Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Project. The purpose of this program is to provide research training and experience at an advanced level to individuals with doctorates or similar advanced degrees who have clinical or other relevant experience. ARRT projects train rehabilitation researchers, including individuals with disabilities, with particular attention to research areas that support the implementation and objectives of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act), and that improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Act. Deadline: Jan. 17, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 9, 2005.

Clinical Hematology Research Career Development Program

The National Institute of Health seeks applications for the Clinical Hematology Research Career Development Program (K12). The purpose of this program is to develop and evaluate multidisciplinary career development programs in non-malignant hematology that will equip new investigators with the knowledge and skills to address complex problems in blood diseases. Deadlines: Jan. 17, 2006 (letter of intent), Feb. 14, 2006 (application).

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 5, 2005.

Data Coordination and Analyses Center

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) invites applications for a Cooperative Agreement (U01) to establish a Data Coordinating and Analyses Center (DCAC) for the Community and Child Health Network (CCHN). The NICHD intends to commit approximately $500,000 in Total Costs in FY 2006 to fund one new grant in response to this RFA. An applicant may request a project period of up to five years and a budget for direct costs up to $325,000 dollars per year. Deadlines: Jan. 20, 2006 (letter of intent), Feb, 21, 2006 (application).

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 10, 2005.

Protein Structure Initiative (PSI) Materials Repository (U01)

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) invites applications for a cooperative agreement to develop and maintain a Protein Structure Initiative (PSI) Materials Repository in support of the PSI. The total amount to be awarded is up to $5.0 million ($1 million total costs per year for 5 years).One award is anticipated. Note: Because the sponsor limits the number of proposals an institution may submit to this program, anyone at Duke (Campus or Medical Center) interested in such a submission should email a statement of intent to Ken Macdonald at kwmac@duke.edu no later than one month before the letter of intent deadline. Deadlines: Jan. 23, 2006 (letter of intent), Feb, 23, 2006 (application).

WEB LINK. NIH Guide, December 6, 2005.

Structural Genomics Knowledgebase (U01)

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) invites applications for a cooperative agreement to develop and maintain a Structural Genomics Knowledgebase in support of the structural genomics projects. The Knowledgebase will be one component of the PSI Research Network along with three other components: large-scale production centers, specialized technology development centers, and a research material repository (RFA-GM-06-003). As a central information hub, the knowledgebase will play critical roles in coordinating effort of the PSI centers, making their research product widely available to other scientists, and soliciting input from the scientific community to increase the impact of the PSI program. The total amount of the anticipated award is up to $2.5 million. Note: Because the sponsor limits the number of proposals an institution may submit to this program, anyone at Duke (Campus or Medical Center) interested in such a submission should email a statement of intent to Ken Macdonald at kwmac@duke.edu no later than one month before the letter of intent deadline. Deadlines: Jan. 24, 2006 (letter of intent), Feb, 23, 2006 (application).

WEB LINK. NIH Guide, December 6, 2005.

Clinical Scientist Development Award

The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation invites pre-proposals for the Clinical Scientist Development Award. The award funds junior physician-scientists (with MD or MD/PhD) to facilitate their transition to independent clinical research careers. The program is limited to the development of researchers in cardiovascular diseases, cancer, AIDS, and sickle cell anemia and other blood disorders. Up to 12 three-year grants of $100,000/yr will be awarded to junior physician-scientists conducting clinical research. Deadlines: Jan. 31, 2006 (pre-proposal), Mar. 3, 2006 (invitation to submit), Apr. 18, 2006 (invited proposal due).

WEB LINK. The Foundation Center RFP Bulletin, December 9, 2005.

Imaging - Science Track Award for Research Transition

The National Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIDA) seeks applications for Imaging - Science Track Award for Research Transition. This RFA is intended to facilitate the entry of investigators to the area of neuroimaging, including both new investigators and established investigators seeking to adopt neuroimaging methodologies in their research programs. The NIH Small Grant (R03) mechanism will be used. For this PAR, an award may not exceed $150,000 in direct costs and is for a period of one year only. I/START grants are not renewable. Deadlines: Jan. 1, 2006, May 1, 2006, Sept. 1, 2006 (letter of intent), Feb. 1, 2006, Jun. 1, 2006, Oct. 1, 2006 (application).

WEB LINK. NIH Guide, December 9, 2005.

NLM Research Grants in Biomedical Informatics and Bioinformatics

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) offers research grants in biomedical informatics and bioinformatics. NLM's research funding centers on data, information and knowledge their nature, forms and uses in the domains of health care and basic biomedical sciences. Informatics research is defined as the intersection of informational and computer sciences with an application domain such as health care delivery or administration, basic biomedical research, health services research, public health, or related fields. Deadlines: Feb. 1, 2006, Jun. 1, 2006, Oct. 1, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 13, 2005.

Community-Responsive Interventions to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in American Indians and Alaska Natives

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) invites applications for cooperative agreements to conduct five-year studies in American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) communities to test the effectiveness of behavioral interventions to promote the adoption of healthy lifestyles and/or improve behaviors related to cardiovascular (CV) risk, such as weight reduction, regular physical activity, and smoking cessation. A total of approximately $8.8 million is available from the NHLBI over five years. It is anticipated that up to three awards will be made from this RFA. Each applicant organization may submit only one application. Deadlines: Feb. 10, 2006 (letter of intent), Mar. 10, 2006 (application).

WEB LINK. NIH Guide, December 6, 2005.

Long Term MCH Training: LEND Maternal and Child Health (MCH)

The Health Resources & Services Administration seeks applications for Long Term MCH Training: LEND Maternal and Child Health (MCH). The purpose of the Maternal and Child Health Interdisciplinary Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program is to improve the health status of infants, children, and adolescents with, or at risk for, neurodevelopmental and related disabilities, including mental retardation, neurodegenerative and acquired neurological disorders, and multiple disabilities. The interdisciplinary leadership training curricula emphasizes integration of services supported by State, local agencies, organizations, private providers and communities. The LEND programs will prepare health professionals to be leaders in the field to assist children and their families to achieve their developmental potential by forging a community-based partnership of health resources and community leadership. Deadline: Feb. 13, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 13, 2005.

NIH Career Development Awards (K Awards)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides at least eight different Career Development Awards (K awards) that individuals with a research doctorate should consider. Most of these awards support individuals that have accepted or are ready for a faculty position.

• PA-06-001:  Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01)
• PA-00-020:  Independent Scientist Award (K02)
• PA-00-021:  Senior Scientist Award (K05)
• PA-00-070:  Academic Career Award (K07)
• PAR-02-069: Career Enhancement Award for Stem Cell Research (K18)
• PA-00-019:  Career Transition Award (K22)
• PA-06-087: Mentored Quantitative Research Career Development Award (K25)
• PAR-99-065: Midcareer Investigator Award in Mouse Pathobiology Research Award (K26)

Deadlines: Feb. 1, Jun. 1, Oct. 1.

PAR-04-058:  International Research Scientist Development Award (K01). Deadline: Feb. 16, 2006.

WEB LINK

Advanced Proteomic Platforms and Computational Sciences for the NCI Clinical Proteomic Technologies Initiative

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for research project grants to support highly innovative research in the quantitative analysis of proteins and peptides of interest in clinical cancer studies. This funding opportunity is a component of the NCI's Clinical Proteomic Technologies Initiative for Cancer (http://proteomics.cancer.gov) that aims to improve the technological capability to reliably identify, quantify, and compare measurements and analyses of proteins and peptides in complex biological mixtures. The NCI intends to commit approximately $10 million in FY 2006 to fund approximately 10 new grants in response to this funding opportunity. Deadlines: Mar. 11, 2006 (letter of intent), Apr. 11, 2006 (application).

WEB LINK. NIH Guide, December 8, 2005.

Toward Imaging the Pancreatic Beta Cell in People (R01)

The National Institutes of Health seeks applications for Toward Imaging the Pancreatic Beta Cell in People. This RFA is intended to facilitate progress in imaging the pancreatic beta cell by soliciting new and competing continuation applications focused on in vivo detection of beta cell mass, function, inflammation or transplanted islet engraftment, especially using imaging technologies. This RFA is also intended to support the development of novel imaging technologies that will provide new opportunities for evaluating and quantifying beta cell mass and function. Deadlines: Mar. 14, 2006 (letter of intent), Apr. 12, 2006 (application).

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 13, 2005.

Glenn/AFAR Breakthroughs in Gerontology Awards

The Glenn Foundation, in collaboration with the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), invites applications for the Breakthroughs in Gerontology initiative. The goal of program is to provide timely support to a small number of pilot research programs that may be of relatively high risk but which offer significant promise of yielding transforming discoveries in the fundamental biology of aging. Projects that focus on genetic controls of aging and longevity, on delay of aging by pharmacological agents or dietary means, or which elucidate the mechanisms by which alterations in hormones, anti-oxidant defenses, or repair processes promote longevity are all well within the intended scope of the competition.. Deadline: May. 1, 2006.

WEB LINK. The Foundation Center RFP-Bulletin, December 16, 2005.

Specialized Medical Materiel or Procedures Designed to Enhance Force Health Protection

The Department of Air Force seeks applications for Specialized Medical Materiel or Procedures Designed to Enhance Force Health Protection. Research program areas focus on specialized medical materiel or procedures designed to enhance force health protection, restore health, prevent casualties, and maintain a fit and healthy force. The Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Program (ADTRP) focuses on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of naturally-occurring endemic diseases with demonstrated or potential capability to decrease military operational effectiveness. Diseases of principal interest to ADTRP are respiratory, infectious and diarrheal disease caused by bacterial or viral pathogens. Other noteworthy areas include but not limited to metabolic disorders/diseases, blood and immune system, ophthalmology (vision correction, injury and biomarkers), and diseases or syndromes of interest to the military medical system.

• The Human Performance and Systems Integration Research Program provides integrated capabilities for the protection of health and sustainment of military performance which may impact service members in the performance of their mission as it integrates with Air Force weapon systems.
• Operational medicine research include specialized medical materiel, capabilities and/or procedures designed to enhance force health protection, restore health, prevent casualties, enhance human performance, and maintain a fit and healthy force.
• The Medical Bioinformatics Research Program provides medical advances in molecular biology and equipment concerned with the creation of databases of biological information.
• The Directed Energy Injury Research Program provides medical capabilities to detect and diagnose various types of injuries, ranging from sub-acute to chronic, as a result of directed energy devices.
• The scope of the Air Force telemedicine program includes identification, exploration and demonstration of key technologies, and enabling biomedical principles required to overcome technological barriers that are both medically and militarily unique.

Deadline: Oct. 20, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedBizOpps, December 15, 2005.

Also see these listings:

• Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity
• Pilot-Scale Libraries for High-Throughput Screening
• Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring
• Training for a New Interdisciplinary Research Workforce

International Opportunities

Open Competition Seeking Professional Exchanges Programs in Africa, East Asia, Eurasia, Europe, the Near East, North Africa, South Asia and the Western Hemisphere

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for grants that support exchanges and build relationships between U.S. non-profit organizations and civil society groups in Africa, East Asia, Eurasia, Europe, the Near East, North Africa, South Asia and the Western Hemisphere. U.S. public and non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) may submit proposals that support the goals of The Professional Exchanges Program. Deadline: Feb. 9, 2006.

WEB LINK. Federal Register, December 8, 2005.

Request for Grant Proposals: Religion and Society: A Dialogue

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces a special competition, Religion and Society: A Dialogue, for two to three grants to support international exchange projects. Public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to develop and implement a multi-phased exchange to engage influential clerics, religious scholars and community leaders from countries with significant Muslim populations in dialogue designed to educate participants about the scholarship and practice of Islam in the US and the world and the compatibility of religious practice and democratic social and political values and structures. Approximately $1,000,000 will be allocated among 2-3 awards. Deadline: Feb, 16, 2006.

WEB LINK. Federal Register, December 15, 2005.

Also see this listing:

• Request for Grant Proposals: Middle East Partnership Initiative Study of the United States Institute for Undergraduate Student Leaders

Multidisciplinary

Ellison New Scholars Program in Aging

The Ellison Medical Foundation has again invited Duke University to nominate one junior faculty member for the New Scholars Program in Aging. The objective of the program is to support new, independent investigators of outstanding promise in the basic biological or clinical sciences relevant to understanding aging processes and age-related diseases and disabilities. The award is intended to provide new faculty with support during the especially critical first three years of their independent research careers. Each award in this program will provide its recipient with up to $50 K per year for four years. Nominations to this program are institutionally limited; if you are interested, please contact Ken Macdonald, Duke ORS, 681-5988 or kwmac@duke.edu. Deadlines: Jan. 17, 2006 (Duke); Mar. 2, 2006 (Ellison).

WEB LINK

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring

The National Science Foundation is now soliciting nominations for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. These awards honor outstanding individual mentors and mentoring organizations/institutions for enhancing the participation of groups underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The nominee must have demonstrated outstanding and sustained mentoring and effective guidance to a significant number of students at the K-12, undergraduate, or graduate level for at least five years. The awards are standard grants in the amount of $10,000 each. The nomination for this award is institutionally limited; if you are interested, please contact Ken MacDonald, Duke ORS, 681-5988 or kwmac@duke.edu. Deadlines: Jan. 23, 2006 (Duke internal).

WEB LINK

Training for a New Interdisciplinary Workforce

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) solicits applications to establish research education and training programs in interdisciplinary research through its Training for a New Interdisciplinary Workforce (T90) program. Programs may target undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral, or faculty-level training. Proposed programs should span NIH Institute- or Center-specific missions. Applications proposing programs that fall within the purview of current Institute or Center training mechanisms will be considered non-responsive to this RFA and will not be reviewed. As well, applications should "significantly and substantively expand on the current program(s)" of an applicant institution with currently active federally funded research training grants (e.g., NIH T32 or T90, or NSF IGERT) in interdisciplinary research, or including a significant interdisciplinary component. NIH intends to commit approximately $2.6 M in FY 2006 to fund approximately 8-10 new training programs in response to this RFA. An applicant may request a project period of up to four years, with direct costs not to exceed $325 K for the first year.

Because Duke University (including the Medical Center) may submit only one application in response to this RFA, there is an internal review process in advance of the NIH application deadline. Prospective applicants must email the following materials by the February 1st internal deadline to Ken Macdonald, Office of Research Support, kwmac@duke.edu, 681-5988:

• A draft, abridged Research Training Program Plan (not to exceed three single-spaced pages, including tables and graphs, excluding references).
• Biosketches of key personnel.
• A letter of support from the proposed principal investigator's chair or dean.

There are also limitations regarding proposals Duke may submit, given its existing interdisciplinary research training programs. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Ken Macdonald well in advance of the internal deadline, to check on currently active, federally funded training grants that may conflict with their proposals. Deadline: Feb. 1, 2006 (Duke internal).

WEB LINK. NIH Guide, December 16, 2005.

Materials Use: Science, Engineering, and Society (MUSES)

The National Science Foundation seeks applications for Materials Use: Science, Engineering, and Society. MUSES is aimed at soliciting new multidisciplinary activities that encourage researchers in engineering, physical and life sciences, social and behavioral sciences, economics, mathematics, and education to reach beyond their disciplinary boundaries in order to address complex issues related to materials use in the environment. There are two challenges: (a) to propose exploratory research issues that are viable and (b) to create new teams of researchers with the necessary expertise who can work together. Estimated Number of Awards: 4 to 7 (3-5 large awards and 1-2 exploratory awards) in FY 2006; 3-5 large awards only in FY 2007 and no planning grants. Deadlines: Mar. 13, 2006, Feb. 7, 2007.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, December 13, 2005.

Physical Sciences & Engineering

AFRL/IFE Intelligence Mission Applications Engineering and Development: Cancellation

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has cancelled the advance notice (Fed Biz Ops 14 Jul 2005) requesting sources to provide AFRL/IFE Intelligence Mission Applications Engineering and Development. The AFRL has cancelled this effort in its entirety.

WEB LINK. FedBizOpps, November 22, 2005.

Advance Research for Warfighter Interface Technologies: Request for White Papers

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has republished its solicitation for Advance Research for Warfighter Interface Technologies. The objective of BAA-04-06-HE is to address highly unique and innovative research & development concept areas in Warfighter Interface Technologies. The technology research will be focused in five areas: Battlespace Visualization; System Control Interfaces; Cognitive Systems; Collaborative Interfaces; and Battlespace Acoustics. Deadline: Open.

WEB LINK. FedBizOpps, November 22, 2005.

Advances in Biotechnology and the Biosciences for Warfighter Performance and Protection

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Human Effectiveness Directorate, solicits white papers for innovative technologies and scientific and programmatic services to support advanced biosciences research. The objective of this BAA is to address highly unique and innovative Science and Technology areas in Biosciences and Protection. The technology research will focus on five research and technology areas: 1) Applied Biotechnology, 2) Fatigue Countermeasures, 3) Aircrew Performance and Protection, 4) Biomechanics, and 5) Counterproliferation. Deadline: Open.

WEB LINK. FedBizOpps, November 17, 2005.

Research Interests of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) welcomes proposals that envision cooperation among two or more partners from academia, industry, and Air Force organizations. AFOSR's technical experts' foster support and fund research within the Air Force Research Laboratory, universities, and industry laboratories to ensure the transition of research results to support US Air Force needs. Non-industry proposers should spell out in their proposals their interactions with industry and Air Force organizations, including specific points of contact. AFOSR-BAA-2006-1 has been published on the FedBizOpps web site. Deadline: Open.

INQUIRIES: Kathy Wetherell, Contracting Officer, 703/696-9738, kathy.wetherell@afosr.af.mil; WEB. FedBizOpps, November 23, 2005.

Commander's Predictive Environment-Understand the Battlespace: Presolicitation Notice

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome Research Site (AFRL RRS) is soliciting white papers for developing innovative and critical technologies necessary to make the Commander's Predictive Environment capability viable. The vision of this research is a "PMESII Model Framework and Development Environment" that is analogous to an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for software development. Solutions to basic research and engineering using innovative approaches, as well as applied research capabilities, will be sought. Individual awards will not normally exceed 12 months with dollar amounts ranging between $50,000 and $300,000 per year. Deadlines: Jun. 1, 2006; Jun. 1, 2007.

WEB LINK. FedBizOpps, November 22, 2005.

NRL Wide Broad Agency Announcement Topic Revision

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has amended the NRL Wide Broad Agency Announcement. The Nov. 25 announcement revises topic BAA 57-05-02, Advanced Wearable Computing Technologies. The announcement also adds three additional areas on interest:

• Distributed sensor communications techniques and network security.
• Distributed sensor adaptive antenna and antenna matching network technology.
• Distributed sensor dissemination technology.

The complete BAA including proposal preparation instructions, technical points of contact for each topic, and evaluation criteria is available at http://heron.nrl.navy.mil/contracts/baa.htm. Deadline: Dec. 31, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedBizOpps, November 25, 2005.

Fiscal Year 2006 Test and Evaluation Research Program

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research seeks applications for the Fiscal Year 2006 Test and Evaluation (T&E) Research Program. AFOSR BAA 2006 will fund proposals that represent basic research needs identified by the Air Force Test and Evaluation Community. Each project selected will be funded at approximately $100 K per year for a maximum of three years. Deadline: Jan. 5, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, November 22, 2005.

Autonomous Mine Detection Sensors Technology Broad Agency Announcement

The US Army is soliciting full proposals for Autonomous Mine Detection Sensors (AMDS) Technology. The Night Vision Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) Countermine Division is searching for technology approaches capable of detecting anti-personnel (AP) and anti-tank (AT) mines at a minimum distance of 10m (measured horizontally) in front of the detection sensor. The goals for size and weight are 10 pounds and 10 watts. The objective of this BAA is to evaluate and demonstrate approaches for autonomous mine detection of anti-personnel (AP) and anti-tank (AT) mines from a small robotic platform. Deadline: Jan. 12, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedBizOpps, November 28, 2005.

Solid State Lighting Product Development II

The Department of Energy (DOE) solicits applications for applied research in the Solid-State Lighting Product Development Program. The funding opportunity announcement contains four areas of interest:

• LED Materials Issues Device Materials
• LED Device Issues Optical
• OLED Efficient Materials Development
• OLED Architectures that Improve Device Robustness, Lifetime, and Efficiency.

Deadline: Jan. 17, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, November 22, 2005.

Collaborative Research in Aeronautical Sciences

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Computational Sciences Center seeks applications for Collaborative Research in Aeronautical Sciences. The center is a research leader in high fidelity computational aerodynamics for Air force Systems. The three main research thrusts in the center are high speed aero-physics, fine scale unsteady flow, and computational support for Air Force analysis needs. With BAA-PKV-05-10, the Computational Sciences Center will set up an ongoing partnership by establishing a Collaborative Center in Aeronautical Sciences. Deadline: Jan. 20, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedGrants, November 28, 2005.

NIST Precision Measurements Grants Program

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks applications for the Precision Measurements Grants Program. The purpose of the program is to promote significant research in the field of fundamental measurement or the determination of fundamental constants. NIST sponsors these grants and cooperative agreements primarily to encourage basic, measurement-related research in universities and colleges and other research laboratories and to foster contacts between NIST scientists and those faculty members of academic institutions and other researchers who are actively engaged in such work. Deadlines: Feb. 3, 2006 (abbreviated proposals); May 6, 2006 (full proposals, if funding permits).

WEB LINK. IRIS Funding Alert, November 21, 2005.

Large Area Coverage Optical Search-while-Track and Engage (LACOSTE)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Special Projects Office is accepting proposals for the Large Area Coverage Optical Search-while-Track and Engage (LACOSTE) program. The LACOSTE program is seeking to develop extremely-wide field-of-view coded aperture imaging technology to support single sensor day/night persistent tactical surveillance of all moving vehicles in a large urban battlefield. Deadline: Feb. 4, 2006.

WEB LINK. FedBizOpps, November 21, 2005.

BAA06-13 - Underwater Express Program

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Advanced Technology Office is soliciting proposals for the Underwater Express Program to demonstrate stable and controllable high-speed underwater transport through supercavitation. DARPA is interested in proposals that will advance the understanding and use of supercavitation technology through research and development, small-scale experimentation, and a final at-sea demonstration. DARPA will host a Proposers Day in support of the program on 16 December, 2005 at the Executive Conference Center, Arlington, VA. Deadline: Feb. 1, 2007.

WEB LINK. FedBizOpps, November 28, 2005.

Also see these listings:

• Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity
• Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring
• Training for a New Interdisciplinary Research Workforce

Postdoctoral Funding

Franklin Humanities Institute - Postdoctoral Fellowships Available for 2006-07

The John Hope Franklin Humanities Institute at Duke University invites applications for two residential Postdoctoral Fellowships in the Humanities, each awarded for the one-year period 7/1/2006 - 6/30/2007, and each offering a stipend of $40,000 plus full fringe benefits and access to a modest pool of research funds. These fellowships require residence at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, a vibrant community within North Carolina's Research Triangle. Postdoctoral fellows will have limited teaching or project duties and the opportunity to advance their own scholarly work. Fellows will be expected to be active participants in one of two interdisciplinary faculty development seminars: Mellon Sawyer Seminar: "Human Being, Human Diversity and Human Welfare: A Cross-Disciplinary and Cross-Cultural Study in Culture, Science and Medicine; and Franklin Humanities Institute Franklin Seminar on "Interface." Deadline: Jan. 16, 2006.

WEB LINK

Social Sciences

NSF Law and Social Science Grants

The National Science Foundation invites scholars to submit proposals for the Law and Social Science program. The program supports social scientific studies of law and law-like systems of rules, institutions, processes, and behaviors. In addition to standard proposals, planning grant proposals, travel support requests to lay the foundation for research, and proposals for improving doctoral dissertation research are welcome. The program continues to solicit proposals that take account of the growing interdependence and interconnections of the world. Thus proposals are welcome that advance fundamental knowledge about legal interactions, processes, relations, and diffusions that extend beyond any single nation as well as about how local and national legal institutions, systems, and cultures affect or are affected by transnational or international phenomena. Thus, proposals may locate the research within a single nation or between or across legal systems or regimes. A Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant is associated with this program (http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/ses/law/lawguide.jsp). Deadline: Jan. 15, 2006; Aug. 15, 2006.

WEB LINK

Also see these listings:

• Materials Use: Science, Engineering, and Society (MUSES)
• Open Competition Seeking Professional Exchanges Programs in Africa, East Asia, Eurasia, Europe, the Near East, North Africa, South Asia and the Western Hemisphere
• Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring
• Request for Grant Proposals: Religion and Society: A Dialogue
• Request for Grant Proposals: Middle East Partnership Initiative Study of the United States Institute for Undergraduate Student Leaders
• Training for a New Interdisciplinary Research Workforce

Last updated, December 22, 2005.