Funding-Limited Submission - (USDA) – International Science and Education (ISE); December 13, 2010

The purpose of ISE is to support the internationalization of food, agriculture and related programs at U.S. universities and colleges.  ISE projects must be directed to agricultural research, extension, and/or teaching activities that enhance the capabilities of American colleges and universities to conduct international collaborative research, extension and teaching.

Multi-year proposals, up to a maximum of four years, may be submitted.  The maximum amount under this program is $150,000 per award, and no Project Director (PD) or co-PD may receive and/or participate in more than one ISE grant concurrently.  In addition, no institution may receive and/or participate in more than one ISE grant as the lead organization for the current competition. 

Proposals should demonstrate how the proposed work responds to the specific needs and strengths of the university or college in addressing one or both of the following areas:

1.  Strengthening the Global Competence of Students, Faculty, and Staff in Agriculture and Related Areas

Students, faculty, and staff should clearly understand international factors that affect U.S. food and agriculture, and faculty and staff should convey an understanding of the international dimensions of agricultural and related sciences to students.  Areas of emphasis may include but are not limited to:  (a) planning, implementing and evaluating initiatives that enhance the international content of the curricula in colleges and universities so as to ensure that United States students acquire an understanding of the international dimensions and trade implication of their studies; (b) ensuring that U.S. scientists, extension agents, and educators convey the implications of their international findings to students, peers and other users in the United States; or (c) enhancing the capabilities of colleges and universities to conduct collaborative research with other countries, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, on issues relevant to U.S. agricultural performance.

2.  Enhancing Business Performance in International Agriculture and Related Sectors

Through extension, research and/or teaching programs, enhance the ability of American agricultural producers, marketers and others in the agricultural community to operate effectively in the global arena.  Supportable activities include but are not limited to:  (a) enhancing the capabilities of U.S. colleges and universities to provide cooperative extension education that promotes the application of new technology developed in foreign countries to U.S. agriculture; or (b) enhancing the capability of U.S. colleges and universities, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, to provide leadership and education programs in market identification, international trade policies, new or existing markets, and production efficiencies.  Such programs should strengthen the ability of American natural resources and food production, processing, and distribution businesses and industries to compete internationally.     

The complete announcement, application guidelines and abstracts of funded projects can be accessed at:  http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/intl_science.html

Each institution may submit no more than two proposals as the lead institution.  No institution acting as the principal or lead institution will receive more than one grant during the current competition.

Because the USDA will allow each institution to submit no more than two proposals as the lead institution and will only award one grant to an institution acting as the principal or lead institution, UK has established an internal selection process. Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, December 13, 2010:

1) Names and departments of the Project Director, project team, and any non-UK team members and/or collaborators;

2) Project overview – (2-3 pages) include project goals, objectives, proposed activities, and anticipated impact on internationalization

A committee will be appointed to review the information and make recommendations as to the University’s submissions.  The USDA deadline is January 19, 2011 (electronic submission).

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).