Research

Apply to Internal Competition // Limit: 2 (lead organization) // Tickets Available: 2

SUBJECT TO CHANGE STATEMENT: The terms of this funding opportunity are actively under ORP review and the competition is thus subject to change. The solicitation indicates that academic institutions are not the end goal for this funding. 

Limiting Language 
An eligible organization can submit a maximum of two Written Proposals per Topic Announcement for Phase 0 as a lead organization. Senior/Key Personnel may be listed on a maximum of one Written Proposal per Topic Announcement.

Topic Description

Every revolution in science has been preceded by a revolution in what we can measure, from the telescope to modern Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. Today, the frontier is starved for radically new modalities for sensing and imaging. We cannot watch a non-crystalline enzyme work at atomic resolution, probe the full dynamics of a working synapse, or identify the most reactive surface defect structures on advanced catalytic materials.

NSF X-Labs in this Topic will target specific platform technologies in sensing, imaging and supporting technologies that will form the basis for revolutionary new capabilities in scientific discovery and technology sectors. Teams might, for example, draw on quantum sensing, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven computational imaging, adaptive AI-based sensing algorithms, and/or entirely new modalities to redefine what we consider knowable. 

Examples of relevant, currently unmet R&D challenges may include, but are not limited to: detection of molecular-scale single-reaction events across timescales of femtoseconds to seconds; MRI-free deep-tissue imaging; non-destructive biomolecule microscopy at exquisite resolution; high-sensitivity quantum sensors suitable for operation in a variety of environments; instruments intentionally engineered for next-generation AI training pipelines; and sensors to resolve whole-brain activity at cellular resolution across long timescales. 

An NSF X-Labs Mission in this Topic must be transformative, accelerating breakthrough R&D in scientific instrumentation towards creating or reshaping new lines of research and technologies. Successful teams will overcome technical barriers facing sensing and imaging, develop platform technologies, demonstrate measurable impact on the U.S. science and technology landscape, and position their technologies for widespread use and investment in research and/or other sectors. 

Examples of challenges not considered in scope for this Topic include computational or software solutions without practical integration into an instrumentation system, development of technologies where the impact is narrow and not widely deployable, fundamental research without potential for application in platform technologies, incremental advancement of the state of the art, or advancement of technologies that are already appropriately developed to the point of full-scale commercialization.

Full sponsor guidelines are linked here. 

Upcoming Webinars
Thursday, May 28, 1–2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) 
Introduction to NSF X-Labs Funding Opportunity – Scientific Instrumentation for Sensing and Imaging
Register for the May 28 webinar.

Tuesday June 23, 2:30–3:30 p.m. EDT
Q&A for NSF X-Labs – Scientific Instrumentation for Sensing and Imaging
Register for the June 23 Q&A session.

Apply to Internal Competition // Limit: 2 (lead organization) // Tickets Available: 2

SUBJECT TO CHANGE STATEMENT: The terms of this funding opportunity are actively under ORP review and the competition is thus subject to change. The solicitation indicates that academic institutions are not the end goal for this funding. 

Limiting Language 
An eligible organization can submit a maximum of two Written Proposals per Topic Announcement for Phase 0 as a lead organization. Senior/Key Personnel may be listed on a maximum of one Written Proposal per Topic Announcement.

Topic Description
Quantum computing and quantum information processing systems sit at the cusp of a watershed moment: through years of federally funded foundational discovery in quantum phenomena coupled with more recent industry investment in the buildout of quantum components and systems, the world is about to witness a new era in modern computation. Future quantum computing is expected to rapidly accelerate scientific discovery and use-driven applications in a range of technology sectors, while unlocking entirely new frontiers beyond the reach of classical computing. But to realize future functional and connected quantum systems will require further investment in foundational platform technologies centered on quantum interconnects and integrated quantum photonics, which will be key enablers to combine different quantum capabilities into a single system. 

Future quantum systems are expected to rely on interconnects to transfer quantum information – coherence and entanglement – between discrete physical subsystems. Quantum photonic technologies that utilize photons as robust carriers of quantum information in distributed architectures offer a compelling pathway toward scalable quantum computing, sensing and metrology, and networking. Integrated quantum photonics will further extend this capacity by enabling dense integration of optical components (e.g., entangled sources, interferometers, filters, switches, and detectors) onto compact chips and packages. 

NSF X-Labs in this Topic will focus on the research and development of technologies to enable next-generation quantum interconnects, integrated quantum photonics and/or their supporting technologies. NSF X-Labs teams will target specific platform technologies that, if successful, will provide a roadmap for the integration of second-generation quantum systems. Examples of relevant, currently unmet R&D challenges may include, but are not limited to: scalable modular architectures based on the interconnection of discrete processing units; interconnection of heterogeneous quantum sub-systems via quantum transducers; reconfigurable quantum photonic circuits for compact multi-qubit operations; and next-generation quantum light sources, low-loss waveguides, and integrated single-photon detectors. NSF X-Labs in this Topic will aim to develop foundational platform solutions that can form the basis for broad industry adoption and integrated, system-level capabilities. 

An NSF X-Labs Mission in this Topic must be transformative, accelerating breakthrough R&D in quantum technologies towards creating or reshaping new lines of research and technologies. Successful teams will develop platform technologies, overcome technical barriers facing quantum systems, demonstrate measurable impact on the U.S. science and technology landscape, and position their technologies for widespread use and investment. 

Examples of challenges not considered in scope for this Topic include computational or software solutions without practical integration into a quantum system, solutions that are inherently unsuitable for future scaling and commercial adoption, development of technologies where the impact is narrow and not widely deployable, fundamental research without potential for application in platform technologies, incremental advancement of the state-of-the-art, or advancement of technologies that are already appropriately developed to the point of full-scale commercialization.

Full sponsor guidelines are linked here. 

Upcoming Webinars 

Thursday, June 4, 2–3 p.m. EDT
Introduction to NSF X-Labs Funding Opportunity - Quantum Systems: Interconnects and Integrated Photonics
Register for the June 4 webinar.

Tuesday, June 30, 2–3 p.m. EDT
Q&A for NSF X-Labs - Quantum Systems: Interconnects and Integrated Photonics 
Register for the June 30 Q&A session.

Limit: 3 // Tickets Available: 0

G. Martin-Alemañy (Nutritional Sciences and Wellness)
B. Tanriover (COM-T)
S. Kharait (COM-T)

Limiting Language
A limit of three proposals from each sponsoring academic institution is imposed to enable fair and broad support for DCI-affiliated investigators.

Overview 
The Paul Teschan Research Fund (PTRF) of Dialysis Clinic, Inc. (DCI) offers grant support for research
related to human kidney disease. Research methods may range from basic science to clinical and
epidemiologic research. Support from this fund, named to honor Paul Teschan, MD, a distinguished
investigator, clinician and advisor to DCI, is intended to promote investigations of current or eventual clinical
significance that might not be able to achieve funding from NIH or other national sources because of their
clinical nature, their early stage of work, or other reasons. The PTRF is a source of funding for worthy
projects where other sources are unavailable.

A limit of three proposals from each sponsoring academic institution is imposed to enable fair and broad
support for DCI-affiliated investigators. Each individual grants are limited to $60,000 per year, including
institutional overhead. The funding period for PTRF research grants is Jan 1 – Dec 31. The initial award
installment is contingent on the project passing DCI’s legal, compliance and regulatory review. This includes
obtaining IRB or IACUC approvals. Subsequent installments are contingent upon adherence to the award
letter.

Preference will be given to earlier research career investigators and to projects considered most relevant
to understanding and treatment of clinical kidney conditions and their complications. All proposals will be
reviewed for scientific merit and significance by external reviewers and also by a panel of DCI-affiliated
nephrologists (Application Review Committee) as part of the competitive application process. Renewal of
ongoing PTRF funding projects is given preference, but is not automatic. Grant awards are merit based.
PTRF grants may not be used to fund salaries of investigators, but may support other personnel active in
the project as approved by DCI. Capital equipment costing $1500 or more may not be included in PTRF
budgets. Overhead is limited to 20% ($10,000). Travel may be requested in the budget during Year 2 and
Year 3 if work from the PTRF project is being presented at a conference, but this may not exceed $1500
per year. No travel will be supported by Year 1 funds. Projects will only be funded for one year at a time
and may be funded for a total of three (3) consecutive years. Year 2 and Year 3 applications will undergo
competitive review by the Application Review Committee for continued funding based on progress
described in a DCI PTRF Study Progress Report. Applications for Year 2 and Year 3 funding will be
reviewed in the same way as an initial application, including reassessment of the scientific merit of the work
proposed as well as the addition of a detailed review of the work accomplished. Grants may not be renewed
in the absence of progress satisfactory reports.

Institutionally Coordinated // Limit: 1 

Limiting Language
Only one application per institution (identified by NIH IPF number) is allowed.

Purpose
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) solicits applications to develop shared-use research facilities or research-supporting facilities that enable collaborative research and benefit broad research communities at large. The NOFO supports two existing construction programs: the Biomedical Research Facilities (BRF) program and the HIV/AIDS Research Facilities (HRF) program.

The BRF program supports the construction or modernization of biomedical research facilities that advance basic, translational, clinical, or behavioral science research in all areas. Intended facilities include shared research spaces, core facilities, biorepositories, or other shared-use resource facilities that serve a broad scientific community with a significant, long-term impact on biomedical research.

The HRF program funds the development of HIV/AIDS research or research-supporting resources that the empowered research activities must align with the NIH Office of AIDS Research (OAR) priorities, as outlined at OAR HIV/AIDS Research Priorities, including research focusing on the long-term health consequences of HIV infection.

NIH encourages applications from institutions across all geographic regions of the country, including Institutions of Emerging Excellence (IEE) in biomedical research, to strengthen the nation’s research capacity.

Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 0

YIG - S. Adamo (Radiology and Imaging Sciences) 

The University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) is coordinating this limited submission. For more information please contact: UACC-PreAward.

Limiting Language
The University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) can nominate one proposal for the Breast Cancer Alliance Research Awards - either for the Young Investigator Grant (YIG) OR Exceptional Project Grant (XP) 2026.

Purpose of Award:

Breast Cancer Alliance provides seed money – scientific venture capital – to fund innovative breast cancer research with emphases on programs that have not yet qualified for federal grants. To secure federal funding, a researcher must prove a theory works. Breast Cancer Alliance creates the critical bridge between novel research and the opportunity to generate preliminary results with grants like our Exceptional Projects.

BCA encourages careers in breast cancer research and in clinical medicine. We award two year Young Investigator Grants to doctors and scientists in the early stages of their careers, often overlooked by the funding world until they have longer tenure. 

• YIG:
  • Breast Cancer Alliance invites clinical doctors and research scientists who are in the early stages of their careers, including post docs, whose current proposal is focused on breast cancer, to apply for a Young Investigator Grant.
  • This award helps advance the careers of young researchers who do not yet have their own major grant support, but who design and conduct their own independent research projects.
• XP:
  • Breast Cancer Alliance invites clinical doctors and research scientists at any stage of their careers, including post docs, whose current proposal is focused on breast cancer, to apply for an Exceptional Project Grant.
  • This award recognizes creative, unique and innovative research related to breast cancer.

Limit: One LOI per College

Y. Shirai (Family and Community Medicine // College of Medicine - Tucson) 

Limiting Language
Organizations may submit only one Letter of Inquiry per deadline. Common exceptions include LOIs submitted by separate departments of large universities. Per clarification with RRF, the University of Arizona may submit one LOI per college per deadline. 

Program Description

Full sponsor guidelines are linked here. 

RRF Foundation for Aging focuses on improving the quality of life for older people. In an effort to strengthen the Foundation’s impact, RRF has established Priority Areas. These Priority Areas are specific topics in aging that will be given higher priority within the Foundation’s grantmaking program.

Types of Grants

1. Advocacy: Achieve enduring social change around issues that affect older Americans
2. (Ineligible - for applicants in Illinois only) Direct Service: Improve availability and quality of community-based services and supports in seven states
3. Research: Seek causes and solutions to significant problems for older persons
4. Knowledge Sharing and Awareness Raising: Knowledge sharing and awareness-raising projects that convey meaningful information, shape narratives, and drive positive change.
5. (Ineligible - for applicants in Illinois only) Organizational Capacity Building: Improve management and governance of non-profit organizations

No Applicants // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Limiting Language
An institution may only submit one LOI per award type. 

Program Overview
Emerging Investigator Fellowship Grants (up to $75,000 for one year) These grants are designed to support Post-Doctoral Fellowships and Clinical Investigator training for emerging pediatric cancer researchers to pursue exciting research ideas. Applicants must have completed two years of their fellowship or not more than two years as a junior faculty instructor or assistant professor at the start of the award period. These grants encourage and cultivate the best and brightest researchers of the future. 

Limit: 2 (one in basic science/preclinical research and in clinical through public health research) // Tickets Available: 0

Basic through Preclinical Research // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Clinical through Public Health Research // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 0
S. Soto (Public Health) 

Limiting Langauge
Each institution is allowed a maximum of two (2) nominations per grant cycle: one (1) applicant must be focused on basic science/preclinical research and one (1) applicant must be focused on translational science. Each nomination can be for either of the Pathway Program Award types: Initiator or Accelerator. Please be aware that if an institution nominates two (2) applicants with proposed projects covering the same phase of research (i.e. basic through preclinical research studies), one of the submitted applications will be administratively disqualified from consideration for funding. 

Program Summary
The Pathway to Stop Diabetes® program intends to attract brilliant scientists approaching the peak of their careers in diabetes research, and to accelerate their research progress by providing the necessary resources and support for conducting transformative science. 

This call for nominations will prioritize exceptional investigators across the spectrum of diabetes research, spanning basic science through public health research and implementation science. The ideal applicant will propose innovative research with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of people at risk of diabetes or living with the disease - and the pathway to this impact is clear. 

Starting in 2024, ADA will accept up to two (2) nominations per institution with one (1) nomination spanning basic through preclinical research and one (1) nomination spanning clinical through public health research. 

Examples of basic through preclinical research studies (for nomination #1) include: 

• Innovative mechanistic studies on fundamental or new aspects of biology
• Novel insights derived from data science using AI/Machine Learning
• Development of new technologies, devices, and/or experimental approaches 

Identification and validation of novel and unique therapeutic targets 

Examples of clinical through public health research (for nomination #2) include: 

• Clinical experimental medicine studies
• Identification and validation of novel biomarkers
• Health services research
• Behavioral research
• Population epidemiology
• Health economics research
• Patient preference / Quality of Life
• Dissemination and implementation science
• Health Care system-based interventions 

Nominations are welcomed from all areas of diabetes and span prevention, management, and cure of all diabetes types (i.e. type 1, type 2 and gestational), diabetes-related disease states (obesity, prediabetes, and other insulin resistant states) and complications. The program intends to attract a broad range of expertise to the field of diabetes from various fields of science and technology, including medicine, biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics. 

Limit: 2 // Tickets Available: 0

M. Zhang (COM-P)
V. Kamath (COM-P)

Limiting Language
Each Nominating Institution may nominate up to two (2) applicants in Chemical Biology Research. 

Program Overview
Annually, the Ono Pharma Foundation considers proposals from PIs for research that could ultimately transform human health. Although additional areas of research may be added in future years, the Ono Pharma Foundation is only considering proposals for scientific research addressing Chemical Biology at this time.

Chemical Biology is defined as research that deals with the interface between chemistry and biology. The criteria for this field are deliberately broad so as not to disqualify potentially innovative and groundbreaking projects.

The goals of the Ono Initiative are to:

• Identify and develop innovative research proposals and results that could lead to the development of breakthrough treatment solutions for patients.
• Support academic research and the career development of promising young and established scientists.
• Build strong relationships within the community in order to lead to transformative research aligned with Ono Initiative's interest.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must meet the following requirements. LOIs and final Proposals from applicants not meeting the requirements listed below will not be considered.
  1. PIs applying must be working at one of the nominating institutions. Nominating institutions might be replaced or added to in subsequent years. For the list of nominating institutions, please see the FAQ.
  2. The PI must have an MD and/or a PhD degree.
  3. The PI must be a new applicant to the Ono Initiative, or, if they are a returning applicant, must be applying for a project different from the one they previously proposed.
  4. The PI must be a young and/or mid-career scientist (15 years or less of experience since starting an independent academic position).
  5. The PI must not have been, nor currently be, engaged in other sponsored research and/or collaborative research with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and/or grant program with Ono Pharma Foundation.
  6. The PI may not apply for funding to amplify current work. However, PIs may research a new idea based on a prior finding of the PI.
  7. The PI must not be a healthcare professional (defined as individuals currently holding an active state license for which they are (a) qualified to prescribe, administer, use or supply any medicinal or medical products or (b) perform any professional clinical services). A PI with an MD but without an active state medical license is still eligible.
  8. PIs serving on a healthcare formulary or similar committee are not eligible.