Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we’re thankful for, and we’re especially grateful for our EPSCoR team, partners, and community.
A special thanks to Craig Forney and ISU's Office of Innovation Commercialization for hosting the Learn at Lunch session, as well as to Dr. Jason Borenstein and Nicholas Fila for their contributions to the NSF ER2 webinar.
As we embrace this season of gratitude, we deeply appreciate your continued support and collaboration. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Students Inspire Future Generations at Science with Cyclones Event
The Science with Cyclones event at Reiman Gardens on November 14, 2024, showcased student innovation, drawing public and K-12 attendees. Our students impressed with their ability to communicate complex research to various audiences—from young to experienced—and inspired future scientists. We're grateful to Reiman Gardens for hosting and the Department of English for their partnership. Relive the event through our slideshow here and photo gallery here.
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.
News
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.
BioMade Project Call Annoucement
BioMADE’s next Project Call will launch on November 13th. This Project Call will include solicitations for projects related to Technology and Innovation, Education and Workforce Development, and 4S (Safety, Security, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility). BioMADE is pleased to announce a partnership with NSF. NSF and BioMADE encourage researchers to create integrated projects that span from MRL 1-3 levels typically supported by NSF all the way to MRL 4-7 levels supported by BioMADE. Via a joint review mechanism, such projects that respond to one of BioMADE's Project Calls will be jointly supported by NSF and BioMADE, with NSF supporting basic research and BioMADE funding higher MRL research and translation efforts.
If you have questions, please contact Kevin Moore (kevinm1@iastate.edu).
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.
Reiman Garden SciComm Fellowship
Are you interested in communicating your research to a broader audience? Apply for the Reiman Gardens 2025 Science Communication Fellowship! This program will help you develop engaging activities that make your work accessible and exciting. Applications are due November 30, 2024.
Learn more about the opportunity and how to apply here.
From the Team: Meet Dr. Hyongmin Seo
We're pleased to introduce Dr. Hyeongmin Seo, assistant professor in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the University of Iowa, as the newest addition to our Chemurgy 2.0 team. Dr. Seo's research in microorganism manipulation for sustainable biomanufacturing aligns closely with our project’s goals. On joining the team, Dr. Seo remarks: "I believe that sustainability is one of the most pressing challenges we are facing. Our daily life is heavily dependent on non-renewable, carbon-intensive petrochemicals and materials. I want to contribute to reducing our reliance on petroleum through the industrialization of biology. The motto of Chemurgy 2.0, 'Meet Human Needs from Things that Grow,' perfectly aligns with my research goal, motivating me to join the team."
Read Dr. Seo's full interview here.
In related news, Dr. Seo has recently been awarded a significant grant for sustainable bioproducts research, read more here.
Events
NSF EPSCoR Live!
Thursday, December 5 @ 3PM CT
Join the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) on Thursday, December 5 at 3:00 PM CT for a virtual forum featuring NSF EPSCoR leadership and senior leadership from several NSF directorates. They will discuss the agency's progress in responding to EPSCoR provisions authorized in the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, highlighting strategies and opportunities that have increased NSF investments in EPSCoR jurisdictions.
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
Thursday, February 27 @ 2:10 - 3:40PM CT
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.
Stay up-to-date with our Events here!
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No.2242763