Funding-Limited Submission - NSF Improvements to Biological Research Collections Program (NSF 09-548); May 24, 2010

The NSF Improvements to Biological Research Collections (BRC) program is encouraging collaborative proposals to network collections on regional and continental scales, especially collaborations that bring large and small collections together into networks. The BRC program also provides for enhancements to existing collections to improve collections, computerize specimen-related data, develop better methods of specimen curation and collection management through activities such as symposia and workshops.

Biological collections supported include those housing natural history specimens and jointly curated collections such as preserved tissues and other physical samples, e.g. DNA libraries and digital images. Such collections provide the materials necessary for research across broad areas of biological sciences.

Anticipated Funding Amount:   Up to $500,000 total for individual awards of 1 to 3 years; up to $2,000,000 total for collaborative awards of 1 to 5 years.

Program page for more information and solicitation: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5448

Because NSF limits an institution to one proposal, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Researchers interested in submitting a proposal 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, May 24, 2010:

• The names and departments of the Principal Investigator (PI), project personnel and collaborators;

• A project description (1-2 p. max.) to include a description of the collection outlining its scientific value, the urgency of the request, educational and outreach activities and a management plan.

A committee will be convened to review the proposals and make a recommendation as to UK’s applicant. The Office of the Vice President for Research will notify all applicants of the outcome. The NSF deadline is July 23, 2010 deadline.

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).