Announcements

Federal Funding Update

The Division of Research’s webpage (research.umd.edu/federalupdates) contains information, FAQs, and leadership guidance. 

In the context of evolving Federal agency priorities, the Research Development office is available to assist faculty addressing questions from POs/agencies regarding the scientific or technical aspects of their research (e.g., queries related to proposals under review, awards, progress reports). Reach out directly for assistance (ckenned3@umd.edu).

Events

NIH K Award Information Sessions & Writing Group

Description: The Office of Research Development is interested in gauging interest in a possible NIH Mentored Career Development (K) Writing Group.  We are considering two levels of support: 1) Information sessions with tips for successful submission and 2) a 6 session writing group with peer review.

NSF Division of Materials Research Open Hour on the CAREER program

Date: July 11, 2025
Time: 11am
Description: Join Germano Iannacchione, director of the U.S. National Science Foundation Division of Materials Research (NSF DMR) and NSF DMR program directors, for our monthly virtual office hour and Q&A session.

Quantum World Congress

Date: Sept. 16-18, 2025
Location: Capitol One Hall in Greater Washington
Description: The world’s quantum ecosystem comes together to bring a quantum-ready future into focus.

4th Annual Hypersonic Innovation Conference

Date: Nov 12-13, 2025
Location: Huntsville, AL
Description: Highlight hypersonic technology research, development, and innovations across the United States that will enable strategic and operational superiority for the Joint Force.

On The Horizon

The UMD Research Development Office, RD Capture Director, and Strategic Intelligence Analyst support our faculty by providing pre-competition intelligence with recommended actions and support.

Did You Know

DARPA
Upcoming Proposers Day
 

• DARPA-SN-25-97 Network of Optimal Dynamic Energy Signatures (NODES)  
  The NODES initiative aims to address a significant gap in bioinformatics by predicting protein function based on dynamic energy signatures rather than static structural information alone. Through integrating biophysical modeling techniques (e.g., molecular dynamics, diffusion mapping, multiscale models) with cutting-edge AI/ML approaches—including large language models and deep learning—NODES will infer functional characteristics from protein sequences by evaluating protein folding, intermolecular binding, and allosteric regulation. The resultant integrated computational platform will not only systematically annotate the vast universe of uncharacterized proteins but also differentiate naturally occurring sequences from artificially engineered bio-threats based on evolutionary probability assessments.

  Researchers possessing complementary expertise in structural biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, and machine learning would find strong alignment with the NODES program. This opportunity may be particularly of interest to the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), the Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (CBCB), the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (CBMG), the Department of Computer Science (CMSC), and the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS).

New Program

• DARPA-PS-25-19 Grainy Day 
  The Grainy Day program addresses a critical national security need to deploy high volumes of rugged unattended sensors passively from the air—using platforms ranging from micro–unmanned aerial vehicles (MAVs <2kg) to larger military aircraft—across variable atmospheric conditions. The program demands innovations in aerodynamic surfaces and in-flight control algorithms capable of navigating complex wind layers (jet streams, trade winds), combined with resilient microelectronics that can withstand high-impact forces while preserving data collection functionality. DARPA also places a strong emphasis on manufacturability and rapid scaling using commercial foundries. The Proposers Day will provide SECRET-level program detail, but uncleared institutions may participate via pre-recorded unclassified Lightning Talks or Teaming Profiles, opening pathways for collaboration.

  Researchers in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, the MEMS sensors and systems group at the ISR, and the ECE are especially well positioned to respond to the Grainy Day challenge. Faculty researching autonomous systems and dynamics, microfabrication, and rugged electronics bring critical expertise in aerodynamic controls, MEMS, and resilient microelectronics. The MRC and our proximity to key DoD labs make UMD a strong potential performer or teaming partner for primes targeting this high-impact DARPA opportunity.

• DARPA-PA-25-06 PROtein SEquencing (PROSE)
  The PROCE program addresses critical gaps in protein sequencing capabilities, focusing on the rapid identification of unknown protein-based threats, including highly engineered biotoxins lacking genetic material. The program emphasizes developing integrated microsystem architectures that achieve unprecedented sequencing throughput and accuracy while overcoming substantial challenges in protein complexity, chemical diversity, and translocation control. PROSE will advance novel reader elements, enhanced channel capacities with reduced noise, and innovative algorithmic methods for translating raw signal data into precise amino acid sequences. Teams must demonstrate scalable technologies capable of distinguishing at least 100 different amino acid types and post-translational modifications by the program's conclusion.

  Researchers across several interdisciplinary groups will find strong alignment with the PROSE opportunity. Notably, faculty in the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), the Department of Bioengineering (BIOE), and the Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices possess expertise in protein chemistry, microsystem development, microfabrication, and biochemical analytics critical for meeting PROSE objectives. Researchers experienced in integrated bio-microdevice fabrication, protein analytics, and sensor systems to effectively address DARPA’s ambitious protein sequencing challenge.
   

Department of the Air Force
New Program

• FA238425SRHW3 Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-MachineTeaming (DASH) 
  The GBC Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-Machine Teaming (DASH) focuses on creating advanced software solutions that optimize battle management decision-making processes within human-machine teams. Central to this challenge is the need to generate multiple feasible courses of action (COAs) quickly and accurately, leveraging computational tools that can autonomously assess matches between effects and effectors, identify supporting events, and articulate complex relationships via visual analytics such as hypergraphs. These tools are expected to dramatically enhance decision speed, accuracy, confidence, and user experience for operational decision-makers working within dynamic, high-intensity operational environments against peer adversaries.

  Researchers with expertise in artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, software engineering, decision theory, and defense applications would find this opportunity particularly relevant. Units such as the Institute for Systems Research (ISR), the Maryland Robotics Center (MRC), the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS), and the Department of Aerospace Engineering (AE) are especially well-positioned to contribute to this initiative. Faculty members with expertise in AI-driven decision-making and simulation, human-machine teaming and trust, and visual analytics and data visualization for decision support, would have a strong interest in the technical challenges posed by the DASH initiative.

Department of the Army
New Program

• W911W625R0006 Aviation and Missile R&D BAA 
  The AMRD BAA invites concept papers and full proposals aimed at overcoming existing technological barriers through basic and applied research, exploratory development, and technology maturation activities. Proposed efforts should align closely with the Army Futures Command (AFC) Combat Capabilities Development Command’s (DEVCOM) Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC) mission. Specific technical topic areas include advancements in autonomous systems and intelligent teaming to enhance manned-unmanned teaming capabilities; development of avionics architectures and networks leveraging open system designs; experimental and computational aeromechanics for improved flight dynamics and acoustics; and innovative solutions in missile propulsion, warhead integration, guidance, and advanced sensors for air defense systems.

  Faculty and researchers from the A. James Clark School of Engineering (ENGR), particularly in Aerospace Engineering (AE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), and Computer Science (CMSC), as well as specialized centers like the Maryland Robotics Center (MRC), Institute for Systems Research (ISR), and the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site (UAS-TS), would find this opportunity particularly relevant. Researchers who specializes in adaptive structures and smart materials, rotorcraft dynamics and advanced propulsion, experimental aerodynamics; and autonomy and intelligent teaming, could significantly contribute to this program. 

Department of the Navy
Upcoming Program

• N00173-25-RFI-MR19 R&D Survivability & Fire Protection Systems Development 
  This NRL initiative focuses on comprehensive fire safety and survivability R&D, requiring expertise in experimental fire protection engineering, firefighting agent technology development, computational fire hazard modeling, passive fire safety strategies, and innovative firefighting doctrines. Core activities will include experimental and theoretical analysis of novel fire extinguishing agents, addressing environmental impacts such as PFAS reduction, as well as developing agent delivery mechanisms suitable for Navy applications. Key tasks involve performing small- and large-scale fire performance testing—particularly transitioning fluorine-free foams (F3) from freshwater to saltwater applications—developing new military specifications, and providing instrumentation and data acquisition system (DAQ) support for NRL’s newly commissioned Large Volume Fire Research Facility.

  Researchers from the Department of Fire Protection Engineering (FPE) within the A. James Clark School of Engineering (ENGR), including the Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering (MAGE) program, are well-positioned for this opportunity. Faculty specializing in fire detection and suppression systems, combustion and fire suppression, fire hazard assessment and advanced modeling, and fire dynamics modeling and simulations, would find this solicitation highly relevant. Additionally, collaborative support could be provided by centers such as the Center for Disaster Resilience (CDR) and the UAS Test Site for field testing and instrumentation integration.

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