As we conclude 2024, the Iowa NSF EPSCoR team extends our sincere appreciation for your dedication and hard work. Your contributions in research, teaching, mentoring, and administration have been instrumental in establishing a strong foundation for our initiative. Looking ahead, we're excited about the opportunities and progress Year 2 promises. We anticipate significant advancements in our research goals and collaborative efforts, building on the momentum we've gained during Year 1 of the project.
We're particularly looking forward to these key events:
- Advisory Council Meeting (in-person): February 24, 2025
- Reverse Site Visit (Virtual): March 3, 2025
- Year 2 Symposium at UNI: July 24, 2025
Thank you for your commitment to excellence. We look forward to the innovative breakthroughs and impactful outcomes that await us in the coming year. Wishing you a restful holiday season and an inspiring start to 2025!
Iowa NSF EPSCoR Education and Workforce Development Seed Funding
Chemurgy 2.0 EWD Seed Funding Program: proposals for projects that focus on providing experiences for audiences to engage in building shared language about Advanced Biomanufacturing.
The Chemurgy 2.0 Education & Workforce Development (EWD) Seed Program continues to accept proposals through January 2025 or until funds are exhausted. Mini-grants up to $5,000 and Impact Projects up to $15,000 are available. The committee aims to award up to $40,000 across 4-6 proposals.
For more details and to apply, visit the full RFP here.
For questions, contact Marcy Seavey at marcene.seavey@uni.edu.
2025 EPSCOR Seed Fund 1 - Request for Proposals
Technology Development or Technology Transfer
Iowa NSF EPSCoR is now accepting proposals to stimulate new projects that were not part of the original Iowa NSF EPSCoR proposal, the projects that would further our vision and objective. The goal of the EPSCoR program is to stimulate new research, increase federal funding (particu;arly from NSF), and further economic growth in Iowa. The anticipated proposals can be high-risk, high-impact and potentially transformative research in emerging areas or technology transfer.
This seed funding initiative aims to stimulate new research, increase federal funding, and drive economic growth in Iowa aligned with Iowa's biosciences and advanced manufacturing priorities.
Key Details:
- Funding: Up to $50K for 12-month projects
- Focus: Technology development or transfer relevant to Chemurgy 2.0
- Eligibility: Open to students and researchers at Iowa academic institutions
- Deadline: February 16, 2025, midnight
For full details on proposal requirements and submission guidelines, click here.
News
Cochran and Mallapragada Among Elite NAI Fellows
Iowa State continues to lead in innovation, with Eric Cochran and Surya Mallapragada standing out among the prestigious National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellows. Their groundbreaking work in chemical and biological engineering pushes the boundaries of sustainable technology and biomedical advancements. Cochran's research on bio-based asphalt additives and Mallapragada's contributions to nanovaccine development exemplify ISU's commitment to tackling real-world challenges. Their combined expertise has resulted in numerous patents and is shaping the future of agriculture and engineering. Discover how ISU's culture of innovation is transforming ideas into impactful solutions.
Read more about our distinguished inventors and their achievements here.
RuralSTAMINA Initiative Moves Forward in NSF Engines Program
The RuralSTAMINA initiative, led by Iowa State University and involving over 35 public-private partners including the University of Iowa, has progressed to the second stage of the NSF's Regional Innovation Engines program. This multi-state collaboration aims to revitalize rural economies in Iowa and Nebraska through sustainable biomanufacturing innovations. The project focuses on leveraging regional renewable resources to develop bio-based products and critical materials, with potential far-reaching impacts on rural communities and national interests. The University of Iowa will contribute its expertise in biomedicine and advanced biomanufacturing, while also supporting expanded entrepreneurship and workforce development in the region.
Learn more about this promising endeavor and its potential impact here.
Chemurgy 2.0 PUI Network Project, Summer Research Opportunities for Students
The Iowa EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 project is inviting faculty from predominantly undergraduate institutions (PUIs) across Iowa to submit proposals for summer 2025 research projects in biomanufacturing. This initiative aims to connect students with innovative research opportunities in areas such as protein production, biochemicals, 3D printing, and AI applications. Funding is available for student stipends, housing, travel, and project supplies for 10-week summer experiences. Faculty applications are now open, with student applications due by January 31, 2025. This program offers a unique opportunity to advance Iowa's leadership in sustainable biomanufacturing while providing valuable hands-on experience for undergraduates.
For more information and to apply, click here.
I-RAISE Internship Opportunity
The Iowa Research Administration Internship Student Experience (I-RAISE) is now accepting applications for its second cohort. This year-long program offers students from six Iowa colleges hands-on experience in research administration through classroom training and paid internships. Open to graduate and undergraduate students from all majors, I-RAISE aims to build the future research development workforce.
Applications are due January 31, 2025, at 5 PM.
For details and to apply, click here.
From the Team: Meet Dr. Hyongmin Seo
Dr. Hyeongmin Seo, assistant professor at the University of Iowa, joins our team with expertise in sustainable biomanufacturing. His work on microorganism manipulation supports our mission to reduce reliance on petrochemicals.
Learn more about Dr. Seo's vision for sustainable biology in his full interview below.
Events
NSF EPSCoR Live!
Tuesday, January 22 @ 3PM CT
Join the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) on Tuesday, January 22 at 3:00 PM CT for a virtual forum featuring EPSCoR Program Officers Chi-Chi Whitley and Ben McCall. They will discuss EPSCoR's E-CORE RII program, focusing on building EPSCoR research ecosystems through this funding opportunity. This EPSCoR Live! session is particularly targeted at researchers and leaders within research administration in EPSCoR jurisdictions who are interested in learning more about the E-CORE funding opportunity.
Advance registration is required; please use an institutional email to register. Submit questions via the registration form or email epscor-live@nsf.gov.
Register here.
NSF Career Preperation Workshop
The NSF CAREER Award is one of the most important and prestigious grants an early-career faculty member can receive. While all NSF grants (including the CAREER Award) are evaluated on intellectual merit and broader impacts, CAREER Awards also have a unique requirement to present an investigator education plan. This workshop will focus on strategies for developing a competitive NSF CAREER Award, with emphasis on the broader impacts and education plan.
This workshop is scheduled for 2/27/25 @ 2:10 – 3:40 PM.
Register here.
George Washington Carver Day
Celebrate George Washington Carver Day at Iowa State on February 3, 2025! Join a vibrant program honoring this pioneering alum's legacy of innovation and resilience. Enjoy music, keynote speeches, and a unique "I Can" poster challenge. Don't miss this inspiring event blending history, science, and art. Read the full article for event details and to learn about Carver's extraordinary life!
More details here.
2025 Iowa NSF EPSCoR Symposium
The second annual Iowa NSF EPSCoR Symposium will be held on July 24, 2025, at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.
Stay up-to-date with our Events here!
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No.2242763