Energy Research Prioritization Partnership

A Research Priority Area of the University of Kentucky

Campus Collaborations for Energy Research – Request for Information

Request for Information

The ERPP is soliciting whitepapers on areas of energy research that should be supported within the ERPP portfolio – areas that are capable of leading to new, nationally competitive, campus-wide programs. Of interest are proposed collaborations, activities, or infrastructure that would allow formation of a critical mass of researchers that can “take the next step” toward national prominence as exemplified by significant long-term funding, transformative technology development, and improved quality of life for the citizens of Kentucky.

Funding

No funding is anticipated under this RFI. Upon review of whitepapers, a request for proposals may be made to one or more selected groups with an anticipated award size of $250,000-$500,000 per award and a budget period of up to 3 years.

Topical Areas

White papers in all areas of energy research may be submitted, including the related areas of materials science, environmental impacts, behavorial aspects or health effects of energy production and use, and the food-energy-water intersection. Collaborations should span multiple colleges and centers. Activities that engender collaborations between the natural sciences, engineering and social, behavioral or health sciences are encouraged.

Submission

Responses must be received before 5pm on October 30, 2020, and should be emailed (single pdf file) to:

Rodney Andrews, Director ERPP (rodney.andrews@uky.edu)

Mark Meier, Assoc Director ERPP (mark.meier@uky.edu)

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More details:

Energy Research Prioritization Partnership

A Research Priority Area of the University of Kentucky

Campus Collaborations for Energy Research – Request for Information

The University of Kentucky Energy Research Prioritization Partnership (ERPP) is soliciting input on areas of energy research that can develop into new, nationally competitive, multi-department, multi-college research collaborations if provided with seed funding.

Background

The ERPP’s mission is to enhance the energy research strengths of the university through growth and development of a diverse cohort of faculty and staff working within the energy space. ERPP will extend the University’s current strengths through targeted programs aimed at increasing research activity, collaboration, and competitiveness in the broad area of energy research.

In support of these goals, the ERPP seeks to develop new energy research programs leading to:

· Increased grant awards

· Increased collaborative peer-reviewed publications

· Increased proposal submission

· Expansion of UK research areas

· Increased intellectual property disclosures and issued patents

Request for Information

A whitepaper format is suggested below, but is not intended to be prescriptive (other than page lengths). Rather, clear identification of goals, initial activities, and proposed outcomes from possible ERPP funding should be described. A long-term vision should be articulated on how the proposed group of collaborators will use seed funding from ERPP to achieve ERPP’s overall goals, excel as a nationally competitive research program, and address the major energy challenges facing Kentucky and the nation.

Submission

Responses must be received before 5pm on October 30, 2020, and should be emailed (single pdf file) to: Rodney Andrews, Director ERPP (rodney.andrews@uky.edu)

Mark Meier, Assoc Director ERPP (mark.meier@uky.edu)

Eligibility

Faculty and staff at all levels are eligible to submit.

Funding

Topical Areas

Proposers are encouraged to interpret “energy research” broadly and to contact ERPP leadership if they would like guidance on the suitability of a specific topic.

Educational components are encouraged, but should not be the primary focus of the activity.

Evaluation

The ERPP leadership will evaluate whitepapers based on their alignment with the ERPP mission and goals and the potential of the proposed area to expand the number of researchers focused on energy-relevant topics, increase breadth of energy research at UK, and develop solutions with large societal impact. Evaluation criteria may also include (a) potential for long-term sustainability of the research, (b) potential to increase extramural funding at UK, (c) proposed activities and timeline, and (d) potential to develop into an area of national distinction. Follow-up and clarifying questions may be requested from proposers. Ad hoc reviewers may be consulted.

Note: The goal of this RFI is to explore new areas of potential energy research at UK, and not to receive fully developed proposals. It is anticipated that some ideas will not be as developed as others at this stage, so some whitepapers will not address all of the suggested sections below. This should not be a deterrent to putting forward an area, as those whitepapers chosen for down selection will have further opportunity to provide clarifying detail.

Suggested Format for White Papers

I. Cover Sheet – list PI, Co-Is, Department/Centers/Colleges involved.

II. Abstract (250 words).

III. Description of Proposed Collaboration (3 pages exclusive of citations)

A. Research vision for collaboration.

B. Societal impact.

C. Alignment with ERPP mission and goals.

D. Current status of related research at UK.

E. Description of the funding needed to achieve goals.

F. Gap analysis identifying the need for a particular expertise, equipment or facilities.

G. Nominal timeline and major milestones for achieving national competitiveness.

H. Citations.