EPA/NSF Networks for Sustainable Molecular Design and Synthesis (NSMDS)
To: Chairs, Departments in the Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences
From: Heather Daniels, Graduate School
Date: January 2, 2013
Subject: EPA/NSF Networks for Sustainable Molecular Design and Synthesis (NSMDS)
Deadlines:
Nominations are due at the Graduate School on Friday, January 18; Deadline for internal competition is TBA.
Project Description:
Networks for Sustainable Molecular Design and Synthesis are groups of two or more researchers working in trans-disciplinary fields to promote the development of safe and sustainable chemicals as well as safe and sustainable synthetic procedures. For this solicitation, "chemicals" refers broadly to any and all materials, inorganic and organic compounds, and individual chemicals or mixtures of chemicals (e.g., endocrine disruptors, chlorofluorocarbons, transition metal-based catalysts, macromolecules, and nanomaterials). Advances resulting from these Networks are expected to result in chemicals that are safer and more sustainable throughout their life cycle and thus, the replacement of rare, toxic, and expensive chemicals with earth abundant, benign, and renewable alternatives is anticipated. The Networks will facilitate safe design strategies, processes, and pathways (including catalytic pathways) that consume less fresh water, generate less waste, and use less energy than current practice. These new approaches will minimize hazards that arise not only from chemical structure and intended use, but also from their synthesis, production, consumption, reuse, and disposal.
Education, workforce development, and the translation or transfer of basic research results into social or economic benefits are critical aspects of NSMDS projects. Networks will develop strong mentoring and training activities (which include broadening participation elements) for undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral associates. Other educational activities, such as informal science communication and the education of K-12 students or the public, are encouraged. Where appropriate, intellectual property protection and a proactive plan to engage industry in technology transfer is encouraged.
Four to six awards will be made. Proposals may be up to $1.25 million per year for up to 4 years. Total costs may not exceed $5 million including direct and indirect costs.
Eligibility:
The number of proposals UW–Madison may submit is limited to one.
Website:
http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2013/nsf13523/nsf13523.htm
This contains additional information on the program and specific application instructions, etc.
Internal Competition Application Instructions:
Notice of intent: Send an email message to gsgrants@grad.wisc.edu with the subject line "EPA/NSF NSMDS" by Friday, January 18, 2013 to inform us of your intention to submit a proposal. Please include the following in your email message:
--name and full contact information for the PI and Co-PIs
--title
--2-3 sentence description of project
Applications for internal review: Instructions and deadline for an internal competition will be announced if needed.
For the project selected, a complete pre-proposal must be submitted using FastLane or Grants.gov. Information about campus procedures for FastLane or Grants.gov is posted on the RSP Web site. Proposals are due by Monday, March 18, 2012 at 5 pm CST.
If you have any questions about this procedure, please contact Heather Daniels (608) 263-7274 or email gsgrants@grad.wisc.edu