Faculty research spotlight | |
Pankaj Baral, assistant professor, biology
College of Arts and Sciences
Research overview:
Our current research projects seek to identify how nervous and immune systems crosstalk each other and impact the function of immune cells during deadly infections such as pneumonia. The sensory and autonomic neurons densely innervate the barrier tissues — such as the lung and gut — that signal to/from the brain and mediate tissue homeostasis and protective reflexes. However, how neural signals influence immune response generation in disease conditions is less understood. A primary objective of our research is to determine the neuro-immune signaling pathways that can be targeted to treat infectious diseases.
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What motivated you to pursue research in this specific field, and how has your focus evolved over time?
I have a long-lasting research interest in the molecular and cellular basis of infectious diseases that remain significant human health problems. My passion for infectious disease research started as a college student. I was fortunate to be mentored by world-renowned scientists in my career.
What is your approach to this research?
We use an extensive multidisciplinary approach, including neuroscience, immunology, microbiology, animal models, single-cell analyses and cell biology, to pursue many intriguing ideas in neuroimmunology research.
Have there been any significant challenges or breakthroughs in your recent research, and how have you addressed or leveraged them?
One of the significant challenges we experience in our research at K-State is not having immunology-focused colleagues with whom we can collaborate or seek advice locally. Our recent findings have shown the key role of the neuroimmune signaling in regulating immunity against bacterial pneumonia.
What is the potential impact of your research on your field and on broader societal issues?
Lung infection and sepsis are leading causes of death. Survivors from sepsis and pneumonia show neurologic deficits and are highly vulnerable to secondary infections because of immune defects. We believe neuroimmune-targeted approaches could be future therapeutics to treat such diseases.
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.
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K-State events and announcements | |
Unlock invaluable insights for your academic journey by signing up for a one-on-one lunch with a distinguished university professor. This is a unique opportunity to engage in a personal, in-depth conversation with a colleague that has attained the highest honor K-State can bestow on its faculty Whether you’re seeking guidance on research, teaching or career advancement, this relaxed, informal setting provides the perfect chance to ask questions, exchange ideas, expand your professional network and gain mentorship from someone with a wealth of experience and knowledge . Don't miss out on the chance to build connections, expand your perspective, and get tailored advice to help you thrive in your faculty role. This opportunity is open to all tenure-track faculty in the first 3 years of their appointment at K-State. Sign up before November 1, 2024.
Register here.
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Register for your ORCID iD | |
In today’s digital research environment, standing out and ensuring your work is properly attributed is more important than ever. The Office of the Vice President for Research encourages creating an ORCID iD for a simple yet powerful way to enhance your visibility and streamline your academic journey.
Why ORCID?
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Unique Identifier: ORCID provides you with a unique identifier that distinguishes you from other researchers, even those with similar names.
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Improved Visibility: ORCID integrates with a variety of platforms, helping your work reach a wider audience and ensuring your contributions are accurately recognized.
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Easy Management: Automatically link your publications, grants, and professional activities to your ORCID profile, saving you time and ensuring comprehensive documentation of your career.
Take a few minutes today to create your ORCID iD. Visit ORCID.org to get started!
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External events and announcements | |
Nominate yourself or a colleague for a Golden Goose Award | |
The Golden Goose Award celebrates the importance of federally funded research that has led to major breakthroughs and resulted in significant societal impact.
The Golden Goose Award tells the stories behind the research, to show the public and Congressional leaders the tangible outcomes behind the federal research dollars spent. The Golden Goose Award was envisioned by former Congressman Jim Cooper of Tennessee in coordination with several science and higher education associations, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
If you have a story or idea to share – please consider submitting a nomination. For consideration for the 2025 Award, nominations should be received by Friday, December 13, 2024. More information about the nomination process is also available on the AAAS website.
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Growing Research Access for Nationally Transformative Equity and Diversity informational webinar | |
Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 2 - 3 p.m.
The NSF Growing Research Access for Nationally Transformative Equity and Diversity (GRANTED) initiative focuses on addressing systemic barriers within the nation’s research enterprise by improving research support and service capacity. GRANTED is a whole-of-NSF approach that is transforming NSF and the science and engineering community to develop the collective knowledge, skills, talents and desire to serve within the nation’s science and engineering enterprise.
The NSF GRANTED Team invites you to our fall informational webinar. The team will provide an overview of current funding opportunities, share updates on programmatic activities, offer advice for preparing competitive, GRANTED-aligned proposals, and answer audience questions.
This webinar will be recorded and posted to the NSF GRANTED website.
No registration is necessary.
Please note, we have a new Zoom link for you to use.
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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.
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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.
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NCR-SARE Seeking Review Committee Members | |
The North Central Region - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) is seeking nominees for the following grant review committees:
- Research and Education Grant Program Review Committee (Technical Committee)
- Farmer Rancher Grant Program Review Committee
- Partnership Grant Program Review Committee
- Professional Development Grant Program (PDP) Review Committee
- Graduate Student Grant Program Review Committee
- Youth Educator Grant Program Review Committee
NCR-SARE’s review committees review proposals and make recommendations to the Administrative Council, which can be a rewarding and educating experience for those interested in sustainable production and the grant-making process.
Each NCR-SARE review committee has varying requirements, but review committee members are generally required to review proposals, discuss the proposals on a conference call or in person, and provide recommendations to the Administrative Council. An NCR-SARE review committee member may not apply to that particular grant program while serving on that committee.
Complete this online form to apply for one of NCR-SARE’s grant review committees. In addition to completing the online form, you will be asked to upload a resume or curriculum vitae (CV). Recommendations can also be emailed to ncrsare@umn.edu. We will acknowledge receipt of the materials and reply regarding the selection process's outcome.
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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.
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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:
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STEM Education Individual Postdoctoral Research Fellowships program Office Hours: September 16, 2024 - November 25, 2024
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Division of Biological Infrastructure Virtual Office Hours: August 20, 2024 - December 17, 2024
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Decision, Risk and Management Sciences Office Hour: July 17, 2024 - December 18, 2024
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ExpandAI Virtual Office Hours: April 15, 2024 - December 16, 2024
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Innovation Corps Teams Q&A Webinar: October 3, 2024 - December 5, 2024
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IUSE Office Hours: October 15, 2024 - January 7, 2025
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Human Networks and Data Science Program Office Hour: October 17, 2024 - November 13, 2024
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OCE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships Office Hours: October 18, 2024 - November 7, 2024
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R2I2 Office Hours: October 21, 2024 - October 29, 2024
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Chemical Life Processes Office Hour: October 25, 2024
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Molecular Foundations for Biotechnology Office Hour: October 30, 2024
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Office Hours: Safe-OSE Preliminary Proposal Preparation: November 4, 2024
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CISE Research Expansion Program Webinar: November 7, 2024
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Science of Science - DCI Office Hours: November 13, 2024 - January 17, 2025
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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2025 Higuchi-KU Endowment Research Achievement Awards | |
The University of Kansas Office of Research seeks nominations for the Higuchi-KU Endowment Research Achievement Awards. Late Distinguished Professor Takeru Higuchi and his wife, Aya, partnered with KU Endowment to create four awards that recognize individuals for their accomplishments in research, scholarship and creative activity.
Faculty from any Kansas Regents institution are eligible, and your assistance in identifying outstanding candidates is critical. Winners receive $10,000 in support of research activities.
Awards include:
- The Balfour Jeffrey Research Award in the field of the Humanities and Social Sciences
- The Olin Petefish Research Award in the field of Basic Sciences
- The Dolph Simons Research Award in the field of Biomedical Sciences
- The Irvin Youngberg Research Award in the field of Applied Sciences
Submit a nomination here!
Nomination deadline: November 1, 2024
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November 13, 2024, 3 - 4 p.m.
This EPSCoR Live! will be of particular interest to early- and mid-career researchers.
In this session, Drs. Chinonye Whitley, Hongmei Luo, Lisa Cliggett, and colleagues, will discuss the EPSCoR Research Fellows opportunity, which aims to transform the career trajectories of non-tenured and tenured investigators through extended visits to private, government, or academic institutions. EPSCoR Program Officers will also facilitate a Q&A session related to this funding opportunity.
Advance registration is required. Click here to register. Please use an institutional email address for registration.
How to Submit Questions: EPSCoR Live! participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance through the registration form or by sending an email to epscor-live@nsf.gov.
While real-time captioning will be available, requests for additional accommodations may be sent to epscor-live@nsf.gov.
If you missed the last event or would like to review the presentation again, please visit our EPSCoR Live! webpage.
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New Grant Administrators and Researchers: Join Us for a Virtual, Interactive, NIH Grants Process Primer | |
This past spring, OER and CSR partnered to present a 1-hour webinar, A Walk-Through of the NIH Grants Process. We are again combining efforts for an expanded, two-part, interactive virtual event – NIH Grants Process Primer: Application to Award – taking place on November 13-14, 2024, from 12 – 3 p.m.
Led by NIH experts, this event will cover key aspects of the grants process, available resources, and related systems. The content and interactive approach are designed for institutional grant administrators and investigators new to NIH grants processes. But anyone seeking a better understanding of the grants process is encouraged to attend.
Part One is an overview of the grants process, where attendees will learn about pre-award activities and resources – from application planning through the review process to award determination. In Part Two, attendees will interact with live demonstrations focused on NIH systems and resources. NIH experts will be available to address live and pre-submitted questions during both parts.
Topics being covered include:
- Roles and responsibilities of key NIH staff and key personnel at the applicant institution
- NIH grant application and peer review processes
- Application materials, instructions, and required electronic systems
- NIH resources to help you stay informed
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2025 Moore Inventor Fellows | |
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is pleased to share with you the nomination call for 2025 Moore Inventor Fellows.
Inspired by Gordon Moore’s passion for discovery, this fellowship seeks to identify outstanding early-stage inventors. We are looking for individuals who are harnessing science and technology solutions to enhance scientific research, strengthen environmental conservation, or improve the experience and outcomes of patient care.
We invite you to nominate two individuals from your institution for this opportunity.
Fellows will receive funding for three years at a level of $200,000 per year from the Moore Foundation. In addition to funds for the fellow, the foundation will provide $25,000 each year to the institution to cover costs associated with administering the grant award, resulting in a total three-year award of $675,000 from the foundation. As host institutions are required to contribute $50,000 in annual support of the inventor’s work, each fellow receives a total award of $825,000.
To begin the nomination and application process, please complete this submission form. Formal nominations are due November 15, 2024.
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Calling All University Faculty: Accepting Applications for Summer 2025 Visiting Faculty Program | |
College and university faculty at emerging research institutions are invited to apply to collaborate with national laboratory scientific research staff on research projects of mutual interest, the Department of Energy Office of Science announced today.
The Visiting Faculty Program (VFP) is offered in two tracks:
- The VFP Research Collaboration
- The VFP Teaching Initiative Track (available for returning VFP participants)
Two application assistance workshops will be held for all faculty eligible to apply to VFP. The first workshop will introduce the program and provide strategies for submitting a compliant application. At the final workshop, the application process will be reviewed and then the collaborative experience the programs provide will be highlighted via a panel discussion.
In addition, prospective VFP applicants can engage with recruiters and scientists from the DOE national laboratories at the summer internship fair sponsored by WDTS and hosted by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. The fair will take place on November 14, 2024 (register here). WDTS and national lab staff will be on hand to answer questions.
Applications are now being accepted for the Summer 2025 term. The application deadline is January 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
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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.
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Request for Information in Support of the Implementation of the United States Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology | |
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is requesting information related to the Implementation Roadmap for the U.S. Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology.
In this Request for Information (RFI), NIST is seeking information about the following topics:
- Existing awards and recognition programs that the U.S. government and U.S. standards community can use to encourage and support participation and leadership in standards development for critical and emerging technologies.
- Ways the U.S. government and the U.S. standards community can educate and empower the standards workforce and business and technology decision-makers.
- Feedback on how NIST can best maintain an open dialogue and sustained communication with the U.S. critical and emerging technologies and standards communities regarding the ongoing implementation of the roadmap.
The U.S. Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology promotes technologically sound standards that help American industry compete internationally on a level playing field. It is intended to support and complement existing private sector-led standards activities.
The full RFI is available in the Federal Register, including information on how to submit comments. Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Dec. 9, 2024.
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Agency news and trending topics | |
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