Funding-Limited Submission - USDA International Science and Education (ISE); December 8, 2009

The purpose of U.S. Dept. of Agriculture International Science and Education (ISE) is to support the internationalization of food, agriculture and related programs at U.S. universities and colleges. The intent is that ISE will improve the ability of American students, business people, and community members to compete more effectively in the global world of agriculture. ISE projects are to strengthen the global competence and competitiveness of American colleges, universities and businesses in the food, agriculture, and related sectors. In addition, 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.

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.

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 Tuesday, December 8, 2009:

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

2) Project description (3-4 pages) - include the project’s 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 individuals selected will be notified in sufficient time to prepare the proposal for electronic submission by the deadline of January 28, 2010.

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).