Faculty research spotlight | |
|
Mike Tokach, university distinguished professor of animal science and industry
College of Agriculture
Research overview:
I am a member of K-State's Applied Swine Nutrition Team. Our group focuses on areas that have the greatest impact on profitability of swine producers. Thus, our research revolves around lowering feed cost, improving productivity and reducing pig mortality. We collaborate with many field research partners to train graduate students and provide relevant data to help swine farmers.
| |
|
What motivated you to pursue research in this specific field, and how has your focus evolved over time?
Agricultural producers are amazingly resilient. I learn a tremendous amount from swine farmers and want to help find answers to their problems. Our research focus changes as their needs change, although our core will always be in nutrition, because feed is over 60% of the cost of raising a pig.
What is your approach to this research?
Collaboration. Our team partners with swine producers, veterinarians, microbiologists, feed companies and other universities to address major issues facing the swine industry. Much of our research is conducted in field research facilities to have immediate application.
Have there been any significant challenges or breakthroughs in your recent research, and how have you addressed or leveraged them?
One example: We did a collaborative project to determine whether genetic selection for fast lean growth of market pigs was influencing their stress response and growth rate in the nursery. We found that it did, leading genetic suppliers to change their selection strategy to improve early growth.
What is the potential impact of your research on your field and on broader societal issues?
Our projects impact:
1. The environment through improved nutrient utilization and reduced water use.
2. Animal wellbeing through reduced stress and mortality.
3. Agricultural families through the impact on profitability of their farms
4. Future work force through training of students.
Each week The Office of the Vice President for Research will feature one faculty member and their scholarly work in Research Weekly. If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague, please fill out the online form.
*Please note that not all nominations will be accepted as there are limited weeks each semester.
| | |
K-State events and announcements | |
FDA and USRG Programs Now Accepting Applications | |
|
The Kansas State University, Office of Research Development’s Faculty Development Award (FDA) and University Small Grant (USRG) programs provide international meeting travel support and seed grant funding to K-State faculty. The FDA award can also be used to meet with program officers from potential external funders. Awards for the FDA program typically range from $1,000 to $3,500. For USRG awards, the range is now $2,000 to $5,000 which is a $500 increase in the funding ceiling for this program. The proposals for both programs are due by 5 pm on October 7, 2024, and should be submitted via ord@ksu.edu.
Contact either Mary Lou Marino (mlmarino@ksu.edu) or Kate Kennedy (kate40@ksu.edu) for further information on these programs.
| |
K-State CoSearch workshop offers fast-paced collaboration for research teams | |
|
The Kansas Water Institute will host a unique workshop opportunity for faculty October 18 and 19, 2024, in Manhattan. The K-State CoSearch workshop will be an interactive and competitive two-day event where interdisciplinary teams will innovate water-related research projects, plan a complete proposal, and pitch their ideas to a judging panel. You are invited and encouraged to attend.
This intensive two-day competition provides facilitation for interdisciplinary research teams to collaborate and develop research plans that solve real-world problems. This year’s theme focuses on water resources, with a goal to break down academic silos to produce innovative projects that unite the programs and departments at K-State. We’re hoping that this fast-paced and unique event will create unexpected collaborations between faculty from different departments and will push your comfort zones in a fun environment.
Registration links and other details can be found here.
| |
Biosafety and Biosecurity Summit | |
|
We are excited to invite you to the Inaugural (First Annual) Biosafety and Biosecurity Summit, taking place on October 10th and 11th on campus and virtually on Zoom. Whether in a laboratory, clinic, or field, researchers and laboratorians are at the heart of making great things possible. This groundbreaking event will bring together researchers, subject matter experts, and industry leaders to discuss key challenges and advancements in biosafety and biosecurity, while also exploring emerging technologies in life science research. Live presentations, research posters, and a Fisher Scientific vendor fair will enhance education and networking, enabling participants to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate on solutions to improve biosafety and biosecurity.
Event Highlights:
- Keynote Address: Learn about Transcriptomics for Biomarker Discovery with Dr. Laura Miller, Associate Professor of Veterinary Virology and Past President of the American Association of Veterinary Immunologists on October 10th at 8:30 am.
- Engaging Presentations: Attend engaging presentations from K-State faculty and staff, federal and state agencies including the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) professionals and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and industry partners including Labconco.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals from diverse backgrounds in life science and interdisciplinary research, diagnostics, biosafety, and biosecurity to foster collaboration and innovation.
- Laboratory Resources and Support: Visit the Fisher Scientific vendor fair to learn more about available equipment, PPE, and safety resources for laboratories.
Find the full schedule of events here.
| |
Apply for the open Research/Facility Security Officer position | |
|
As a Research Security Officer/Facility Security Officer at Kansas State University, you will be responsible for implementing NSPM-33 guidance to safeguard our research initiatives. This role requires a bachelor’s degree and 5-10 years of relevant experience, with a preference for advanced degrees and extensive security program experience. Key qualifications include strong interpersonal skills, the ability to manage competing demands, and the capacity to work independently. Applicants must be able to obtain a high-level security clearance and meet other security requirements.
Learn more and apply here.
| |
External events and announcements | |
Jefferson Science Fellowship Program now accepting applications | |
|
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is pleased to announce a call for applications for the 2025 Jefferson Science Fellowships (JSF). Established by the Secretary of State in 2003, these fellowships serve as an innovative model for engaging the American science, engineering, and medical communities in the U.S. foreign policy and international development process through a one-year immersive experience at the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Jefferson Science Fellowships are a mutually beneficial partnership between government and participating U.S. academic institutions. These fellowships are open to tenured, or similarly ranked, faculty from U.S. institutions of higher learning who are U.S. citizens. After successfully obtaining a security clearance, Fellows are embedded in an office at the U.S. Department of State or USAID where they can expect to learn the foreign policy and international development process while contributing their technical expertise to policy formulation and implementation. Note that a JSF Fellowship does not require faculty to “use up” a sabbatical leave. The year spent in Washington counts as one of the seven years needed to earn a sabbatical.
Online applications will be accepted from August 1 through October 15, 2024.
| |
Where can I learn everything about NSF proposals and awards? | |
|
The NSF’s Policy Office is responsible for developing, implementing, and issuing proposal and award policy for the programs of the National Science Foundation. The NSF’s Policy Office Outreach website maintains numerous resources to learn more about NSF including:
-
Upcoming NSF informational events, including a way to sign up to be notified of those events!
-
Postings of past recorded webinar series
-
An amazing Resource Center that also contains numerous recorded informational videos
We encourage you to visit this website and access some of these great resources to learn more about the NSF and submitting your proposals to the NSF.
| |
Strengthen & Modernize U-I Partnerships: A New UIDP Initiative | |
|
Representatives from academia, government, industry, and nonprofits/private funders are keenly interested in examining how cross-sector partnerships can maximize resource investment for greater impact.
Last week, during UIDP’s fall conference, UIDP Board Chair Nerissa Draeger and I announced a groundbreaking new initiative to explore effective strategies and tactics for dramatically increasing the power of these partnerships.
The Strengthen and Modernize U-I Partnerships initiative is envisioned to revolutionize how the sectors collaborate (university, industry, government--federal, state, and local-- and nonprofit) by addressing four areas of specific need identified by science and technology leadership.
Learn about the focus areas and read the full article here.
| |
NASA STMD Seeks Peer Reviewers for Research Proposals | |
|
NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate is seeking subject matter experts to serve as peer reviewers of proposals submitted to the recently released NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunities (NSTGRO) solicitation. These reviews are conducted electronically via NSPIRES.
Through NSTGRO, NASA seeks to sponsor graduate student research that has significant potential to contribute to NASA’s goal of creating innovative new space technologies for our Nation’s science, exploration, and economic future.
If you are interested in serving as a peer reviewer for the NSTGRO solicitation, please fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/xD5riqwdZrqtQo51A. You can also access the form from the NSPIRES homepage under Site News.
If your skills match NASA’s needs for the review, and considerations for any organizational conflicts of interest allow, we will contact you to discuss further steps.
Participating in a review is a service to the community. Eligible reviewers will receive a nominal honorarium.
Please direct questions to hq-nstgro-call@mail.nasa.gov.
| |
DOE Office of Science Office Hours | |
|
This fall, the Office of Science (SC) is transitioning to one SC-wide monthly virtual Office Hour to share information about our programs and provide opportunities to ask questions. Researchers at all institutions are welcome to attend and learn more about our programs; no existing relationship with DOE or the DOE national laboratories is required to attend. Research administrators are also encouraged to attend.
Office Hours will take place on the first Tuesday of each month, from 1 - 2 p.m. Each office hour will begin with a brief presentation followed by questions and answers on a monthly topic. After the presentation and questions, we will move to breakout rooms by program office to answer general questions. We will then move to breakout rooms by individual program office for general questions from the community.
For more information on SC Office Hours, including registration and upcoming topics, and to view slides and recordings of past Office Hours, please visit the DOE website.
| |
National Science Foundation office hours and webinars | |
|
The National Science Foundation is hosting a variety of office hours and webinars throughout 2024 covering a wide range of programs and topics. Links to register and more information for each series can be found below:
-
Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence Office Hours: September 19, 2024 - October 3, 2024
-
STEM Education Individual Postdoctoral Research Fellowships program Office Hours: September 16, 2024 - November 25, 2024
-
Division of Biological Infrastructure Virtual Office Hours: August 20, 2024 - December 17, 2024
-
Decision, Risk and Management Sciences Office Hour: July 17, 2024 - December 18, 2024
-
ExpandAI Virtual Office Hours: April 15, 2024 - December 16, 2024
-
SBE Ethical and Responsible Research Solicitation Webinar: October 3, 2024
-
Innovation Corps Teams Q&A Webinar: October 3, 2024 - December 5, 2024
-
CyberTraining Program Webinar: October 7, 2024
-
Research Traineeship Program Track 2 and Planning Grants Office Hour: October 8, 2024
-
NSF Research Traineeship Program Office Hour: October 9, 2024
-
Introducing the NSF Safe-OSE Program Webinar: October 10, 2024
-
Cyberinfrastructure for Sustained Scientific Innovation: October 17, 2024
-
Molecular Foundations for Sustainability: Sustainable Polymers Enabled by Emerging Data Analytics: October 18, 2024
-
Division of Materials Research Open Hour: October 18, 2024
-
CISE Research Expansion Program Webinar: November 7, 2024
| |
Explore the Redesigned NIH Grants and Funding Website to Simplify Finding Information on Your Journey With NIH | |
|
Following up on the sneak peek we provided a few weeks ago, we are pleased to announce that NIH launched the new NIH Grants and Funding website this week. Designed with the needs of the extramural research community in mind, the new site is intended to enhance your journey through the NIH grants process with a modernized interface and powerful features to make finding critical information easier than ever. We encourage you to explore the site at your leisure, and to familiarize yourself with the new content and layout.
Read the full announcement here.
| |
New Federal Common Disclosure Forms Strengthen Integrity and Security of NIH-Funded Research | |
|
Back in April, we announced that Common Disclosure Forms for the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support would be required for all applications and progress reports submitted in 2025, amongst several other changes. These Common Forms aim to standardize disclosure requirements and processes across federal research agencies, with the goal of reducing the time and effort researchers spend providing disclosure information to federal funders and ensuring integrity throughout the research process. We recently released a Guide Notice with additional information and expectations for applications and progress reports effective May 25, 2025, including the requirement that Senior and Key Personnel use an Open Researcher and Contributor Identification digital identifier (ORCID ID).
Read the full announcement here.
| |
Mock Study Section Indicator of Interest | |
|
The Fall 2024 Frontiers Mock Study Section is soliciting letters of intent from researchers who are developing NIH grants for Winter and Spring submission. Mock Study Section will occur on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Kansas State University – Olathe campus. Investigators who are interested in having their proposals reviewed by expert reviewers should submit a letter of intent by Friday, September 30, 2024.
Mock Study Section is open to all Frontiers’ investigators across career stages. Grants should be R-, K-, or F-series proposals, but may be initial submissions or resubmissions.
Full grant submissions are due Monday, October 28, 2024.
If you have questions, please contact our Biomedical Communications Manager, Heather Fielding-Gebhardt, Ph.D.
| |
Reporting Data Management and Sharing Plan Activities in Research Performance Progress Reports Update | |
|
The purpose of this Notice is to remind the research community of the requirement to address the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy in Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs) submitted on or after October 1, 2024, and to provide additional details about the implementation of the RPPR instructions.
On October 1, 2024, NIH will issue new DMS questions that align with the NIH Final Policy on Data Management and Sharing, asking recipients for updates on the status of data sharing, repositories, and unique identifiers for data that have been shared.
Overview of changes
NIH is adding several new questions about DMS activities to RPPRs submitted on or after October 1, 2024. This change was previously shared in a May 2024 Guide Notice. For awards for which the NIH DMS Policy applies, recipients will be asked:
- Whether data has been generated to date and what type of data it is.
- Whether data has been shared for use by others.
- If data has been shared, in what repository and under what unique digital identifiers.
- If data has NOT been shared, what is the status of data sharing (e.g. being prepared for submission, submitted to repository, not yet expected to be shared); and
- If data has not been generated and/or shared as outlined in an approved DMS Plan, what corrective actions have or will be taken to comply with the approved Plan.
In addition, if significant changes to the DMS Plan are anticipated in the next year, recipients will be asked to describe those changes and provide a revised DMS Plan for approval.
Availability of Additional Guidance
The updated NIH RPPR Instruction Guide will be posted on October 1, 2024, to the Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) page. Recipients should contact the Grants Management Specialist listed on the latest Notice of Award for any questions about the applicability of the DMS Policy.
Resources
· NIH Data Sharing Website
· Frequently Asked Questions
· Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR)
Inquiries
Please direct all inquiries to:
Office of Policy for Extramural Research (OPERA)
Email: OPERAsystemspolicy@nih.gov
| |
How the DOE Early Career Research Program has Advanced Scientific Discovery and Innovation Webinar | |
|
October 2, 2024, 1 - 2 p.m.
Please join the DOE Office of Science for a special webinar featuring past recipients of the DOE Early Career Research Award. In this webinar, past selectees will share how the program helped drive their research and launch their careers. The discussion will be led by DOE Office of Science Acting Director Dr. Harriet Kung and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Deputy Director Justina Gallegos. Panelists will include:
- Prasanna Balaprakash, Director of AI Programs and Distinguished R&D Staff Scientist, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2018 Awardee)
- Michelle O’Malley, Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara (2013 Awardee)
- Wendy Shaw, Chief Science and Technology Officer, Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (2010 Awardee)
- Anne White, Associate Vice President for Research Administration and School of Engineering Distinguished Professor of Engineering at MIT (2011 Awardee)
Register for the Webinar on Zoom
| |
Cross-Sector Approaches in Emerging Materials | |
|
October 3, 2024, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
The Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable, in collaboration with the New Voices in Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, will convene a webinar to discuss the next steps and needs for materials underlying critical and emerging technologies. In the context of the ongoing implementation of the CHIPS & Science Act, the webinar will explore how novel materials can help achieve a national vision for science, engineering, and technology. During this webinar, expert panelists will discuss workforce needs for emerging materials from a cross-sectoral lens. The speakers will also highlight how the US is positioned compared to other major countries doing similar efforts to enhance investments for emerging materials.
Expert Panelists:
- Kiana Aran, Associate Professor, University of California San Diego
- Ayodeji Coker, Director, Intelligent Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton
- Kei Koizumi, Principal Deputy Director for Policy, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
- Carl Picconatto, Director, Emerging Technology Innovation, MITRE Corporation
There is no cost to this webinar, but registration is required.
| |
Opportunities to Meet NSF Program Directors at Fall 2024 Meetings! | |
|
Staff from the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) will be attending various scientific meetings this Fall. Please check the meeting programs for more details as we will be hosting informational sessions/workshops at some of these meetings and will have a booth in the exhibit hall at other meetings.
At the meetings (and all the time), we’re happy to answer questions about submitting proposals to NSF, reviewing proposals, serving on panels, rotator and job opportunities at NSF, and much more!
Meeting information:
| |
|
October 6, 2024, 9:30 a.m. – October 9, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
NSF staff will be attending the 2024 Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting from October 5-9, 2024, in Chicago, IL. Visit us at NSF Booth 1779 to learn more about our funding opportunities and to sign up for individual meetings with NSF Program Directors.
More information can be found here.
| |
Assessing Opportunities & Barriers for Minority Producers Transitioning to Climate-Smart & Regenerative Agriculture Programs | |
|
October 11, 2024, 12 - 2 p.m.
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), Freedmen Heirs Foundation (FHF) and Resources for the Future (RFF) are collaborating to conduct a webinar series and convening event on the current status of minority farmers during the ongoing shift towards climate-conscious agriculture. This webinar series and convening will be guided by community insights and will be used to shape a research framework as well as the creation of resources that enhance the impact of climate-smart agriculture investments on minority farmers.
The webinar series will consist of four virtual convenings that will be held from June – December 2024. The workshops will inform an in-person event in early 2025, where FFAR, FHF and RFF will seek to develop pathways for equity in economic assessments, access to information and resources, and access to new markets and funding. Recordings of each webinar will be shared on this page.
Register to attend the webinar.
| |
Kauffman Foundation grant opportunities | |
|
The Kauffman Foundation has announced new grant opportunities in coordination with the release of their new strategic priorities: Grant types (kauffman.org)
Research Grants provide funding to design and implement or scale a research project that builds deeper understanding of our strategic priorities and focus areas, addresses gaps in our research base, and translates research findings into practice: Strategic priorities
Together with our community, we believe we can shift the landscape in three strategies — college access and completion, workforce and career development, and entrepreneurship — prioritized because of their anticipated power to advance economic mobility: Focus areas
In alignment with these priorities, we are seeking projects at the intersection of innovation and impact through the focus areas of essential competencies and skills, education and employer connection, participation and belonging, and equitable access.
Letters of interest open Oct. 15.
| |
Minimizing the Impact of Emerging Disease Threats in Swine Through Research Funding Partnerships | |
|
October 22, 2024, 2 p.m.
This webinar will discuss the benefits of collaborative approaches to protect the U.S. swine herd from emerging disease threats.
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) supports research that improves animal health and welfare. The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC), supported by Pork Checkoff funding, protects and enhances the health of the U.S. swine herd by minimizing the impact of emerging disease threats through preparedness, coordinated communications, global disease monitoring, analysis of swine health data and targeted research investments. FFAR’s and SHIC’s shared goals directly address pork producer concerns and have resulted in several collaborations that identify, prioritize and fund research on emerging disease threats in swine. FFAR collaborations with SHIC have included a comprehensive approach to enhancing Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity, funded in partnership with the Pork Checkoff, and proactive investigations to prevent and prepare for a potential Japanese encephalitis virus incursion.
More information and a link to register can be found here.
| |
Register for the STARTUP Central program | |
|
Are you part of a research team with an innovative biomedical product concept? Are you ready to take that next step toward translation and need funding? Register for the STARTUP Central program by October 25, 2024.
STARTUP Central is an NIH-funded grant program featuring funding opportunities for proof-of concept projects. We’ll help you turn your cutting-edge research into a viable product or solution.
Awarded teams receive a grant between $15,000 - 30,000 and will be required to complete an online entrepreneurial education program called InspireU2 iTi.
We're seeking applications from faculty, academic investigators, researchers and students who are...
- Motivated to shift the research focus of your lab to foster a culture of innovative project exploration
- Interested in translating research to a real-world health-related solution or product
- Part of an existing startup looking for support with commercialization, funding and customer development
More information and registration can be found here.
| |
Frontiers Clinical and Translational Science Institute's 2025 Request for Applications | |
|
We are thrilled to announce the release of the 2025 Requests for Applications for the prestigious Frontiers Clinical and Translational Science Institute's training programs. This is your opportunity to advance your career with our respected KL2 Career Development, Postdoctoral TL1, and Predoctoral TL1 Programs.
KL2 Career Development Program:
Letters of Intent Deadline: October 25, 2024
Full Application Deadline: December 20, 2024
For more information and to apply, click here.
Postdoctoral TL1 Program:
Letters of Intent Deadline: October 25, 2024
Full Application Deadline: December 13, 2024
For more information and to apply, click here.
Predoctoral TL1 Program:
Pre-Meeting Requirement: By December 7, 2024
Full Application Deadline: December 13, 2024
For more information, click here.
This is your chance to join a community of pioneering researchers and dedicated professionals who are shaping the future of clinical and translational science. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to drive your research career to new heights.
If you have any questions regarding the KL2 and TL1 programs, please do not hesitate to reach out to Holly Zink, Ph.D.
| |
Agency news and trending topics | |
|
Revolutionary drug for schizophrenia wins US approval
The first schizophrenia medication in decades with a new mechanism of action won US regulatory approval today. The approval offers the hope of an antipsychotic that would be more effective and better tolerated than current therapies. nature
Digital twins beginning to deliver real-world benefits
Science fiction has been describing computers with impressive predictive powers for decades. The development of "digital twins" — a virtual model interacting with a physical system — has brought society a step closer to this dream. NSF
Stem cells reverse woman’s diabetes — a world first
A 25-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes started producing her own insulin less than three months after receiving a transplant of reprogrammed stem cells.
Burying wood in ‘vaults’ could help fight global warming
The discovery of an eastern red cedar log, buried in eastern Canada for millennia and nearly perfectly preserved, illustrates the potential of a new kind of carbon storage scheme in the fight against climate change: wood “vaults.”
| |
|
k-state.edu/research
researchweekly@k-state.edu
785.532.5110
| | | | |
