September 14, 2022

Featured Opportunities:


Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Solar and Wind Grid Services and Reliability Demonstration FOA

The Department of Energy’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Solar and Wind Grid Services and Reliability Demonstration FOA seeks innovative research and development that will accelerate the large-scale development and deployment of solar and wind technologies to support an equitable transition to a decarbonized electricity system by 2035, and a decarbonized energy sector by 2050. 


Mind, Machine and Motor Nexus

The National Science Foundation’s Mind, Machine and Motor Nexus program supports fundamental research at the intersection of mind, machine and motor. A distinguishing characteristic of the program is an integrated treatment of human intent, perception, and behavior in interaction with embodied and intelligent engineered systems and as mediated by motor manipulation. 

K-State Innovation Partners celebrates 80 years

On Monday, September 12, 2022, K-State Innovation Partners celebrated the 80th anniversary of its establishment and reflected on the growth and evolution that have since taken place.


Research Foundation firsts:

  • The first disclosure was received from Harold W. Batchelor in 1922 for making stoppers for bottles and test tubes.
  • The first U.S. patent application was filed Oct. 12, 1944, and cost $40.60. That year, the estimated cost to secure an issued patent was $80. The patent was for a plastic container for frozen foods to be used in freezer lockers.
  • The first international patent application was filed in the United Kingdom on March 20, 1947, on the potato granule dehydration process. The Industrial Management Trust of London funded the application.
  • The first U.S. patent issued was on Dec. 6, 1949, for "Dehydrating Process for Starchy Vegetables, Fruits and the Like."
  • The first consideration of license was to American Home Foods Inc. for the potato granule dehydration process patent.
  • The first royalty income was received in May 1961.


Though much has changed in the past 80 years, K-State Innovation Partners remains committed to helping K-State faculty protect their intellectual property and commercialize their technology. By connecting K-State capabilities and assets to market needs, Innovation Partners boosts economic growth and prosperity.


Read more about the history of Innovation Partners

K-State events and announcements

NSF Major Research Instrumentation Program Internal Competition

The NSF Major Research Instrumentation, or MRI, Program serves to increase access to multi-user scientific and engineering instrumentation for research and research training in our Nation's institutions of higher education and not-for-profit scientific/engineering research organizations. An MRI award supports the acquisition or development of a multi-user research instrument that is, in general, too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs. 


This is a limited submission program with K-State only able to submit three proposals per cycle. If you are interested in submitting to this program, you must first notify the Office of Research Development by 5 p.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at ordlimtedsubs@k-state.edu to be part of the internal limited submission competition. 


Preproposals for that competition are due by 5 p.m., October 21, 2022.

Identifying Graduate Fellowship Opportunities

3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept.28


The Graduate School, the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships and the Office of Research Development are hosting an information session on Identifying Graduate Fellowship Opportunities at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28 via zoom.  


Key funding opportunities will be discussed from NSF, DoD, DoE, Hertz Foundation, and the American Association of University Women. Opportunities in the humanities and social sciences will also be addressed — plus learn to search for fellowships on your own.  


Please register to attend. 


DARPA Forward

DARPA Forward is taking national security innovation on the road. 


From August to December 2022, six regional events held at leading research and development universities nationwide will connect Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency leaders with new communities of talent and partnerships. The ultimate goal: to energize regional and national innovation ecosystems, fuel breakthroughs in national security, and help deliver the U.S. technological advantage. 


Virtual events will be hosted by the Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab. Upcoming events will be held:

  • October 4-5, 25-26.
  • November 15-16.
  • December 13-14. 


For more information or directions, please contact Jeffrey Sheldon jsheldon@k-state.edu.

KibbleCon 2022

October 19-21

Bluemont Hotel in Manhattan, Kansas


KibbleCon is the premier pet food event of the year! There will be panel presentations by industry thought leaders, live Q&A sessions, faculty and graduate student presentations and much more. Learn more about the event on the KibbleCon website.


Attendees can register on the KibbleCon website through Monday, Oct. 17. To register at no cost, K-State faculty and staff should use the code, facultykc22. K-State students should use the code, studentkc22. Space is limited, so don’t delay!


Register to attend.


Note: If COVID-19 protocols necessitate a change to the format of the event, registrants will be notified by email.

Save the date: Kansas City One Health Day

3-6 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 1

K-State Olathe


What are microplastics?


Microplastics are a serious crisis for human, environmental and animal health. Created by the breakdown of plastic in the environment, laundering of synthetic fabrics, and the inclusion of microbeads in cosmetics, these fine particles of plastic (smaller than 5mm) are found in streams, lakes, oceans, soil and even airborne dust.

Once in the environment, microplastics accumulate and persist for long periods of time. Microplastics can become embedded in both human and animal tissue through ingestion or respiration.


KC One Health Day will have experts in microplastics from the region share research and what we know about the impact of microplastics on humans, animals and the environment.


Register to attend.


View agenda. 

External events and announcements

NSF Synthesis Center for Molecular and Cellular Sciences Webinar

Noon- 2 p.m.

Thursday, September 15


Join the Synthesis Center for Molecular and Cellular Sciences, or SCMCS, program for a webinar. There will be a short presentation followed by an open Q&A session with cognizant Program Officers.


The aim of the SCMCS program is to establish a Synthesis Center for Molecular and Cellular Sciences that will create new knowledge through innovative synthesis and integration of available data. The deadline for preliminary proposals is January 13, 2023.


Register to attend.

Information and Intelligent Systems Office Hours

Welcome to the IIS Office Hours: The Proposal Review Process

Noon-1 p.m.

September 15


Ever wonder what happens after you submit your proposal or what happens during a panel? During this office hour, the program directors will briefly present information about the CISE proposal review process, and answer their questions. The IIS Office Hours are for researchers interested in learning about programs and policies in the Division of Information and Intelligent Systems in the Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate at NSF. Office Hours are designed to give current and potential investigators a window into IIS. Attendance at office hours is voluntary and designed to help investigators gain information that can help them strengthen their proposals. Short summaries will be posted after each session. Sessions will be closed-captioned.

 

Register in advance for this webinar.

NSF’s Geomorphology and Land-use Dynamics Program Office Hours – Fall 2022

Noon-1 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 16


The NSF Division of Earth Sciences Geomorphology and Land-use Dynamics Program is hosting office hours with program officers.


Register in advance to receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.


Meta Research PhD Fellowship

The Meta Research PhD Fellowship program is designed to support promising doctoral students who are engaged in innovative research related to computer science and engineering at an accredited university.
 
Applications are open to all full-time PhD students currently involved in ongoing research who are enrolled in an accredited university in any country. We encourage all people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. Applications are evaluated based on the strength of the student’s research statement, publication record, and recommendation letters.

Applications close September 20

Frontiers Mock Study Section
Frontiers Clinical and Translational Science Institute will host Mock Study Sections semiannually to facilitate pre-submission review of National Institutes of Health, or NIH, R and K series grant applications. These sessions are intended to provide an advance review of planned proposal submissions by Frontiers-affiliated clinical and translational science researchers. The purpose of this program is to increase the likelihood of NIH funding success by providing feedback to prospective applicants on grant proposals prior to submission. The mock study sections simulate an actual NIH study section, providing timely feedback to prospective applicants using the NIH's review criteria.  

Researchers who are interested in pre-review of an NIH grant proposal through the mock study section should complete the online Letter of Intent Form by the program cycle deadline. The LOI deadline for the fall 2022 mock study session is Monday, September 26. Frontiers Central will review LOI submissions to confirm eligibility and applicability of the mock study section review process. Accepted applicants will receive a link to submit their completed draft proposal as a single PDF by 5 p.m. on Monday, October 24, 2022. 

Intro to NSF's Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships

1-2 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 27


The NSF’s new Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, TIP, advances use-inspired and translational research in all fields of science and engineering, giving rise to new industries and engaging all Americans — regardless of background or location — in the pursuit of new, high-wage jobs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Join this introductory webinar to learn more about the vision for TIP, programs/funding opportunities, and more.


Register for the Intro to NSF's Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships webinar on Zoom. 

Serve as a Reviewer for the NSF Engines Program

No prior review experience is needed. Learn more about how you can participate in this important process.


The U.S. National Science Foundation's Regional Innovation Engines program is recruiting reviewers to evaluate its first set of NSF Engines proposals. With awards of up to $160M per NSF Engine, the program focuses on driving innovation and regional economic growth in all parts of the U.S. 


Don’t miss this opportunity to get involved on the ground floor with a brand-new federal program model that we expect to serve as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, workforce development, technology translation, and new models for driving innovation for decades to come.


Who We Need


NSF is looking for a diverse group of reviewers representing all backgrounds, technical disciplines, and technology sectors to evaluate program proposals. NSF is searching for seasoned as well as new reviewers who may have less experience with the NSF merit review process but may have deep experience as practitioners in core focus areas — namely use-inspired research, economic and workforce development, regional innovation ecosystem building, and translating ideas from the lab to the market.


Learn more. 

EAR Virtual Town Hall: Implementing a Vision for NSF Earth Sciences

1-2:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 6


NSF’s Division of Earth Sciences, or EAR, invites the Earth science community to a virtual town hall with updates on community and NSF activities, including those that address the National Academies report A Vision for NSF Earth Sciences 2020-2030: Earth in Time, the decadal vision for NSF’s Division of Earth Sciences. Join this Town Hall to hear from EAR leadership and program officers on new programs and opportunities in Earth science research, education, and infrastructure.


The town hall will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Pre-registration is required for this event.


You can submit questions you'd like EAR program officers to address during the town hall by emailing ear-communication@nsf.gov. Please include the subject line “Earth in Time Town Hall Question.” We will also utilize the Q&A feature in the Zoom webinar.


Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations

October 11 deadline


The goals of the Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations, or AccelNet, program are to accelerate the process of scientific discovery and prepare the next generation of U.S. researchers for multiteam international collaborations. The AccelNet program supports strategic linkages among U.S. research networks and complementary networks abroad that will leverage research and educational resources to tackle grand research challenges that require significant coordinated international efforts. The program seeks to foster high-impact science and engineering by providing opportunities to cooperatively identify and coordinate efforts to address knowledge gaps and research needs.


This solicitation invites proposals for the creation of international networks of networks in research areas aligned with a grand challenge identified as a priority by the research community or NSF, such as the NSF Big Ideas or in an active program solicitation. AccelNet awards support the connections among research networks, rather than supporting fundamental research as the primary activity. Each network of networks is expected to engage in innovative collaborative activities that promote synergy of efforts across networks and provide professional development for U.S. students, postdoctoral scholars, and early-career researchers. Two proposal categories covered by this solicitation include design and implementation. 


It is strongly recommended that prospective PIs contact the AccelNet program officer(s) to ascertain that the focus and budget of their proposed activities are appropriate for this solicitation.


Learn more. 

2022 BioNexus KC Annual Event

5:30-9:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 20


THE FUTURE IS OURS 

The BioNexus KC Annual Event will unite 500 leaders for a common purpose – healthcare innovation. Immerse yourself in KC’s rich life sciences ecosystem as we stimulate collaboration and FOCUS FORWARD on the future of KC.


Learn more. 

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K-State research in the news

How Bad Is the Teacher Shortage? What Two New Studies Say EducationWeek


Get ready for a food fight: High grocery costs are here to stay Yahoo! News


Can mosquitoes spread Covid19 infection? Pledge Times


Micro breaks in the office: researchers are still looking for a good place UK Time News


New K-State major looks to ease supply chain crisis KCTV

Agency news and trending topics

National Security Snapshot: Climate Change Risks to National Security

Climate change poses threats to national security, as effects like rising sea levels and catastrophic storms threaten both military and civilian infrastructure and can even affect migration patterns. This report outlines our work and recommendations in this area since 2014. U.S. Government Accountability Office


SARS-CoV-2 antigen Predicting and preventing pandemics is goal of new NSF awards linked to patient outcomes

The potential for future pandemics is an ever-present and growing threat, whether they are due to known diseases like monkeypox or Ebola, or an as-yet-unknown infection. Nearly $26 million in new awards from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) will support interdisciplinary investigations and collaborations that aim to predict and prevent the next infectious disease outbreak, significantly contributing to national security, public health and economic stability. NSF


The fraught quest to account for sex in biology research

Over the past decade or so, a growing list of funders and publishers, including the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the European Union, have been asking researchers to include two sexes in their work with cells and animal models. Nature


Forever chemicals' destroyed by simple method

PFAS, manufactured chemicals commonly used since the 1940s in nonstick and waterproofing agents, are called "forever chemicals" for good reason. Bacteria can't eat them; fire can't incinerate them; and water can't dilute them. And, if these toxic chemicals are buried, they leach into surrounding soil, becoming a problem for generations. PFAS is an abbreviation for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. NSF


COVID-19 and children

There has been substantial research on adult COVID-19 and how to treat it. But how do severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections afflict children? The COVID-19 pandemic has yielded many surprises, not least that children generally develop less severe disease than older adults, which is unusual for a respiratory disease. However, some children can develop serious complications from COVID-19, such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and Long Covid, even after mild or asymptomatic COVID-19. Why this occurs in some and not others is an important question. Science

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