NSF NEWS

Keep up with today’s research news from the U.S. National Science Foundation. This is a daily look at noteworthy scientific findings from researchers around the country.

• New filtering method promises safer drinking water, improved industrial production
• Jet stream changes could amplify weather extremes by 2060s
• Advanced model and field data add up to better cover crop management
• DNA sensor quickly determines whether viruses are infectious
• Study suggests use of bone tools to produce clothing dates back 120,000 years
• Preventing long-term effects of traumatic brain injury
• Researchers discover hidden SARS-CoV-2 'gate' that opens to allow COVID-19 infection

Summary: The Joyce Foundation is accepting Letters of Inquiry for its July 2022 Climate Solutions grant round. Joyce’s Climate Solutions grants support work related to long-term power sector decarbonization and implementation of near term clean energy policies. Their program prioritizes support for organizations that are working in collaboration with other groups through strategic policy advocacy campaigns. Joyce funds projects in Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota (and, to a lesser extent, Ohio & Wisconsin). Grants can be up to approximately $500K. For this grant program, collaboration, both internally and externally with key stakeholders and faculty/researchers at other universities would strengthen a concept. A complete overview and links are below. (LOI’s are due by February 1, 2022. Proposals, if invited, are due by April 6, 2022, for Board consideration in July 2022. It is strongly urged that LOI’s be sent to me for review and discussion prior to submission to the foundation. (My email: wallach@msu.edu) Please send this to any faculty in your unit that may have interest. Thanks.

Application Process & Deadlines - http://www.joycefdn.org/apply

Online submission starts with an LOI, which should be submitted at least 6-8 weeks before the proposal deadline. The Joyce Foundation’s Board meets in April, July and December of each year. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to plan their proposal submissions for consideration in either the April or July Board meetings, since most grant funds are distributed at those times. At this time, the best opportunity will be for the July 2022 Board meeting. The deadlines for that grand round are:

• LOI due by: 2/1/2022
• Proposal (if invited) due by: 4/6/2022

Note: There an April 2022 grant round, however, LOI’s would need to be ready for submission ASAP, which may not be realistic for many.

PROJECT CONTACT: MSU NOTE: Those interested in submitting an LOI are strongly urged to connect with me first at: wallach@msu.edu. For questions related to application: applications@joycefdn.org.

Supports highly promising healthcare and academic professionals in the early years of first professional appointment, to explore innovative questions or pilot studies that will provide preliminary data and training to assure the applicant’s future success as a research scientist in the field of cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular disease research.

• Application Deadline: Monday, Dec. 6, 2021
• Award Start Date: April 1, 2022
• Total Award Amount: $231,000

Learn more Here.

Description: Writing a clear and persuasive grant proposal can be difficult for new grant writers, even for those with experience successfully publishing their academic work. Success in grant writing requires different skills than writing for an academic journal, as grant writing focuses on persuading readers and ‘selling’ a project to funders. During this seminar, Dr. Lauren Aerni-Flessner (Grant and Project Management Specialist in the College of Engineering) will walk you through effective strategies for enhancing the persuasiveness of your next grant proposal. Together you will learn proven tips for crafting a persuasive grant proposal and increase your funding success. All researchers are welcome and are encouraged to be prepared with any questions.

Learn more Here.