New TIP Solicitations Offer Opportunity for the Biological Sciences
May 19, 2022
New solicitations -- including for new programs -- from NSF's Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) present opportunity for the biological sciences community. Read more about them below and reach out to cognizant Program Officers for more information.
Convergence Accelerator Tracks H, I, and J
NSF's Convergence Accelerator, which has moved over to TIP, has released a solicitation for three new tracks:
- Track H: Enhancing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
Developing use-inspired solutions to enhance the quality of life, employment access and opportunities for persons with disabilities. - Track I: Sustainable Materials for Global Challenges
Advancing materials science, design and manufacturing methods for environmental and economic sustainability. - Track J: Food and Nutrition Security
Supporting health, combating climate change and addressing the nutritional needs of the most vulnerable by empowering youth, women and disadvantaged communities.
Researchers from across the biological sciences community are encouraged to apply.
Letters of intent are due May 31, 2022.
A recording and slides from an informational webinar are available on the Convergence Accelerator "Resources" page.
Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) Program
The NSF Engines program is a bold new initiative aimed at significantly expanding our Nation's innovation capacity by investing in key areas of national interest and economic promise in every region of the United States. To accomplish this ambitious goal, the program will fund the development of Regional Innovation Engines that will cultivate and sustain activities in use-inspired research and development; the translation of the resulting innovations to practice through entrepreneurship, stakeholder development, and meaningful partnerships; and workforce development at all levels including experiential learning leading to researchers, practitioners, technicians, innovators, entrepreneurs, and others.
Each NSF Engine's technical and innovation focus must be clearly rooted in its region of service – a geographical location within the U.S. that can range from a metropolitan area (including its adjacent rural regions) to an area spanning parts of several states. Additionally, each NSF Engine will be driven by a coalition of regional partners, comprising academic institutions, non-profits, for-profit companies, and government entities, among others.
Potential focus areas include creating a circular bioeconomy, increasing regional resilience to climate-driven extreme events, and developing and deploying sustainable materials.
Concept Outlines are due June 30, 2022.
The full Broad Agency Announcement contains submission criteria and information as well as contact information for cognizant Program Directors. A Dear Colleague Letter with a high-level overview of the program is available on NSF.gov.
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