Internal Funding Sources

External Funding Sources

Specific Programs

• AFOSR--Mathematics, Information, and Space Sciences
• ARL--CISD--Computational and Information Sciences
• ARL--SEDD--Sensors and Electron Devices
• ARO--BAA--Mathematical and Computer Sciences Program
• ARO--BAA--Research Instrumentation Grants
• ARO--BAA--Short Term Innovative Research (STIR) Program
• BIO--Biological Databases and Informatics
• CERN--Scientific Associateships
• CISE--Advanced Computational Research
• CISE--Information Technology Workforce
• CISE--Internet Technologies Program
• EHR--ESIE--Informal Science Education Supplements
• EHR--HRD--Facil. Awds. for Scientists/Engineers w. Disabil.
• EHR--HRD Program for Gender Equity in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology (PGE)
• NASA--Ames Research Center--Unsolicited Proposals
• NASA--Jet Propulsion Laboratory--Unsolicited Proposals
• NASA--John C. Stennis Space Center--Unsolicited Proposals
• NASA--John Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field-Unsolicited Proposals
• NASA--Johnson Space Center--Unsolicited Proposals
• NASA--Kennedy Space Center--Unsolicited Proposals
• NASA--Langley Research Center--ICASE Research Fellows
• NASA--Langley Research Center--ICASE Staff Scientist Appointment
• NASA--Langley Research Center--ICASE Summer Visitor Program
• NASA--Langley Research Center--ICASE Visiting Scientist Appointments
• NASA--Langley Research Center--Unsolicited Proposals
• NHGRI--Advanced Development of Genomic Technologies
• NHGRI--NRSA Inst. Training Grants/Genomic Analysis & Interpretation
• NIGMS--MARC Undergrad. Student Trng. in Academic Res. (U-STAR) Prog.
• NIGMS--Predoctoral Trng. in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• NIMH--Curriculum Development Award in Neuroinformatics Research
• NIMH--Short Courses in Neuroinformatics
• ONR--Mathematical, Computer, & Information Sciences Research Program
• ONR--Science and Tech. Res. Program: Cognitive, Neural & Biomolecular
• SBE--INT--NSF-INRIA Collaborative Research
• Spencer Foundation Grants Program
• USC--MOSIS to Support Education

Sponsor:Department of the Air Force
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
Th AFOSR supports research activities in a wide range of fundamental mathematical, information and computer sciences, biology, and behavioral research is supportedto provide the Air Force with novel options to increase performance and operational flexibility.

The AFOSR sponsors several different programs including: Biological Response; Profiling & Assessment; Biomimetics, Biomaterials & Biointerfacial Sciences;
Biophysical Mechanisms; Chronobiology; Collective Behavior; Computational Dynamics; Complex Networks; Distributed Intelligence; Dynamics and Control; Extremophiles; Human Systems Interface; Information Fusion; Information Operations and Security; Software & Systems; Mathematical Modeling of Cognition & Decision; Optimization and Discrete Mathematics; Sensory Systems; and Socio-Cultural Modeling.

Eligibility:
All responsible, potential applicants from academia and industry are eligible to
submit proposals. AFOSR particularly encourages proposals from small
businesses, historically black colleges and universities, minority institutions and
minority researchers. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required.

Sponsor:Department of the Army
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory's (ARL) Computational and Information Sciences Directorate (CISD) provides the Army with information technologies essential to the Soldier. CISD creates, exploits and harvests innovative technologies to provide the Warfighter knowledge superiority. This knowledge superiority is accomplished through basic and applied research in advanced computing, network and communication sciences, information assurance and battlespace environments.

Research areas include: Tactical Communications and Networks; Battlefield Information Processing; Battlefield Weather for C2 and ISR; and Computational Science and Engineering.

Sponsor:Department of the Army
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory’s Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate (SEDD) is the principal Army organization for research and development in sensors and electron devices.  SEDD conducts innovative research to provide the Army with affordable enabling technology in electro-optic sensors, advanced radio frequency (RF) technologies, autonomous sensing, power & energy, and signature management. 

Research areas include:

• Power Components: high power switching devices, components, and subsystems; power electronics; power conditioning and conversion; and power Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)
  
• Electrochemistry: high energy and power primary and secondary batteries; fuel cell components; logistics fuel reforming for fuel cells; and munitions batteries
• Directed Energy: directed energy weapons and effects and related technologies; electromagnetic hardening; and alternative energy sources
  

Sponsor:Department of the Army
Deadline(s):Open

Objectives:
The main goals of this program are to enhance the understanding of discrete phenomena and digital information environments, provide rigorous algorithmic foundations and better modeling tools, as well as advance the underpinnings of the mathematics and enabling technology for distributed interactive simulation for both physically and non-physically based models.

Research are Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science

Sponsor:Department of the Army
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
Research instrumentation is designed to improve the capabilities of U.S. universities to conduct research and educate scientists and engineers in areas important to national defense.

Restrictions:
To be eligible for an instrumentation award, an offeror must have at the time of submission, a current grant or contract with the ARO, and the instrumentation requested must be in support of research presently being carried out.  It is highly recommended that potential offerors contact the appropriate ARO TPOC manager for advice and assistance before preparation of an instrumentation proposal.

Sponsor:Department of the Army
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
The objectives of the STIR program are to provide rapid, short-term investigations to assess the merit of innovative concepts in basic research.   Proposed research may be for the continuation of or the natural outgrowth of experimental or theoretical explorations.

Restrictions:
The objectives of the STIR program are to provide rapid, short-term investigations to assess the merit of innovative concepts in basic research.  Proposed research may be for the continuation of or the natural outgrowth of experimental or theoretical explorations.

Sponsor:National Science Foundation
Deadline(s):Second Monday in July and January, annually

Objectives:
Grants seeks to encourage new approaches to the analysis and dissemination of biological knowledge for the benefit of both the scientific community and the broader public. The ABI program is especially interested in the development of  informatics tools and resources that have the potential to advance, or transform, research in biology supported by the Directorate for Biological Sciences at the National Science Foundation. .

Restrictions:
Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies and similar organizations in the U.S. associated with educational or research activities.Universities and Colleges: Universities and two- and four-year colleges (including community colleges) located and accredited in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Such organizations also are referred to as academic institutions.

CERN--Scientific Associateships

Sponsor:CERN
Deadline(s):Second Monday in July, second Monday in January, annually

Objectives:
The sponsor offers the use of its research facilities to scientific associates to participate in its programs covering experimental and theoretical particle physics, as well as various related activities in applied physics electronics, computing, and engineering.

The award is open to established scientists, both of member and non-member states. The member states are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. No award can be made less than five years after the end date of an earlier CERN paid Associateship or Fellowship. A limited amount of money is available to assist applicants who cannot obtain sufficient funding from other sources, although they are expected to continue to receive their normal salary or a sizeable fraction of it from the home institution. The duration of support is normally one year. Further information is available at the above address.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
The National Science Foundation encourages scientists and
engineers with disabilities to participate fully in all of its programs. The goals of this program are to reduce or remove barriers to participation in research and training by physically disabled individuals by providing special equipment and assistance and encourage disabled individuals to pursue careers in science and engineering by
stimulating the development and demonstration of special equipment that facilitates his or her work performance.

Eligibility:
This program supports all projects supported by NSF in science and engineering research or education, including: Biological Sciences; Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Education and Human Resources; Engineering; Geosciences; Mathematical and Physical Sciences; Office of Polar Programs; and Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences.

Sponsor:National Science Foundation
Deadline(s): February 25, 2008 and April 7, 2008

Objectives:
The program seeks to broaden the participation of girls and women in all fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education by supporting research, the diffusion of research-based innovations, and extension services in education that will lead to a larger and more diverse domestic science and engineering workforce.

Restrictions:
The program does not currently fund intervention or education projects that directly serve students as their primary purpose. Research projects may involve students as subjects only if the intervention is an integral part of gathering data and if the findings from the intervention would substantially answer the research questions posed within the context of theory and hypotheses.

Sponsor:National Aeronautics & Space Administration
Deadline(s): Open

Objections:
The sponsor provides support for the submission of unique and innovative unsolicited proposals which will further the Agency's mission. In general, the unsolicited approach is most appropriate for research of a fundamental nature which has potential for advancing the state of the art in a particular area, contributes to knowledge of a specific phenomenon, or provides fundamental advances in engineering or the sciences. The following potential areas of research provide insight into specific current and anticipated research goals of various NASA offices: Nasa Headquarters; Ames Reserach Center; Dryden Flight Research Center; John Glenn Research Center; Goddard Space Flight Reserach Center; Johnson Space Center; Kennedy Space Center; Langley Research Center; Marshall Space Flight Center; and Stennis Space Center.

Restrictions:
There are no specific dates for the submission of unsolicited proposals. However, funding availability is greater during the start of the Government's fiscal year cycle beginning October 1 of each year. All proposals should be submitted at least six months in advance of the desired starting date. Eligible applicants are educational, nonprofit, industry and for-profit private sector institutions.

Sponsor:National Aeronautics & Space Administration
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
The sponsor provides support for the submission of unique and innovative unsolicited proposals which will further the Agency's mission. In general, the unsolicited approach is most appropriate for research of a fundamental nature which has potential for advancing the state of the art in a particular area, contributes to knowledge of a specific phenomenon, or provides fundamental advances in engineering or the sciences.

At the Langley Research Center, unsolicited research proposals will be accepted in the following areas:

• Advanced Aircraft Systems
• Advanced Computational Capability
• Advanced Propulsion Capability
• Advanced Sensor Systems
• Aerocoustics
• Aerobraking
• Aerodynamics and Aerothermodynamic Experiments
• Analysis and Interpretation of Constituent and Temperature Data for the Middle Atmosphere
• Climate Research Program
• Computer Science
• Configuration Definition for the Evolution of Space Station
• Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE)
• Electromagnetics, Antennas, and Microwave Systems
• Electronic and Information Systems
• Entry Fluid Physics
• Facilities Engineering
• First Lunar Outpost
• Fluid Physics
• General Aviation
• Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE)
• High Speed Aircraft Human Factors
• InSpace Technology Experiments
• Lunar Rover Robotics Missions
• Materials Characterization Technology
• Measurement Science and Instrument Technology; Measurements of Air Pollution from Satellites (MAPS)
• Propulsion Space Controls and Guidance
• Space Exploration Initiative
• Space Systems Technology
• Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE)
• Structures (Aero)
• Structures (Space)
• Subsystem Growth Requirements for Space Station
• Systems Engineering
• Transport Aircraft
• Transportation Systems
• Tropospheric Chemistry Research Program
• Upper Atmospheric Research Program.

Restrictions:
There are no specific dates for the submission of unsolicited proposals. However, funding availability is greater during the start of the Government's fiscal year cycle beginning October 1 of each year. All proposals should be submitted at least six months in advance of the desired starting date. Eligible applicants are educational, nonprofit, industry and for-profit private sector institutions. Foreign organizations are also eligible. Collaborative applications are also acceptable; however the proposal should be submitted by only one of the organizations.Proposals must state the funding level being requested accompanied by a cost plan with sufficient detail to permit an understanding of the basis of the funding request.

As applicable, include separate cost estimates for the following:

• salaries, wages, and fringe benefits for each participant
• equipment
• expendable materials and supplies
• services
• domestic and foreign travel
• ADP expenses
• publication or page charges
• consultants
• subcontracts with budget breakdowns
• other miscellaneous identifiable direct costs
• indirect costs

By statute, cost sharing is usually required on contracts for basic or applied research projects resulting from unsolicited proposals. However, colleges and universities need not propose cost sharing.

The sponsor advises that contact between the proposer and NASA technical personnel is encouraged before an extensive effort is expended in preparing a detailed proposal. Organizations or individuals desiring more specific information relative to unsolicited proposals should contact the procurement office of the NASA Field Installation (listed above) or NASA Headquarters, Contract Management Division, Code HK, Washington, DC 20546-0001, phone 202-358-2090.

Sponsor:National Human Genome Research Institute
Deadline(s): April 15, annually for most programs

Objectives:

The Genome Technology program supports research to develop new methods, technologies and instruments that enable rapid, low-cost determination of DNA sequence, SNP genotyping (Genetic Variation Program) and functional genomics (broadly defined) experiments (Functional Analysis Program). Priorities include the refinement of current technologies to increase efficiency and decrease cost while maintaining or improving data quality, and the development of completely novel approaches to achieve orders-of-magnitude improvement. Integration of process steps is key to achieving these goals.

The program also supports and coordinates transfer of technology from developers to users, and promotes collaborative, multidisciplinary programs that closely integrate research projects at academic and industrial laboratories.

Eligibility:
Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States may be appointed as trainees on NRSA-funded training grants. The sponsor encourages applications from institutions that can demonstrate academic excellence in molecular biology and one or more of the non-biological scientific disciplines appropriate for genomic analysis and interpretation, have outstanding faculties that are committed and willing to cooperate in developing a genomic sciences training program, have access to a pool of highly qualified graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and have sound training plans, but have not as yet established (or are just developing) training programs in genomic science. Applications from institutions that wish to apply as a consortium are welcomed, but must demonstrate that they can mount a well-coordinated and integrated program.

Sponsor:National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Deadline(s): May 25, annually

Objectives:
The sponsor's Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program Branch of the Division of Minority Opportunity in Research (MORE) provides research training opportunities for students and faculty from minority groups who are underrepresented in biomedical research. For the purposes of this announcement, biomedical research includes such areas as cell biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics, etc., and behavioral research as well as the more quantitative areas such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer sciences.

The objectives of the MARC U-STAR Program are: to increase the number of competitively trained underrepresented minority students enrolled in programs that lead to the research doctorate; to strengthen the faculty, science course curriculum and research training programs in biomedical sciences at minority serving institutions; and to aid in the development of research training infrastructure at minority serving institutions.

Restrictions:
Eligible applicants are domestic, non-profit, private or public institutions which offer the baccalaureate degree and in which undergraduate student enrollments are drawn substantially from ethnic minority groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, including mathematics. Eligible candidates are qualified undergraduate honors students majoring in the sciences with an expressed interest in a career in biomedical research and intentions to pursue graduate education leading to a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D. or other combined professional degree/Ph.D. Although freshmen/sophomore traineeships are not provided, institutional programs may be designed to include pre-MARC student development activities to increase student retention and academic preparedness of students in the freshman/sophomore years, and/or identify and prepare students for the MARC U-STAR program.

Awards under this PA will use the Institutional National Research Service Awards (NRSA) T34 mechanism. The maximum initial grant period is five years, with opportunity for competitive renewal at the end of that period. The period of appointment to the MARC U-STAR program is two years at the junior/senior level. U-STAR programs should be designed for student participation for up to twenty-four months. Appointments of less than nine months are discouraged and require prior approval from the MARC Branch. The requested budget may include costs for stipends, tuition, and fees for trainees and limited travel for trainees and faculty, and salary support for faculty involved in MARC training activities. Funds for trainee-related costs such as course supplies and equipment essential for research training or faculty costs for enhancing their professional credentials may be requested with strong justification.

The following annual stipend levels apply to all individuals receiving support through the Minority Access to Research Career (MARC) program. For undergraduates in MARC programs, the stipend for Juniors/Seniors is $9,732. An institution is permitted to provide funds to a MARC trainee in addition to the stipend paid by the NIH. Supplementation, when provided, must not obligate the fellow in any way. Additionally, no federal funds may be used for supplementation. Under no circumstances may the conditions of stipend supplementation for services interfere with, detract from, or prolong the fellow's approved NRSA training program. A fellow may make use of Federal educational loan funds and assistance under the Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act (G.I. Bill). Such funds are not considered supplementation or compensation.

A MARC traineeship may not be held concurrently with another Federally sponsored traineeship or a similar training award that provides a stipend or otherwise duplicates provisions of the NRSA. However, an individual may accept concurrent educational benefits from the Department of Veteran's Affairs (e.g., G.I. Bill) and Federal loans. Trainee/faculty travel including attendance at scientific meetings that the institution determines is necessary to the individual's research training is an allowable expense. Faculty travel is also allowable, however, a strong justification must be provided in the application. In addition, support for trainee travel to a summer research training experience away from the applicant institution is permitted. Training Related Expenses for predoctoral trainees will be increased from $1,500 to $2,000 per trainee. However, requests for these expenses must be strongly justified.

MARC faculty related costs for workshops or to take courses to enhance their professional credentials may be requested. Administration costs related to a Program Director's percent time and effort, and costs for a secretary or a program assistant may be requested. Costs related to an institution's evaluation of its MARC program also may be requested. A facilities and administration allowance (indirect cost allowance) based on eight percent of total allowable direct costs. The total allowable direct costs excludes tuition and equipment. On NRSA awards, self-only health insurance has been an allowable cost when health insurance was required for all persons in a similar training status regardless of the source of support; the NIH will now begin to allow costs associated with family health insurance.

Beginning with NRSA awards made from FY 2000 funds, family health insurance will be an allowable cost for trainees and fellows who have families and are eligible for family health insurance coverage at the awardee or sponsoring institution. Self-only health insurance will continue to be an allowable cost for trainees and fellows without families. Beginning with new and competing awards in FY 2000, institutions may include the cost of family health insurance for predoctoral and trainees and fellows who are eligible for this coverage in the calculation of the combined cost of tuition, fees, and health insurance. For all competing and non-competing awards made in FY 2000, the NIH will award one hundred percent of the combined costs of tuition, fees, and health insurance up to $3,000 and sixty percent of the combined costs above $3,000.

Sponsor:National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Deadline(s): check website for current deadlines

Objectives:
The sponsor provides support for predoctoral training in the area of bioinformatics and computational biology. The aim of this new training grant program is to train a cadre of scientists whose primary identification and disciplinary affiliation is in these areas. For the purpose of this announcement, bioinformatics and computational biology are defined broadly to include the use of theory, computer implementation and application to the full spectrum of basic research in the biomedical sciences. The terms thus include analysis of molecular sequence and structure, molecular function, cellular function, physiology, genomics, and genetics, as well as computational modeling of complex phenomena such as neural circuits and equilibrium phenomena, population biology, theoretical and mathematical biology, and the analysis of complex systems.

The goal of this new program is to train Ph.D. students in the background theory, computational implementation and biological application of information sciences (including computer science, statistics, mathematics and others), and to use this training to study problems relevant to biomedical research. Of particular interest, in light of emerging sources of biological data, are multi-scale (different levels of abstraction) and large-scale (data intensive) problems in biology. The aim is to train a new class of scientist with a primary identity as a computational biologist/bioinformaticist, and whose disciplinary core draws from an emerging set of principles of how to compute, analyze and apply biological data.

Although not a formal sponsor of this program announcement, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is interested in fostering the training of a new generation of neuroscientists who will bring tools and techniques from other disciplines to apply to research questions which bear direct relevance to mental health and mental illness. Specifically, the NIMH seeks to support Institutional as well as Individual Predoctoral and Postdoctoral training opportunities in computational neuroscience and neuroinformatics. In addition, the National Human Genome Research Institute may provide funding for portions of training grants in bioinformatics aligned with its mission.

Eligibility:
Applications may be submitted by domestic public and private institutions with established programs leading to the Ph.D. degree. A successful training program in bioinformatics and computational biology will involve faculty members from a spectrum of departments, from biologically oriented departments such as departments of biology, biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, etc., to computationally oriented departments such as departments of computer science, engineering, statistics, mathematics, etc.

Sponsor:National Institute of Mental Health
Deadline(s):closed

Objectives:
The sponsor, in conjunction with the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the National Library of Medicine, the Fogarty International Center, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute provides support for the development of courses and curricula designed to train interdisciplinary neuroinformatics scientists at U.S. educational institutions.

It is anticipated that these courses or curricula would be useful to students and scientists who wish: to develop new conceptual approaches to basic and/or clinical neuroscientific research and analysis; or to acquire, store, retrieve, organize, manage, analyze, visualize, manipulate, integrate, synthesize, disseminate, and share data about the brain and behavior. Development of courses at the graduate and undergraduate level is encouraged. As part of this program, awardees will be expected to develop and implement the courses or curricula in their institution. It is expected that such courses and curricula will be models that could be transferable to other institutions in whole or in part.

The principal investigator is expected to develop a series of courses or a curricula at the graduate and undergraduate level that applies principles and conceptual approaches in neuroinformatics (including computer sciences, mathematics, physics, engineering, and other closely related sciences) to the application of neuroscience research. The product, whether course(s) or curricula, must be dynamic and must embody principles of curricula development.

Restrictions:
Although not required, and not binding, potential applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of intent. Letter of intent receipt dates are April 1, 2002 and October 1, 2002. The corresponding application receipt dates are July 11, 2002 and January 11, 2003.

Principal investigators must be U.S. citizens or noncitizen nationals, or must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible. Principal Investigators on other federal grants are eligible provided they do not exceed the time or salary caps. The principal investigator must be engaged in neuroscience research or research in one of the following areas: computer science; mathematics; physics; engineering or a related informatics field. Collaborator(s) must be identified who will contribute to the interdisciplinary nature of the courses or curricula. The principal investigator must be willing to spend at least twenty percent of full-time professional effort on course(s) and curricula development during the period of the award. The principal investigator must also identify appropriate researcher(s) who will agree to collaborate on the development of course(s) and curricula.

Applications may be submitted on behalf of eligible individual principal investigators, by domestic, non-federal educational institutions, or public or private institutions of higher education. Only a single application may be submitted per Institution. Each campus from a multi-campus Institution may submit its own application. The educational institution must have strong training program(s) in the field of neuroscience for which the course(s) or curricula are being developed; must be able to demonstrate a commitment to research in areas of interest to the Human Brain Project/Neuroinformatics program; and, must be committed to the further development and implementation of courses and/or curricula in the proposed area following the award.

Awards in response to this program announcement will use the Curriculum Development Award (K07- see SPIN program #08502) mechanism, using the Leadership provision of this award to support the curriculum development. The project period is for three to five years. Competing renewals will not be considered. Support of the development and implementation of new courses that are an integral part of the overall curriculum design will be considered. This award will provide salary and fringe benefits for the awardees. The total salary requested must be based on a full-time, twelve-month staff appointment. The salary will always be pro-rated for the percentage of time/effort of a full time position, based on the institutional salary scales, keeping the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) salary cap as a maximum for which the amount is determined. The institution may supplement this award contribution up to a level that is consistent with the institution's salary scale; however, supplementation may not be from federal funds unless specifically authorized by the federal program from which such funds are derived.

In no case, may DHHS funds be used for salary supplementation. Institutional supplementation of salary must not require extra duties or responsibilities that would interfere with the purpose of the Curriculum Development Award. A maximum of $25,000 per year may be requested for ancillary needs, such as collaborators, consultants, equipment, computer time, etc. All requests for ancillary support must be justified. In no case will the allowance provided exceed $25,000. Salaries for secretarial, technical or administrative assistance, etc. is not allowed. Funds to support travel to an annual meeting should be included in the budget. Facilities and Administrative costs will be reimbursed at eight percent of modified total direct costs, or at the actual indirect cost rate, whichever is less. Applications are to be submitted on the standard grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 4/98).

Application kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Division of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone: (301) 435-0714, email: grantsinfo@nih.gov. The PHS 398 application kit is also available on the Internet at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/funding.htm.

General programmatic inquiries regarding the Human Brain Project/Neuroinformatics program may be directed to the above contact, chair of the coordinating committee. Questions regarding scientific issues, management issues, issues on cores related to participating Institutes and Centers (ICs), and fiscal matters should be directed to the programmatic and fiscal contacts for each participating IC. A current list of the contacts for the participating ICs may be found at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/neuroinformatics/agencycontacts.htm.

Sponsor:National Institute of Mental Health
Deadline(s): closed

Objectives:
The sponsor, in conjunction with the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the National Library of Medicine, the Fogarty International Center, the Department of Energy, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the National Institute on Dental and Craniofacial Research provides support for short-term education grants in neuroinformatics research.

The coordination takes place under the activities of the Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee for the Human Brain Project (FICC-HBP). Support is provided for the development of short courses, seminars, and workshops on interdisciplinary neuroinformatics education ("short courses"). This short-term training will be provided to scientists seeking to combine knowledge about the various subdisciplines of neuroscience and behavioral science research with expertise in informatics research. It is anticipated that these short courses will allow the participants: to acquire new conceptual approaches to basic neuroscience research and analyses; and to learn to develop unique strategies for acquiring, storing, retrieving, organizing, managing, analyzing, visualizing, manipulating, integrating, synthesizing, disseminating, and sharing data about the brain and behavior.

A variety of short-term training techniques and approaches will be considered. The nature of the activity, the needs of the target community, and the course goals should determine the instructional approach. These might include new approaches such as Web-based online instruction, or more traditional approaches such as summer workshops or on-site instruction.

The proposed education program should offer opportunities for short-term interdisciplinary cross-training in various disciplines of neuroinformatics that combine theoretical and technological research approaches derived from the fields of neuroscience related to medicine, biology and behavior (including cellular and molecular neurobiology, genetics, developmental biology, neurodevelopment, neuropharmacology, neurochemistry, physiology, biophysics, biochemistry, and the cognitive, behavioral, developmental and psychobiological sciences); and informatics research (computer sciences, mathematics, physics, engineering, and other closely related sciences).

Research projects and technological advancement related activities of special interest to the Human Brain Project would include improved developments within the following areas:

• computational biology
• two- and three-dimensional, cross-reference macroscopic and microscopic brain atlases and hierarchical systems of various species at different stages of development (i.e., for co-registering molecular, cellular, subcellular, and genetics data, and their complex spatiotemporal structural organization and functional interrelationships)
• computational and technical innovations important for pediatric imaging (such as for improving speed of scan acquisition, speed of image reconstruction, tools for minimizing motion artifacts, and tools for rapid on-line analysis)
• novel acquisition tools, hardware, software, and computational algorithms and informatics databases (i.e., to enhance the collection, analysis, integration, interpretation, simulation modeling, and dissemination of data derived from newly evolving imaging and other data visualization technologies within these different disciplines)
• the further creation of interoperable neuroscience information management systems, federations of databases and supercomputer data warehouses, specialized and cross-platform software database search engines, and data query mining systems to stimulate continued advances within and across these various neuroscience and behavioral science disciplines.

The Human Brain Project also is openly interested in promoting short-term research training plans that utilize and promote the broadest developments in neuroinformatics technologies and/or experimental strategies to help address the plethora of complex multidisciplinary data relationships derived from the many neuroscience and behavioral science research levels of analysis. For a more detailed description on the research objectives of the FICC HBP sponsored Human Brain Project/Neuroinformatics Initiative, see SPIN program # 06544.

This program announcement may support a variety of educational activities, including short courses, workshops, or seminars on interdisciplinary neuroinformatics training. In all cases, support only will be provided for those educational activities that directly seek to allow scientists to combine their knowledge about the subdisciplines of neuroscience research with expertise in informatics. Thus, participants with backgrounds in neuroscience research should be presented with the newest information about various available theoretical principles and state-of-the-art technologies and methodological strategies in informatics applicable to the investigation of different research problems in neuroscience that they generally work on.

Conversely, participants with backgrounds in informatics research need to be taught about how to apply the various approaches that they generally employ towards specific pressing experimental problems in neuroscience. Participants with backgrounds in both fields should be provided with advanced strategies in technological development in informatics applicable to difficult research questions in neuroscience.

Examples of educational programs that would be desirable include, but are not limited to, the following: structured short-term research experiences for promising high school, undergraduate, or predoctoral students and/or postdoctoral fellows interested in research involving any of the areas covered within the mission of the Human Brain Project, such as basic and clinical neuroscience and behavioral science studies; summer courses or workshops designed to facilitate careers in neuroinformatics research for scientists at all levels; structured summer research experiences, workshops, or seminars for undergraduate or high school students interested in pursuing research careers in neuroinformatics; and web-based online instruction in any of these same areas.

Restrictions:
Although not required, and not binding, potential applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of intent. Letter of intent receipt dates are April 1, 2002 and October 1, 2002. The corresponding application receipt dates are July 11, 2002 and January 11, 2003. Any not-for-profit or for-profit organization engaged in health-related education or research and located in the United States, its possessions, or territories may apply for a Mental Health Education Grant.

For a short-term training symposium, seminar, or workshop intended as a component of a scientific meeting, a U.S. institution or organization, including an established scientific or professional society, is eligible to apply. Support may be provided for this training vehicle to be held at either domestic or international meetings; however, if planned as part of an international meeting, such support only can be made through a United States representative organization of an established international scientific or professional society. The R25 mechanism requires the applicant to be located in the United States.

The mechanism of support for this program announcement is the education project grant (R25). Funds requested under this mechanism are limited to $150,000 per year in direct costs. Requests for lower direct costs, as well as matching funds from the applicant institution or other organizations, are strongly encouraged. Facilities and administrative costs are allowed on eight percent total direct costs exclusive of tuition and fees and expenditures for equipment. Faculty members participating in the design and implementation of the education program may request salary and fringe benefits appropriate for the percent of time devoted to the program. Administrative and clerical salary costs associated with the program may be direct charges to the grant only when specifically identified and justified as reflecting significantly greater effort than the level of such services routinely provided by academic departments.

Requests for consultant costs, equipment, supplies, necessary travel (including foreign travel for uniquely qualified foreign faculty), and other project related expenses must be justified as specifically required by the program proposed and not duplicate items generally available at the institution for educational programs. Funds to support travel an annual meeting should be included in the budget. The award may be made for one to five years; the length of the grant period should be consistent with the objectives of the program (e.g. one course for two or three years, a series of courses over five years).

In some cases, these awards will be made to develop new educational approaches for which the institution will subsequently assume support. In other cases, the awards will strengthen ongoing activities that the relevant sponsoring organizations will support over periods of one to five years. However, in all cases, available funding support will be limited to only one grant application for any given applicant institution or organization. Applications for one or two years of support are strongly encouraged and will receive high priority, but proposals for three to five years may also be submitted for consideration. The Institutional commitment to this educational program will also be considered. This grant is renewable.

Applications are to be submitted on the standard grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 4/98). Application kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Division of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone (301)435-0714, Email: grantsinfo@nih.gov. The PHS 398 application kit is also available on the Internet at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/funding.htm.

For further specific requirements and application instructions under this program announcement (including supplemental instructions and required supportive documentation), refer to the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts: see Vol. 26, No. 27, August 15, 1997 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-030.html). General programmatic inquiries regarding the Human Brain Project/Neuroinformatics program may be directed to the contact above, the chair of the coordinating committee. Questions regarding scientific issues, management issues, issues on cores related to participating Institutes and Centers (ICs), and fiscal matters should be directed to the programmatic and fiscal contacts for each participating IC. A current list of the contacts for the participating ICs may be found at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/neuroinformatics/agencycontacts.htm.

Sponsor:Office of Naval Research
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
The sponsor supports basic and applied research in the mathematical, computer, and information sciences of importance to naval operations. General areas of interest are:

COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS--develops and exploits methods in modern and classical mathematical analysis with emphasis on mathematical and computational models of physical phenomena. Naval interest in waves, flows, materials, structures, and information processing motivates research in the areas of multi-phase, multi-physics, multi-material problems; fluid transport and mixing; predictability of models for nonlinear dynamics; motion and still image analysis, processing, and enhancement; and inverse problems arising from acoustic and electromagnetic wave propagation and scattering.

AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS--Projects in robotics pursue the understanding of how to design, build, and utilize mobile, intelligent agents. Research is conducted in novel actuator design using muscle-like materials, tactile information processing, motion planning algorithms, artificial vision, and behavior of teams of agents

COMMAND AND CONTROL--Program focuses on developing new approaches to support tactical decisionmakers. This is performed by producing distributed situation assessment of a commanders environment through development of a common tactical picture; developing collaborative, distributed mission plans; monitoring and dynamically replanning mission execution as required; understanding their environment by being able to access distributed data bases intelligently through use of software agents; effectively using sensor information and making resource allocation decisions. Specific research involves realtime computing, decision aids, and collaborative workspace; virtual reality displays and secure distributed architecture; and information warfare techniques to protect secure information.

INTELLIGENT SYSTEM--The major thrusts in the IS program are: Intelligent Agents: This thrust addresses the development of intelligent assistants to help human planners and decision makers operate effectively, especially in high stress situations in which large amounts of information must be integrated. Planning and Reasoning: The goals of the Planning and Reasoning thrust are to develop technology to make computers more effective in decision-making and to enable machines to become more autonomous. The thrust supports work that tries to understand the planning and reasoning processes and the necessary structures needed for intelligent decision support. Machine Learning: The goal of machine learning is to develop methods by which computers and computer-controlled devices can automatically improve their performance on existing tasks by experience, and can learn new tasks. Expert performance requires domain-specific knowledge, which is also best acquired by learning. Natural Language and Speech: The goal of the Speech and Natural Language thrust is to enable the development of computer systems that can recognize and understand spoken input, transcribed discourse, and free text. A small effort is aimed at Machine Translation. Machine Vision: The goal of machine vision is to enable computers and intelligent sensors to interpret what they see. Research is conducted in basic methods for machine vision, in vision systems for particular domains, in real-time vision systems for navigation, gesture recognition, or robotics, in vision systems that learn to recognize objects, and in content-based information retrieval.

OPERATIONS RESEARCH--Initiatives in this program area focus on mathematical optimization and its application. The program supports research in linear, nonlinear, integer, combinatorial, stochastic, and simulation-based optimization. Theoretical development, algorithm design and analysis, computational techniques, and software prototypes for solving large-scale problems are of interest. The modeling of and the development of solution techniques for Navy-relevant problems in resource allocation, mission planning, command and control, and logistics are of particular interest.

PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS--is concerned with basic research in probability (a mathematical framework to represent the likelihood of phenomena with uncertain outcomes) and statistics (the process of collecting data and extracting and visualizing the information contained in the data). Currently, there are three specific focus areas in this program: Command and Control, Image Processing for ATR, and Minefield Detection.

SOFTWARE AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS--The software program is developing the foundations for the verifiably correct design and construction of complex software systems. Research is supported in linear logic and related proof systems, software testing, formal algorithm derivation, and formal proof of correctness, among other areas.

SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING-- The main objectives of this program are to develop underlying mathematical framework, algorithms and tools for intelligent and efficient way of extracting, representing, retrieving and understanding information from these disparate sources based on the context.

TARGET TRACKING AND SENSOR FUSION--Target tracking, sensor/data fusion, sensor resource management, and multi-sensor integration.

Restrictions:
Eligible applicants are U.S. and foreign researchers, for-profit institutions, nonprofit institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is the conduct of scientific research. Both direct and indirect costs are allowed. Preliminary correspondence with the sponsor is encouraged to establish areas of mutual interest. Applicants should consult the sponsor's website for more detailed information.

Sponsor:Office of Naval Research
Deadline(s): Archived

Objectives:
The sponsor supports basic and applied cognitive, neural and biomolecular science research of importance to naval operations. General areas of interest are:

NEURAL COMPUTATION--fosters research to elucidate the organization, structural bases, and operational algorithms characterizing information-processing networks within neural systems. The goal is to uncover neural architectures and algorithms that can profitably be emulated technologically to yield artificial information-processing capabilities of kinds now unique to biological systems.

LEGGED LOCOMOTION--seeks to develop neural models that reproduce the experimentally derived characteristics of the neuronal circuitry underlying legged locomotion and new controller architectures for autonomous legged robots which exhibit stable locomotion, and which respond adaptively to unknown terrain and obstacles.

HYBRID NEURAL SYSTEMS--seek to develop hybrid architectures that integrate physical models and neural networks into adaptive systems that allow prediction in complex physical systems, and also permit physical interpretation of the predictions.

GENE REGULATION NETWORKS--seek to identify and exploit the design principles and motifs that are responsible for the dynamic signal and information processing capabilities of intracellular biological regulatory networks that involve gene activation.

ADAPTIVE NEURAL SYSTEMS--seek to uncover the range of neural mechanisms that contribute to learning, memory, and adaptive performance.

NEUROMORPHIC SYSTEMS--seek to develop an understanding of the computational principles emerging from the spatio-temporal dynamics of locally connected neurons and electronic devices. The ultimate goal is a new discipline (Synthetic Neuroscience) which uses electronics technology to assist in a quantitative understanding of the brain.

BIOMIMETIC ROBOTICS--seek to discover principles of control and biomechanics that underlie the agility, dexterity, and intelligence of biological systems, and to formalize these principles and apply them to the design robots that can function in complex, unstructured environments.

IMAGE ANALYSIS--preproposals are invited which address one or more of the following issues: computational understanding of the mechanistic basis of effective image interpretation in biological vision; formal, biologically inspired algorithms to provide seeing machines with functionalities approximating those of biological systems; mechanistic understanding of effective signal classification and source segmentation in audition; and computational principles and operational algorithms formally characterizing acoustic signal classification performance in biological systems.

BIOSONAR--preproposals are invited which address one or more of the following issues: determination of the information-bearing parameters underlying biosonar capabilities in target detection, classification and identification; refinement, formalization, verification and/or hardware implementation of effective models of target imaging in biosonar systems; solutions to the difficult problem of aspect sensitivity in target classification and identification; and understanding and technological exploitation of biosonar signal production systems.

COGNITIVE SCIENCE BASE PROGRAM--seeks to provide formal computational theories of the fundamental information processing characteristics of the human performer and learner of complex cognitive skills, of the nature of acquired skill and knowledge, of the process of learning such skill and knowledge, and of instructional strategies to foster such learning.

HYBRID ARCHITECTURES FOR COMPLEX LEARNING--explores the potential of hybrid architectures for learning that combine the virtues of both neural net and symbolic AI models of learning. The aim is to understand human learning processes so that they can be provided the precise information and experience needed to learn the right things as efficiently as possible.

ICAI RESEARCH--seeks to address remaining basic research issues in artificially intelligent computer-assisted instruction. A major objective is to develop the capability for true natural language interaction in artificially intelligent tutors.

APPLIED INSTRUCTIONAL RESEARCH--emphasizes the transition of ICAI technology into practical Naval training applications by supporting exemplary applications that can be expected to lead the way to wider application of the technology.

AUTOMATED AUTHORING--seeks to advance ICAI technology towards practical Naval applications, primarily by developing software technology to support authors in the cost-efficient production of artificially intelligent training systems.

VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGIES--integrates high-risk basic research and applied research. The sponsor invests in fundamental research in areas that include: haptics, cross-sensory display substitution, depth perception, and modeling of individual differences in spatial cognition at the individual and team level.

SC21/ONR MANNING AFFORDABILITY--seeks to demonstrate at least fifty percent reduction in crew size needed for combat systems decision-making in air defense warfare through the use of human centered engineering and scenario-based testing and provide the processes, tools, interaction guidelines, and procedures to optimize a combat systems environment for the warfighter at reduced manning levels.

Restrictions:
Eligible applicants are U.S. and foreign researchers, for-profit and non-profit institutions, university professors, colleges and universities, business organizations, government laboratories, and educational institutions. Funding amounts vary from project to project. Both direct and indirect costs are allowed. Applicants should consult the sponsor's website for more detailed information.

Sponsor:National Science Foundation
Deadline(s): Archived

Objectives:
The sponsor, in collaboration with the French National Institute for Research in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics (INRIA), supports international research efforts involving U.S. and French investigators in computer science, engineering and mathematics. The collaboration focuses on critical research at the interface of these fields, where U.S. and French strengths are complementary and likely to produce a synergistic effect. On the French side, the research resources will be concentrated at INRIA with centers in Nancy-Metz, Grenoble, Rennes, Rocquencourt (near Paris), and Sophia Antipolis (near Nice), and a research group in Toulouse. INRIA will also serve as a focal point for other French institutes and universities who wish to participate in this program.

The purpose of the program is to advance scientific and engineering knowledge through the joint research effort of U.S. and French investigators. INRIA has a concentration of expertise in computer research, automation, mathematics and scientific computing and provides an excellent combination of fundamental research with industrial collaboration in these areas. Collaborative research should involve coordination of research; joint projects and publications; short and long-term visits; joint workshops; and communication and exchange of data, software and messages through a high speed electronic network.

The focus of this collaboration is designed to maximize potential benefits of complementary U.S. and French strengths in the areas of software, networking, computational and applied mathematics, and systems control. Topics to be emphasized include:

• performance evaluation of supercomputers and other computing systems, by both mathematical and experimental research
• networking, development of communication networks and protocols, and analysis and modeling of data network performance
• real time systems
• semantic-based program manipulation, proved software systems, and program extractions from proofs
• applied mathematics, parallel algorithms, control theory, mathematical programming, algebraic and symbolic computation, and computational geometry
• numerical analysis, scientific computing, computational mechanics, fluid flow and turbulence, and control of nonlinear and distributed parameter systems
• development of knowledge-based systems involving the interface between numerical and symbolic computation and computer graphics, including computer aided design
• database systems and intelligent information systems, natural language and speech understanding, machine translation and machine intelligence
• signal processing
• robotics, image processing and computer vision
• manufacturing systems, automation and control; for example, design methodology based on multi-user queuing network theory and discrete events systems.

Restrictions:
There is no deadline. However, it is suggested that they be submitted around one of two target dates, either April 1 or October 1. This is for review and funding purposes. Eligible applicants are U.S. or French scientists, engineers and mathematicians in related areas from universities or other nonprofit research institutions. In general, NSF awards will be intended to cover costs of U.S. investigators only, with some exceptions. The principal investigator on the proposal to NSF should be located at a U.S. institution. Proposals from scientists and engineers at early stages in their careers are encouraged.

U.S. and French investigators may request support from their respective funding organizations (NSF and INRIA) for the following costs: international airfare of principal investigators, advanced graduate, and/or post-doctoral researchers, including participation in workshops and their organizational costs; living allowance (per diem) for lodging, meals and miscellaneous expenses; and limited amounts for computer equipment to facilitate access to electronic networks, limited expenses for materials, supplies, and publication page costs. Costs incurred by the French investigators will be covered by INRIA or other French institutions. Exception from this rule will include per diem paid to short-term visitors.

It is expected that investigators will have other support to cover their own core research efforts. This program supports only the additional cost of the international collaboration. It is not intended to fund salaries of investigators. Indirect costs are allowable, consistent with the sponsor's policy. Awards are likely to fall in the range from $10,000 to $50,000 per year, but smaller and larger grants may be awarded if appropriate. The sponsor requires evidence of INRIA's scientific endorsement, including a commitment of financial support by INRIA or other French institution, at the time of the award decision.

This program considers proposals for one, two, or three year projects. Awards are intended for small teams that will include several U.S. and French investigators with common research objectives. Both U.S. and French investigators may be located at one academic institution, or they may form a network of scientists at several institutions who interact frequently among themselves and with their foreign partners. Requests for advanced graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to travel abroad may be included. Proposals must be prepared and submitted in accordance to the Grant Proposal Guide (NSF 99-2), available from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, 301-947-2722, pubs@nsf.gov. Applicants are encouraged to contact the sponsor before submitting proposals.

Sponsor:Spencer Foundation
Deadline:Open

Objectives:
The sponsor's mission is to fund activities, anywhere in the world, which foster new ideas in education and encourage creativity. The sponsor prefers to fund specific initiatives that conform to the mission statement.

Eligibility:
The sponsor funds activities from anywhere in the world.

Sponsor:University of Southern California
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
The sponsor provides assess to the MOSIS service for fabrication of integrated circuits designed by students in organized classes at accredited U.S. educational institutions. For each class that requires fabrication, class professors can establish a MOSIS educational account.

Restrictions:
Eligible applicants are accredited educational U.S. institutions. Budgets have no specific allocation formula, and MOSIS will not provide a dollar budget. Universities who wish to add funds to their MOSIS educational accounts, must first request an approval in advance. The funding year for the program is from October 1 to September 30. The final version of each design must be accepted into the MOSIS fabrication queue by September 30 for Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer classes. Separate MOSIS accounts will be set up for introductory and advanced classes. If an organization's need for fabrication exceeds the amount of the award, services can be purchased directly from MOSIS; universities are eligible for a discount off the published price schedule. Designs may not be for research projects, thesis work, or individually directed study. Application forms and guidelines are available.