ANNOUNCEMENTSFor those submitting NSF proposals on or after February 24, 2014……….New NSF Grant Proposal Guide http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf14001/gpgprint.pdf

Information on federal agencies’ budget plans can be found on MSU’s Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies Federal Budget Updates webpage.

NIH Operates Under a Continuing Resolution (NOT-OD-14-043)Release Date: January 16, 2014Related AnnouncementsNOT-OD-14-012 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including NIH, operates under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014 (H.J.Res. 106 ) signed by President Obama on January 15, 2014. This Act (CR) continues government operations through January 18, 2014 at the FY 2013 post-sequestration level.

Continuing the procedures identified under NOT-OD-14-012 and consistent with NIH practices during the CRs of FY 2006 – 2013 , the NIH will issue non-competing research grant awards at a level below that indicated on the most recent Notice of Award (generally up to 90% of the previously committed level).   Upward adjustments to awarded levels will be considered after FY 2014 appropriations are enacted, but NIH expects institutions to monitor their expenditures carefully during this period. All legislative mandates that were in effect in FY 2013 (see NOT-OD-12-034 and NOT-OD-13-064 ) remain in effect under this CR including the salary limitation set at Executive Level II of the Federal Pay Scale. It should be noted, that the Executive Level II was increased by 1 percent from $179,700 to $181,500 by Executive Order 13655 that became effective January 12, 2014.

Division of Engineering Research

E-Funding News & AnnouncementsJanuary 31, 2014 edition

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The NIH Big Data to Knowledge (BD2K) initiative aims to enable biomedical scientists to extract full value from biomedical big data. BD2K is developing programs to facilitate the use of big data, develop new software tools, enhance training, and discover and disseminate advances in data science. We are pleased to announce the release of three FOAs focused on training.

RFA-HG-14-007 Mentored Career Development Award in Biomedical Big Data Science for Clinicians and Doctorally Prepared Scientists (K01)

RFA-HG-14-008 Courses for Skills Development in Biomedical Big Data Science (R25) 

RFA-HG-14-009 Open Educational Resources for Biomedical Big Data (R25)

Due Date: April 1, 2014

Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion 2014 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2014) (NNH14ZOA001N)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters, Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) will be releasing an umbrella NASA Research Announcement (NRA) titled “Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion 2014 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2014)” on or about November 1, 2013. This will be STMD’s inaugural solicitation covering multiple STMD programs. The NRA will be accessible from the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) website (http://nspires.nasaprs.com ) by linking through the menu listing "Solicitations", and then selecting "Open Solicitations" and finally selecting “Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion 2014 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2014).” Under SpaceTech-REDDI-2014, proposals will be solicited through Appendices which will be issued as technology topics are defined and funding is made available for new opportunities. Once new Appendices are released, interested parties will be able to access them by clicking through the Open Solicitations link, then

selecting “NRA NNH14ZOA001N”, and then selecting “List of Open Program Elements”. It is anticipated that this initial umbrella solicitation (SpaceTech-REDDI-2014) will be open for one year (through October 2014) and follow-up umbrella SpaceTech-REDDI solicitations will be issued annually at about the same time.

The STMD portfolio supports a combination of early-stage studies, for assessing the feasibility of entirely new technologies (which corresponds to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range from 1 to 3); maturing feasible technologies through rapid competitive development and ground-based testing (TRL 3-5); and flight demonstrations in relevant environments to complete the final steps prior to mission infusion (TRL 5-7). This technological diversity results in a sustainable pipeline of revolutionary concepts. STMD seeks aggressive technology development efforts that may require undertaking significant technical challenges and risk to achieve a higher potential payoff.

The following STMD programs will be included in the SpaceTech-REDDI-2014 umbrella NRA: NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program focuses on visionary aeronautics and space system concepts. TRL Range: 1-3 Appendix A1: NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I Appendix A2: NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II

Space Technology Research Grants (STRG) Program engages academia in innovative research in advanced space technology. TRL Range: 1-3 Appendix B1: Space Technology Research Grants (STRG) Early Career Faculty (ECF) Appendix B2: Space Technology Research Grants (STRG) Early Stage Innovations (ESI)

Game Changing Development (GCD) Program focuses on maturing advanced space technologies that may lead to entirely new approaches for the Agency's future space missions. TRL Range: 3-5 Appendix C1: Game Changing Development (GCD) Technology Topic TBD Appendix C2: Game Changing Development (GCD) Technology Topic TBD Appendix C3: Game Changing Development (GCD) Technology Topic TBD

Technology Demonstration Missions (TDM) Program seeks to mature laboratory-proven technologies to flight-ready status. TRL Range: 5-7 Appendix D1: Technology Demonstration Missions (TDM) Topics TBD

Small Spacecraft Technology (SST) Program develops and demonstrates subsystem technologies and new mission capabilities for small spacecraft. TRL Range: 3-7 Appendix E1: Small Spacecraft Technology (SST) Development and Demonstration Appendix E2: Small Spacecraft Technology (SST) Partnerships

http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId={AF744F6D-1342-1FF8-77C8-FB1D41B8237E}&path=open

Previously announced:

Vehicles Technologies Incubator (DE-FOA-0000988)https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/FileContent.aspx?FileID=7283590e-36ff-4f88-820b-aa858b2ca244

DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) develops and deploys efficient and environmentally friendly highway transportation technologies that will enable America to use less petroleum. These technologies will provide Americans with greater freedom of mobility and energy security, while lowering costs and reducing impacts on the environment. For example, the EV Everywhere Grand Challenge requires dramatic improvements in plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) performance and cost that are specified as technical targets and “stretch goals” for key technical areas of plug-in electric vehicles. These are detailed in the EV Everywhere Blueprint document, posted on the VTO website. Other specific technology and technical goals can be found in supporting roadmaps and plans such as the Office's Multiyear Program Plan, U.S. DRIVE Partnership Plan; 21st Century Truck Roadmap and Technical White Papers; and other plans and roadmaps listed under the “information resources” and “plans and roadmaps” section of our website.

The VTO Incubator FOA areas of interest include but are not limited to:

· Energy Storage R&D· Advanced Power Electronics and Electric Motors R&D· Advanced Combustion Engine R&D· Materials Technology· Fuels and Lubricant Technologies· Other – In addition to the above topic areas, this VTO Incubator FOA is open to applications that aim to bring to market a novel, non-incremental technology that facilitates one or more of the overall VTO goalsSubmission Deadline for Concept Papers: 02/25/2014Submission Deadline for Full Applications: 04/16/2014

Shared Instrumentation Grant Program (S10) (PAR-14-073)http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-14-073.htmlThe ORIP Shared Instrument Grant (SIG) program encourages applications from groups of NIH-supported investigators to purchase or upgrade a single item of expensive, specialized, commercially available instrumentation or an integrated system that costs at least $100,000. The maximum award is $600,000. Types of instruments supported include, but are not limited to, confocal and electron microscopes, biomedical imagers, mass spectrometers, DNA sequencers, biosensors, cell-sorters, X-ray diffraction systems, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers among others.Due Date: February 21, 2014

Particulate Matter and Related Pollutants in a Changing WorldURL: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2014/2014_star_pm.htmlSummary: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announces the posting of the Request for Applications (RFA), Particulate Matter and Related Pollutants in a Changing World.  Its goal is to fund proposals that research the understanding of particulate matter and related atmospheric pollutants in a changing world. Specifically, research is sought on the changing spatiotemporal patterns or environmental impacts of particulate matter in the United States, the challenges that various aspects of global change pose for the management of particulate matter and related pollutants, the rates and timescales at which global change can impact United States air quality, and stronger linkages between the modeling of atmospheric processes and other processes. In order to understand and adapt to future changes, environmental planners and decision makers need information on the challenge global change presents for protecting the environment and human health; this solicitation seeks research on these challenges.

This RFA supports the National Program, Air, Climate and Energy (ACE) Research Program, which explores transdisciplinary research, and addresses the complex global change and air quality issues that we face today. Even with the improvement of air quality, many continue to suffer from cardiovascular disease, asthma and other health problems that result from air pollution. One of ACE’s research goals is to assess human and ecosystem exposures and effects caused by air pollutants and climate change. ACE research also aims to provide data and tools that can help prevent and reduce air pollutant emissions in ways that are sustainable, innovative and cost-effective.Open Date: 01/09/2014 - Close Date: 03/14/2014

NSF/DOE PARTNERSHIP ON ADVANCED FRONTIERS IN RENEWABLE HYDROGEN FUEL PRODUCTION VIASOLAR WATER SPLITTING TECHNOLOGIES 2014-2016http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14511/nsf14511.pdfThe Directorate for Engineering at the National Science Foundation (NSF) has established a partnership with the Fuel Cell Technologies (FCT) Office of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in order to address critical fundamental and applied research challenges associated with advanced technologies for the production of hydrogen fuel via solar water splitting processes. The goal of the partnership is to leverage the complementary missions of applied research, development and demonstration (DOE) and use-inspired fundamental research and education (NSF) to address issues of national importance that impact the sustainable production of fuels using renewable resources. The Directorate for Engineering seeks proposals with transformative ideas that meet the detailed requirements delineated in this solicitation.Full Proposal Deadline: February 10, 2014 (required LOI was due December 13,

2013)

STEM-C Partnerships: MSP (STEM-CP:MSP) NSF 14-522http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14522/nsf14522.pdf

The STEM-C (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, including Computing) Partnerships program is a major research and development effort of two NSF Directorates, the Directorate for Education and Human Resources and the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering, which supports innovative partnerships to improve teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. STEM-C Partnerships combines and advances the efforts of both the former Math and Science Partnership (MSP) and the former Computing Education for the 21st Century (CE21) programs. It is critical that our nation maintain a competent, competitive and creative STEM workforce, including teachers. Therefore, NSF aims to inspire and motivate the next generation of that workforce, while ensuring that it has the skills, competencies, and preparation to be successful. As we transition to a global, knowledge-based economy that is often driven by information technology and innovation, it is increasingly important that STEM workforce preparation includes a strong foundation in computing. Thus, the STEM-C Partnerships program addresses both the need for advances in K-12 STEM education generally, as well as the need to elevate the inclusion of computer science education.

From MSP, STEM-C Partnerships embraces any of the STEM disciplines --within the natural science, mathematics, engineering, or computer science -- and maintains its commitment to institutional partnerships and opportunities for funding of Targeted proposals in one of four focal areas: Community Enterprise for STEM Teaching and Learning, Current Issues Related to STEM Content, Identifying and Cultivating Exceptional Talent, and K-12 STEM Teacher Preparation. From CE21, STEM-C Partnerships adds a discipline-specific focal area on the teaching and learning of computing and computational thinking, a strong commitment to broadening participation in computing, an emphasis on in-service teacher professional development, and support for the implementation of computer science courses at the high school level. It is expected that the merging of the MSP and CE21 programs will strengthen both and serve as a model for future incorporation of discipline-specific concerns into programs focused more broadly on STEM.

The STEM-C Partnerships program supports Partnerships that promote effective K-12 STEM education, building knowledge of teaching and learning in ways that deepen understanding and stimulate further exploration of STEM education in both in- and out-of-school settings. The Partnerships' cross-disciplinary teams call upon the expertise and research perspectives of learning scientists, including cognitive scientists, educational, developmental and social psychologists, social scientists and education researchers, as well as STEM, discipline-specific teachers, faculty, researchers, and scientists. The Partnerships provide the context and environment for the effective preparation, professional development, and ongoing support of K-12 teachers. Changes at the undergraduate level related to the preparation of K-12 STEM teachers are an implicit expectation of the work; in this way, the STEM-C Partnerships is a K-16 endeavor. Projects are encouraged to look at scalable models of effective learning and professional development mediated, perhaps, by evolving computational devices and advances in cyberinfrastructure, as well as ongoing developments in models, resources, tools, and their applications to learning, content, delivery, and pedagogy. The program

supports transformative research and its use by varied research, development, and implementation communities. The needs of a particular Partnership related to advancing the teaching and learning of any of the STEM disciplines at the K-12 level should drive the focus of the Partnership's work. The inclusion of computer science, computational thinking, computational science or computing in K-12 STEM instruction is welcome, but not required.

All STEM-C Partnerships projects serve as models that have a sufficiently strong evidence/research base to improve STEM education outcomes for all students. The STEM-C Partnerships program requires institutional commitment to evidence-based teaching and learning which improves the achievement of all students studying STEM, with particular attention to educational practices that are effective for groups underrepresented in STEMwomen, minorities (African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islander territories), and students with disabilities. Through this solicitation, NSF seeks to support both STEM-C Partnerships Targeted awards and STEM-C Partnerships Computer Science Education Expansion awards. The Targeted Partnerships are supported at two funding levels (Implementation and Prototype) and are open to innovative Partnerships composed minimally of at least two Core Partners, a K-12 School District and an institution that brings disciplinary expertise in the natural sciences, mathematics, engineering and/or computer science and is actively engaged in the production of STEM teachers. STEM-C Partnerships Targeted awards may focus on any field of mathematics, or the natural sciences, or engineering, or computer science at the K-12 level. Targeted Prototype awards explore potentially innovative approaches and strategies in education. Targeted Implementation awards are intended to develop and put into practice innovative approaches and strategies in education. Both types of Partnerships incorporate significant new innovations to STEM education, linked to a strong educational research agenda, in one of five focal areas described below.

The STEM-C Partnerships Computer Science Education Expansion awards are open only to NSF MSP Partnerships that have been previously funded to work at the high school level and who seek to expand their work to increase the number of qualified computer science teachers and the number of high schools with rigorous computer science courses incorporated into the academic program.Due Date: March 18, 2014

STEM-C Partnerships: Computing Education for the 21st Century (STEM-CP: CE21) NSF 14-253http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14523/nsf14523.pdfThe STEM-C (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, including Computing) Partnerships program is a major research and development effort of two NSF Directorates, the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR) and the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), which supports innovative partnerships to improve teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. STEM-C Partnerships combines and advances the efforts of both the former Math and Science Partnership

(MSP) and the former Computing Education for the 21st Century (CE21) programs. It is critical that our nation maintain a competent, competitive and creative STEM workforce, including teachers. Therefore, NSF aims to inspire and motivate the next generation of that workforce, while ensuring that it has the skills, competencies, and preparation to be successful. As we transition to a global, knowledge-based economy that is often driven by information technology and innovation, it is increasingly important that STEM workforce preparation includes a strong foundation in computing. Thus, the STEM-C Partnerships program addresses both the need for advances in K-12 STEM education generally, as well as the need to elevate the inclusion of computer science education.From MSP, STEM-C Partnerships embraces any of the STEM disciplines—within the natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, or computer science—and maintains its commitment to institutional partnerships and opportunities for funding of Targeted proposals in one of four focal areas: Community Enterprise for STEM Teaching and Learning, Current Issues Related to STEM Content, Identifying and Cultivating Exceptional Talent, and K-12 STEM Teacher Preparation. From CE21, STEM-C Partnerships adds a discipline-specific focal area on the teaching and learning of computing and computational thinking, a strong commitment to broadening participation in computing, an emphasis on in-service teacher professional development, and support for the implementation of computer science courses at the high school level. It is expected that the merging of the MSP and CE21 programs will strengthen both and serve as a model for future incorporation of discipline-specific concerns into programs focused more broadly on STEM.

The STEM-C Partnerships program supports Partnerships that promote effective K-12 STEM education, building knowledge of teaching and learning in ways that deepen understanding and stimulate further exploration of STEM education in both in- and out-of-school settings. The Partnerships’ cross-disciplinary teams call upon the expertise and research perspectives of learning scientists, including cognitive scientists, educational, developmental and social psychologists, social scientists and education researchers, as well as STEM, discipline-specific teachers, faculty, researchers, and scientists. The Partnerships provide the context and environment for the effective preparation, professional development, and ongoing support of K-12 teachers. Changes at the undergraduate level related to the preparation of K-12 STEM teachers are an implicit expectation of the work; in this way, the STEM-C Partnerships is a K-16 endeavor. Projects are encouraged to look at scalable models of effective learning and professional development mediated, perhaps, by evolving computational devices and advances in cyberinfrastructure, as well as ongoing developments in models, resources, tools, and their applications to learning, content, delivery, and pedagogy. The program supports transformative research and its use by varied research, development, and implementation communities. The needs of a particular Partnership related to advancing the teaching and learning of any of the STEM disciplines at the K-12 level should drive the focus of the Partnership’s work. The inclusion of computer science, computational thinking, computational science or computing in K-12 STEM instruction is welcome, but not required.

All STEM-C Partnerships projects serve as models that have a sufficiently strong evidence/research base to improve STEM education outcomes for all students. The STEM-C Partnerships program requires institutional commitment to evidence-based teaching and learning which improves the achievement of all students studying STEM, with particular attention to educational practices that are effective for groups underrepresented in STEM—women, minorities (African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islander territories), and students with disabilities.Due Date: March 18, 2014

Civil Infrastructure Systems (CIS) (PD 12-1631)http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13352&WT.mc_id=USNSF_39&WT.mc_ev=clickThe Civil Infrastructure Systems (CIS) program supports research leading to the engineering of infrastructure systems for resilience and sustainability without excluding other key performance issues.  Areas of interest include intra- and inter-physical, information and behavioral dependencies of infrastructure systems, infrastructure management, construction engineering, and transportation systems.  Special emphasis is on the design, construction, operation, and improvement of infrastructure networks with a focus on systems engineering and design, performance management, risk analysis, life-cycle analysis, modeling and simulation, behavioral and social considerations not excluding other methodological areas or the integration of methods.This program does not encourage research proposals primarily focused on structural engineering, materials or sensors that support infrastructure system design, extreme event modeling, hydrological engineering, and climate modeling, since they do not fall within the scope of the CIS program. Researchers focused in these areas are encouraged to contact the Infrastructure Management and Extreme Events (IMEE), Geotechnical Engineering (GTE), Hazard Mitigation and Structural Engineering (HSME), Structural Materials and Mechanics (SMM), or the Sensors and Sensing Systems (SSS) program within CMMI. Additionally, researchers may consider contacting the Hydrologic Sciences program in the Earth Sciences Division (EAR) or the Physical and Dynamic Meteorology (PDM) program in the Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences Division (AGS) of the Directorate for Geosciences.Due Date: February 15, 2014

Geotechnical Engineering (GTE) (PD 12-1636)http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13351&WT.mc_id=USNSF_39&WT.mc_ev=clickThe GTE program supports fundamental research on geotechnical engineering aspects of civil infrastructure, such as site characterization, foundations, earth retaining systems, underground construction, excavations, tunneling, and drilling. Also included in the program scope is research on geoenvironmental engineering; geotechnical engineering aspects of geothermal energy; life-cycle analysis of geostructures; geotechnical earthquake engineering that does not involve the use of George E. Brown, Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) facilities; scour and erosion; and geohazards such as tsunamis, landslides, mudslides and debris flows.  The program

does not support research related to natural resource exploration or recovery. Emphasis is on issues of sustainability and resilience of civil infrastructure. Cross-disciplinary and international collaborations are encouraged.Due Date: February 15, 2014

Dynamical Systems (DS) (PD 11-7478)http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13574&WT.mc_id=USNSF_39&WT.mc_ev=clickThis program supports innovative research on the theories of dynamical systems, including new analytical and computational tools, as well as the novel application of dynamical systems to engineered systems. The program is especially interested in transformative research in the area of complex systems, uncertain or stochastic nonlinear dynamical systems, model order reduction of nonlinear or infinite dimensional dynamical systems, discrete nonlinear dynamical systems, and modeling, simulation, analysis and design of multi-scale multi-physics dynamical systems.Due Date: February 15, 2014

Hazard Mitigation and Structural Engineering (HMSE) (PD 13-1637)http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13358&WT.mc_id=USNSF_39&WT.mc_ev=clickThe Hazard Mitigation and Structural Engineering (HMSE) program supports fundamental research to mitigate impacts of natural and anthropogenic hazards on civil infrastructure and to advance the reliability, resiliency, and sustainability of buildings and other structures. Hazards considered within the program include earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, tornado and other loads, as well as explosive and impact loading. Resiliency of buildings and other structures include structural and non-structural systems that, in totality, permit continued occupation or operation in case of an impact by a hazard. Research is encouraged that integrates structural and architectural engineering advances with discoveries in other science and engineering fields, such as earth and atmospheric sciences, material science, mechanics of materials, sensor technology, high performance computational modeling and simulation, dynamic system and control, and economics. The program seeks to fund transformative and cost-effective innovations for hazard mitigation of both new and rehabilitated buildings and other structures. Research in structural and architectural engineering is encouraged that extends beyond mature or current construction materials into investigations of smart and sustainable materials and technologies, and considers the structures in their entirety. In addition, the program funds research on structural health monitoring that goes beyond data acquisition to include the holistic system, integrating condition assessment and decision making tools to improve structural performance.Due Date: February 15, 2014

Manufacturing Machines and Equipment (MME) (PD 13-1468)http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13346&WT.mc_id=USNSF_39&WT.mc_ev=clickThe MME program supports fundamental research leading to improved manufacturing machines and equipment, and their application in manufacturing processes.  Key goals

of the program are to advance the transition of manufacturing from skill-based to knowledge-based activities, and to advance technologies that will enable the manufacturing sector to reduce its environmental impacts.  A focus is on the advancement of manufacturing machines and related systems engineering that will enable energy manufacturing, namely the manufacture of facilities and equipment that will enable the conversion of renewable resources into energy products such as electricity and liquid fuels, on a large scale.  The program also supports research on laser processing, joining processes and additive manufacturing machines and processes encompassing feature scales from microns to meters (nanometer scale additive manufacturing is supported under the Nanomanufacturing program).Due Date: February 15, 2014

Control Systems (CS) PD 12-1632http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13575&WT.mc_id=USNSF_39&WT.mc_ev=clickThe Control Systems (CS) program supports fundamental research on control theory and control technology driven by real life applications.  The program emphasis is on paradigm-shifting ideas for control strategies that are inspired by nature, unconventional applications, and the combined roles of feedback, feedforward and uncertainty in systems.  The program supports research that advances fundamental understanding, analysis and synthesis of control strategies and tools based on system formulation, assumptions and constraints that are motivated and derived from real-life applications and/or industry needs.  Integration of novel sensing and actuation concepts that combine feedback, communication and signal processing and analysis to achieve a sensing or actuation objectives are also supported. Due Date: February 15, 2014

Sensors and Sensing Systems  (SSS) (PD 13-1639)http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13349&WT.mc_id=USNSF_39&WT.mc_ev=clickThe Sensors and Sensing System (SSS) program funds fundamental research on sensors and sensing systems.  Such fundamental research includes the discovery and characterization of new sensing modalities, fundamental theories for aggregation and analysis of sensed data, fundamentally new approaches for data transmission, and approaches for addressing uncertain and/or partial sensor data.  Innovative research in nonlinear prediction, filtering and estimation in the context of sensing systems is also considered in this program.The program does not fund developmental projects, such as sensor development or applications studies.  Proposals offering fundamental research topics that are enabled by sensor development or sensor system development should be submitted to the relevant CMMI program in which the fundamental research contribution is being made. In such a case, the SSS program should be listed as a secondary program. Proposals that do not address CMMI relevant research should be submitted to programs in the appropriate division within NSF. Depending on the research objective of the work proposed, PIs submitting proposals in the areas of biosensing and biomedical sensors should consider sending their proposals to the Biosensing, Biophotonics or Biomedical

Engineering program in the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems (CBET), and also for areas of biosensing, sensors and actuators they should consider the Electronics, Photonics, and Magnetic Devices (EPMD) or the Communications, Circuits, and Sensing-systems (CCSS) program of the division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS).Due Date: February 15, 2014

Human and Ecological Health Impacts Associated with Water Reuse and Conservation Practiceshttp://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2014/2014_star_water-reuse.htmlProtecting our nation’s water resources is one of the Environmental Protection Agency’s priorities. In support of this priority, EPA’s Science to Achieve Results (STAR) in cooperation with the Office of Research and Development’s (ORD) Safe and Sustainable Water Research (SSWR) program announces an extramural funding competition supporting projects that focus on understanding the impacts of water reuse and conservation practices on human and ecological health and how they relate to broader issues of energy-efficient processes for water conservation and nutrient management and recovery.The Agency is interested in supporting research on water reuse and water conservation practices that promotes public and aquatic ecosystem health protection and how that may be assessed over the long-term, so as to manage the availability of water resources more holistically. The research needs include data and information that would be most valuable in helping municipalities and their stakeholders to assess their options for selecting and implementing water reclamation, reuse or harvesting projects in their water management districts. Research needs also include assessments and measurements of economic and non-economic impacts (e.g., health, economic, societal, and ecological), and identification and evaluation of impacts of implementing these projects. Options to achieve these endpoints include developing novel tools, models and methods, developing surveys, conducting field studies, or a combination of these approaches.Due Date: 02/18/2014

Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program (NSF 14-508)http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14508/nsf14508.pdfThe Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program seeks to encourage talented science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors and professionals to become K-12 mathematics and science teachers. The Noyce Scholarship Track provides funds to institutions of higher education to support scholarships, stipends, and academic programs for undergraduate STEM majors and post-baccalaureate students holding STEM degrees who earn a teaching credential and commit to teaching in high-need K-12 school districts. The NSF Teaching Fellowship/Master Teaching Fellowship Track provides funding to support STEM professionals who enroll as NSF Teaching Fellows in master's degree programs leading to teacher certification by providing academic courses, professional development, and salary supplements while they are fulfilling a four-year teaching commitment in a high-need school district.  This track also supports the development of NSF Master Teaching Fellows by providing professional

development and salary supplements for exemplary mathematics and science teachers to become Master Teachers while they fulfill a five-year teaching commitment in high-need school districts. Capacity Building Projects support the development of new programs and activities to increase the capacity for institutions to provide innovative teacher preparation programs that enable increasing numbers of STEM majors and STEM professionals to become effective K-12 mathematics and science teachers and to develop the capacity to prepare Master science and mathematics teachers.Letter of Intent Deadline Date: February 5, 2014 Full Proposal Deadline Date: March 5, 2014

Systems-Based Research for Evaluating Ecological Impacts of Manufactured Chemicalshttp://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2014/2014_star_eco-impacts.htmlThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications focusing on integrated, transdisciplinary research that would advance scientific understanding of potential for impacts to ecosystem wellbeing associated with the use of manufactured chemicals.  Specifically, the RFA would solicit proposals for systems-based research to develop and apply innovative metrics and modeling approaches to improve evaluation of ecological resilience and impact analyses, and to support environmental sustainability. Successful proposals will translate emerging and advanced methods, data, and computational tools to address complexity of these systems and distill drivers of adverse outcomes to ecological organisms and populations.This solicitation provides the opportunity for the submission of applications for projects that may involve human subjects research.  Human subjects research supported by the EPA is governed by EPA Regulation 40 CFR Part 26 (Protection of Human Subjects). This includes the Common Rule at subpart A and prohibitions and additional protections for pregnant women and fetuses, nursing women, and children at subparts B, C, and D.  Research meeting the regulatory definition of intentional exposure research found in subpart B is prohibited by that subpart in pregnant women, nursing women, and children.  Research meeting the regulatory definition of observational research found in subparts C and D is subject to the additional protections found in those subparts for pregnant women and fetuses (subpart C) and children (subpart D).  All applications must include a Human Subjects Research Statement (HSRS, as described in Section IV.B.5.c), and if the project involves human subjects research, it will be subject to an additional level of review prior to funding decisions being made as described in Sections V.C and V.D of this solicitation. Deadline: March 4, 2014

Petascale Computing Resource Allocations (PRAC) – (NSF 14-518)http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14518/nsf14518.htm?org=NSFIn 2013, a new NSF-funded petascale computing system, Blue Waters, was deployed at the University of Illinois. The goal of this project and system is to open up new possibilities in science and engineering by providing computational capability that makes it possible for investigators to tackle much larger and more complex research challenges across a wide spectrum of domains. The purpose of this solicitation is to

invite research groups to submit requests for allocations of resources on the Blue Waters system. Proposers must show a compelling science or engineering challenge that will require petascale computing resources. Proposers must also be prepared to demonstrate that they have a science or engineering research problem that requires and can effectively exploit the petascale computing capabilities offered by Blue Waters. Proposals from or including junior researchers are encouraged, as one of the goals of this solicitation is to build a community capable of using petascale computing.Deadlines: March 10, 2014 and November 14, 2014

Cognitive Neuroscience (NSF 14-514)http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14514/nsf14514.pdfThe National Science Foundation announces the area of Cognitive Neuroscience within the Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences in the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences. Cognitive neuroscience has emerged in the last decade as an intensely active and influential discipline, forged from interactions among the cognitive sciences, neurology, neuroimaging (including physics and statistics), physiology, neuroscience, psychiatry, and other fields. Of particular importance for this discipline have been new methods for non-invasive functional neuroimaging of humans performing psychological tasks. As this field is reaching maturity, the National Science Foundation intends for the new cognitive neuroscience emphasis to spur the development of highly novel techniques and models directed toward enabling basic scientific understanding of a broad range of issues involving brain, cognition, and behavior. The emphasis at NSF will be placed on integration of the cognitive sciences, social and economic sciences, and engineering in service of insights into healthy functions of brain, cognition, and behavior.

The cross-disciplinary integration and exploitation of new techniques in cognitive neuroscience has generated a rapid growth in significant scientific advances. Research topics have included sensory processes (including olfaction, thirst, multi-sensory integration), higher perceptual processes (for faces, music, etc.), higher cognitive functions (e.g., decision-making, reasoning, mathematics, mental imagery, awareness), language (e.g., syntax, multi-lingualism, discourse), sleep, affect, social processes, learning, memory, attention, motor, and executive functions. Cognitive neuroscientists further clarify their findings by examining developmental and transformational aspects of such phenomena across the span of life, from infancy to late adulthood, and through time.

New frontiers in cognitive neuroscience research have emerged from investigations that integrate data from a variety of techniques. One very useful technique has been neuroimaging, including positron emission tomography (PET), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetoencephalography (MEG), optical imaging (near infrared spectroscopy or NIRS), anatomical MRI, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). A second class of techniques includes physiological recording such as subdural and deep brain electrode recording, electroencephalography (EEG), event-related electrical potentials (ERPs), and galvanic skin responses (GSRs).

In addition, stimulation methods have been employed, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), subdural and deep brain electrode stimulation, and drug stimulation. A fourth approach involves cognitive and behavioral methods, such as lesion-deficit neuropsychology and experimental psychology. Other techniques have included genetic analysis, molecular modeling, and computational modeling. The foregoing variety of methods is used with individuals in healthy, neurological, psychiatric, and cognitively-impaired conditions. The data from such varied sources can be further clarified by comparison with invasive neurophysiological recordings in non-human primates and other mammals.Deadline: February 25, 2014

Netherlands Fellowship Programs 2014-2015http://www.studyinholland.nl/scholarships/scholarships-administered-by-nuffic/netherlands-fellowship-programmesNetherlands Organization for Cooperation in Higher Education (NUFFIC) offers opportunities for professionals in 50 developing countries to pursue masters degrees, PhD studies, and short courses in the Netherlands. Individuals applying for fellowships must be admitted to the relevant academic programs in order to be eligible for funding. Programs include subjects in agricultural and veterinary sciences; sustainable energy; marine biology; water resources; environmental governance; and various other areas related to environment and natural resources. Application deadlines vary by sub-programs -- with deadlines on 04 February 2014, 06 May 2014, and 07 October 2014. ANSTI/DAAD Post-Graduate Fellowships 2014http://anstigrants.unon.org/daad/The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) cooperates with the African Network of Scientific and Technical Institutions (ANSTI) -  by offering financial support for Masters and Ph.D degrees at institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The fellowships are awarded to nationals in Sub-Saharan Africa for studies outside the applicants' home countries. Participants must be from ANSTI member institutions, and be less than 36 years old at the time of application. The application deadline is 31 May 2014.

Fellowships for Agricultural Research at U.S. Universitieshttp://borlaugleap.org/The Norman E. Borlaug Leadership Enhancement in Agriculture Program (Borlaug LEAP) offers fellowships for graduate students from developing countries for agricultural research at universities in the USA. The program currently invites applications from citizens of USAID-assisted countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Each research project is coordinated by a university in the student's home country, a university in the USA, and a mentor in the CGIAR. The application deadline is 01 May 2014.

Cyber-Innovation for Sustainability Science and Engineering (CyberSEES) (NSF14-531)http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14531/nsf14531.pdfThe Cyber-Innovation for Sustainability Science and Engineering (CyberSEES) program aims to advance interdisciplinary research in which the science and engineering of

sustainability are enabled by new advances in computing, and where computational innovation is grounded in the context of sustainability problems.

The CyberSEES program is one component of the National Science Foundation's Science, Engineering, and Education for Sustainability (SEES) activities, a Foundation-wide effort aimed at addressing the challenge of sustainability through support for interdisciplinary research and education. In the SEES context, a sustainable world is one where human needs are met equitably without harm to the environment or sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Computational approaches play a central role in understanding and advancing sustainability. CyberSEES supports research on all sustainability topics that depend on advances in computational areas including optimization, modeling, simulation, prediction, and inference; large-scale data management and analytics; advanced sensing techniques; human computer interaction and social computing; infrastructure design, control and management; and intelligent systems and decision-making. Additionally, the widespread, intensive use of computing technologies also introduces sustainability challenges and motivates new approaches across the lifecycle of technology design and use.Deadlines: April 8, 2014 and February 3, 2015