Announcements

Events

Doing Business With ARPA-H

Date & Time: November 13, 2024 @ 3pm

Open to the public, specifically for entities doing business with or interested in doing business with ARPA-H for R&D projects. More information here.

NIH Career Development (K) Writing Group

Begins: November 7th, 2024, 12pm

The University of Maryland’s Research Development Office is offering a 6-session writing group for faculty and fellows who are preparing a K application to NIH.  The writing group structure is designed to guide applicants through the proposal development process to set them up for the February/March submission deadlines. The sessions will be interactive and all participants will be required to draft several key proposal components and serve as peer reviewers for one another. To receive priority consideration, please email Michelle Smith (msmith02@umd.edu) for more information.

DoD Early Career Research Programs | Info Session and Panel Discussion

November 12, 2024, 3 PM 

Join us for a Zoom info session and panel discussion on the 4 major DoD early career research programs (DARPA, AFOSR, ONR, ARO). After a presentation on each program’s purpose, focal areas, funding allotments, and anticipated deadlines, Michelle Mazurek (CS) and Cody Buntain (INFO) will share their experience and guidance via panel discussion.  

Baltimore Avenue Connected Communities—Smart Cities—Roundtable

Date: Friday, November 15, 2024, 2:00-3:30 via zoom.  

Join the Smart Cities Initiative for an inspiring session featuring keynote speaker Dr. Tania D. Mitchell, UMD Associate Provost for The Center for Community Engagement. Previously at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Dr. Mitchell is renowned for her work in fostering leadership for social change and advancing service-learning in higher education.

Following her address, we’ll host a panel of community leaders representing non-profits, businesses, and local governments, offering valuable insights into collaboration and community engagement. Don't miss this opportunity to connect and learn!

Please register by Zoom. If you have any trouble registering, or have any questions, please reach out to Tara Burke (tburke13@umd.edu).

Center for Advanced Research Training & Innovation (CARTI) Webinars

hosted by the University of Maryland School of Medicine and open to all UMD researchers: 

Funding Info Session: NIH High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program

Date/Time: Tuesday, November 12, 9am-10:30am (zoom)
The High-Risk, High-Reward Research program supports “exceptionally creative scientists pursuing highly innovative research with the potential for broad impact in biomedical or behavioral science”. This session will cover the NIH Director’s Pioneer, New Innovator, Transformative Research, and Early Independence awards. Click here for more information.

Understanding the NIH Review, including new simplified criteria

Date/Time: Tuesday, November 19, 1:00-2:00 (zoom)
This session will cover how NIH research applications are scored and peer reviewed. In addition, this session will provide an overview of the new simplified framework for the peer review of most research project grant (RPG) applications beginning with submissions due on or after January 25, 2025.

Strategies for Maintaining Perseverance and Securing Grant Funding

Date/Time:  Thursday, November 21, 1:00 - 1:30pm (Zoom)
Securing independent research funding is challenging, particularly in these extremely competitive times. This session will include tips for maintaining research momentum and morale in the path to securing independent funding.

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

Proactively engaging with new government program managers can significantly enhance your research visibility and funding opportunities. By presenting your technologies using a quad chart, you can effectively communicate your innovations and their potential impact. Schedule a time with Patrick M. Mendez, UMD’s Research Development Capture Director, to discuss your technology and identify potential federal customers who might align with your research interests. Let's collaborate to bring your research to the forefront!

New and Upcoming Programs

Internal

• UMD Reproductive Health Community of Interest: The Division of Research, in partnership with the School of Public Health (SPH), is interested in hearing from faculty who conduct research in/related to reproductive, maternal, or women’s health. Information gathered from faculty will be used to identify shared research initiatives and goals across campus and inform next steps, including an initial convening tentatively planned for February 2025. By aligning faculty expertise across these areas, we can showcase our collective expertise, strengthen multidisciplinary collaborations, and maximize research and policy impact in the state and nation. 
  • If interested, please complete this Google form and share with other faculty collaborators. Questions can be directed to Dr. Marie Thoma (Family Science, SPH), who will be leading these efforts (mthoma@umd.edu).

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

• New Funding Opportunity
  2025-NIST-CHIPS-AIAE-Sustainability-01: FY 2025 CHIPS AI/AE for Rapid, Industry-informed Sustainable Semiconductor Materials and Processes (CARISSMA) 
  • The CARISSMA program, funded under the CHIPS Act, aims to enhance the sustainability and performance of the U.S. semiconductor industry through collaborative, university-led research. This initiative is designed to accelerate the development, synthesis, and adoption of environmentally responsible semiconductor materials and manufacturing processes. The program seeks to foster partnerships between academia, industry, government labs, and emerging research institutions (ERIs) to drive forward AI-powered autonomous experimentation (AI/AE) capabilities. CARISSMA focuses on co-optimizing power, performance, area, cost (PPAC), and sustainability metrics, ultimately reducing the semiconductor industry's environmental footprint, such as water and energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Funded projects under CARISSMA are expected to support semiconductor manufacturing’s long-term viability by establishing AI/AE infrastructure at research institutions, promoting co-optimization targets, and preparing technologies for high technology readiness levels.
    In addition to advancing sustainable technology, CARISSMA prioritizes workforce development and inclusive opportunities for ERIs, aiming to create a robust AI/AE talent pool for the semiconductor sector. The program encourages significant industry involvement and collaboration with environmental and health-focused organizations to ensure the research outputs are market-ready and environmentally sound. Expected program activities include forming a Research Advisory Board, creating technology transfer pathways, expanding AI/AE research infrastructure, and integrating sustainability into research and training models for students and faculty. Through these efforts, CARISSMA will help establish a new cadre of experts in sustainable semiconductor manufacturing, propelling the U.S. toward global leadership in the field.
    A competitive response to this NOFO will take a multidisciplinary approach across UMD. Our researchers with expertise in AI, materials science, and semiconductor innovation are particularly well-aligned with CHIPS R&D’s goals. Faculty in the Institute for Systems Research, the Maryland Robotics Center, and the Maryland NanoCenter could contribute AI and automation systems expertise, while those in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, such as those with expertise in nanofabrication and photonic materials, would be well-suited to tackle semiconductor sustainability challenges. Our expertise is critical for building the advanced infrastructure necessary to support this work and mentor students in the AI/AE workforce development track, creating a legacy of capabilities in both cutting-edge research and a skilled workforce that will benefit both UMD and the broader U.S. semiconductor industry. (11/8 informational webinar; 1/13/25 mandatory concept paper deadline)

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) (New Programs)

• DARPARA2501: DARPA Young Faculty Award (YFA) 2025
  The YFA program aims to support rising stars in academia and non-profit research institutions by exposing them to Department of Defense (DoD) needs and DARPA’s mission of preventing and creating technological surprise. With the YFA program, DARPA aims to build a new generation of researchers committed to national security issues, enabling transformative advancements through high-impact funding. UMD researchers within the physical sciences, materials science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum systems may find this opportunity particularly relevant, as the YFA enables pioneering solutions in alignment with DARPA’s mission to drive revolutionary progress in defense-related science, technology, and applications.(11/18 executive summary deadline)
• DARPA-PA-24-04-02: Switchable Reactives and Energetics (SeREne)
  The SeREne program aims to develop advanced energetic materials that can shift between safe and high-performance states. The program seeks to address the dual challenge of safety and performance in energetic materials by making them switchable and tunable, allowing for greater ease of handling without sacrificing effectiveness. Researchers will work to engineer materials at a molecular level, enabling them to alternate between states with minimal energy input. With potential applications in both defense and dual-use fields, SeREne invites interdisciplinary collaboration across chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering, physics, and aerospace engineering. UMD departments such as Chemistry and Biochemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, IREAP, and Aerospace Engineering may find this program particularly relevant given our strengths in materials development, chemical engineering, energetics, and applied physics. (12/2 full proposal deadline)
• DARPA-PA-24-04-03: NIMBle Ultrafast microSystems (NIMBUS)
  The NIMBUS Disruption Opportunity aims to advance micro-mechanical oscillator technology for precision navigation in GPS-denied environments. It focuses on developing tethered MEMS devices capable of operating near the material’s fracture velocity, enhancing sensor scale factors crucial for rapid, accurate positioning. With a two-phase, 24-month project structure, the program prioritizes high-impact, scalable designs with demonstrated resilience. UMD researchers working in MEMS design, non-linear dynamics, and high-precision microfabrication may find this program particularly relevant. (12/18 full proposal deadline)
• HR001125S0002: I2O Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement
  The Information Innovation Office (I2O) creates groundbreaking science and develops transformational capabilities in the informational and computational spheres to surprise adversaries and maintain enduring advantages for national security. I2O programs address elements of four key thrust areas:  
   
  • Proficient artificial intelligence (AI): seeks to (1) advance the state of the art of AI, (2) apply state-of-the-art AI to create new capabilities for national security, and (3) develop techniques to mitigate the threats posed by state-of-the-art AI systems. The predominant research challenge on the path to proficient AI is defining and creating trustworthy AI systems, including in the face of attacks by skilled, high-resource adversaries. In these efforts, I2O will leverage the AI Forward initiative to explore new directions for AI research that will result in safe, secure, and trustworthy systems for national security missions.
  • Resilient, adaptable, and secure systems: aims to dramatically enhance the security and resilience of both new and legacy software, with a focus on practical and scalable approaches. The portfolio emphasizes formal methods development while leveraging AI and machine learning. Techniques and tools are provided to both the broad community (for example, as open-source software), the defense industrial base, and the Department of Defense (DOD). 
  • Advantage in cyber operations: leverages and advances state-of-the-art AI and secure resilient system technologies to produce trustworthy cyber tools and capabilities that operate beyond the capacity or speed of humans. Efforts in this thrust anticipate adversary countermeasures to create enduring capabilities for cyber defenders or warfighters.
  • Confidence in the information domain: focuses on protecting, detecting attacks on, and measuring the health of the information domain, broadly construed. This domain spans the cognitive level of beliefs and attitudes; the knowledge level of scientific discourse, the financial system, supply chains, etc.; the tracking level, which records the digital dust we all leave behind when interacting with the myriad digital devices required by modern life; and finally, the transport level, which delivers electronic messages in many forms and with various gradations of observability. 
  • I2O may also consider submissions outside these thrust areas if the proposal involves the development of novel capabilities having a promise to provide decisive information advantage for the United States and its allies. I2O seeks unconventional computational approaches that are outside the mainstream, challenge accepted assumptions and have the potential to radically change established practices, and the state of the art. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in software science, technology, or systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of the art. (White papers are accepted on a rolling basis until 10/01/2025)

DARPA (Upcoming Proposers Day and Workshop)

• DARPA-SN-25-07: Freedom's Forge 2.0
  This workshop seeks to advance agile and scalable manufacturing processes essential for rapid, responsive defense production. Focused on developing technologies that enable cost-effective, flexible manufacturing for the Department of Defense, the workshop addresses challenges in reconfigurable tooling, automated assembly, and model-based quality control. The program would be of particular interest to UMD researchers in fields like mechanical engineering, systems engineering, and robotics. UMD faculty specializing in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and applied data analytics would find rich opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. (11/15 application deadline)
• DARPA-SN-25-09: Quantum Sensing of Neutrinos (QuSeN)
  This is an upcoming proposers day for the QuSeN program. QuSeN aims to develop advanced neutrino detectors to enhance capabilities for identifying nuclear reactors and materials through precision sensing of neutrino emissions. By leveraging quantum sensors and technologies inspired by quantum computing, QuSeN seeks to capture low-energy signals from neutrino-matter interactions. UMD researchers specializing in quantum mechanics, neutrino physics, and advanced sensor technologies may find this program of interest. A bespoke team of faculty across Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Quantum Computing may be able to provide key insights into the development of the program's foundational sensor. (11/7 registration deadline)

Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Agency (IARPA) (New Program)

• DOIDFBO250005: Superior Options for Long-life Solar Technologies with Impressive Conversion Efficiencies (SOLSTICE)
  The SOLSTICE program seeks to advance ultra-efficient, resilient solar-powered energy conversion systems adaptable to space (Track 1) and terrestrial environments (Track 2). Focusing on high-yield, lightweight, and durable systems, SOLSTICE encourages innovative designs that efficiently convert solar and other environmental energy into power with minimal degradation over time. Achieving high output while reducing reliance on foreign supply chains is critical, as are novel materials and design synergies to address unique deployment and durability challenges.
  The three-phased program structure promotes a rigorous progression from proof-of-concept (Phase 1) to prototype demonstrations (Phase 2) and scalability assessments (Phase 3), ultimately enabling systems capable of long-term missions in extreme conditions. Each phase emphasizes co-design across disciplines, from thermal management and advanced optics to AI-assisted modeling and power electronics, supporting the creation of versatile, high-performing power solutions for diverse environments.
  UMD researchers in areas such as materials science, quantum engineering, mechanical engineering, and artificial intelligence are well-positioned to contribute to SOLSTICE. Faculty expertise in condensed matter physics, solar cell technology, and systems engineering, along with facilities supporting advanced material design and thermal analysis, could support the program’s ambitious goals for high-efficiency, resilient solar energy systems. (12/9 white paper deadline) 

Department of Energy (DOE) (New Programs)

• DE-FOA-0003482: Quantum Computing for Computational Chemistry program (QC3) 
  QC3 aims to harness the transformative power of quantum computing to accelerate energy innovation. Computation plays an essential role in modern R&D, but classical computers struggle to simulate quantum systems with the speed, scale, and accuracy necessary to advance many commercial energy applications.This program will support the R&D of scalable, generalizable quantum computing approaches to computational chemistry and materials science. These approaches will be exponentially faster than the classical computing state-of-the-art (SoA), improving speed, accuracy, or problem size by 100 times (100x). This could result in a cumulative energy impact of 1 quadrillion British thermal units (1 quad), which is equal to a reduction of roughly 1 gigaton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions from energy-related activities.
  The QC3 program focuses on developing and applying quantum algorithms in key energy research areas where classical methods are insufficient. This includes the development of quantum chemistry algorithms, their translation into quantum circuits or analog programs, and rigorous validation against classical benchmarks and experiments. The goal is to validate these algorithms on a quantum computer with approximately 100 logical qubits to show scalability and practical advantages over classical computation for energy applications. UMD researchers specializing in quantum computing, computational chemistry, and materials science could find the QC3 program aligned with their expertise. Faculty working on quantum algorithms, quantum hardware optimization, and energy-efficient material modeling, particularly those with experience in scaling quantum solutions for complex simulations, would be well-positioned to contribute to QC3's ambitious goals for accelerating energy innovation through quantum computing. (11/21 concept paper deadline) 
• DE-FOA-0003488: Galvanizing Leaps in Advanced Super INsulating Glass (GLASING)
  The GLASING program aims to develop Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) for new and retrofit applications that have more than three times the thermal performance of the 50-year-old double-pane IGU technology in wide use at competitive cost and optical performance. This program leverages advances in materials, manufacturing, design, and reliability. Areas of interest include but are not limited to the following:
   
  • Rapidly manufacture Vacuum Insulated Glazings (VIGs), using unconventional edge sealing materials and processes, innovative methods to create or place spacers, and efficient establishment of the required vacuum; and
  • Dramatically reduce the time required to manufacture aerogels in the required thicknesses while maintaining acceptable levels of clarity and haze.
  • The GLASING program seeks to overcome technology barriers to developing high performance IGUs suitable for new and retrofit markets that are cost competitive with double-pane IGUs with low-emissivity (low-e) coating and argon fill. The program encourages the formation of multidisciplinary teams with expertise in relevant areas such as materials, simulation, thermal analysis, manufacturing, industrial engineering, techno-economic analysis, reliability, chemistry, and other fields. Each team will develop 0.6 m by 0.6 m IGU prototypes with whole-window R-values exceeding R-10. Technical designs and processes developed by teams will be evaluated by industrial equipment designers to ensure commercialization viability and the ability to scale to mass manufacturing. Thermal, optical, and durability testing of the IGU prototypes will be performed by third-party certifiers. (11/26 concept paper deadline)
     

DOE Upcoming Program

• ARPA-E SPARKS aims to provide a continuing opportunity for the rapid support of early-stage applied research to explore innovative new concepts with the potential for transformational and disruptive changes in energy technology. This FOA seeks concepts that, if successful, would represent a fundamentally new paradigm in energy technology with the potential to make a significant impact on ARPA-E’s statutory goals. Concepts of particular interest have the potential to (1) achieve percentage-level reductions in U.S. energy consumption, energy-related imports, or greenhouse gas emissions; (2) improve the resilience, reliability, and security of energy infrastructure; and/or (3) improve the management, clean-up, and disposal of nuclear byproducts. (11/7 anticipated FOA release date) 

Navy

• Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division: FY25 Propulsion and Power Technology Development Program is interested in receiving innovative white papers across multiple areas to enhance aircraft and fleet performance through advanced technology development. Key areas include:
   
  • Advanced Electrical Power Systems (BAA 121): Projects aimed at improving electrical power density, reliability, efficiency, and diagnostics for Navy aircraft. This includes power generation, energy storage, thermal management, and the integration of advanced systems to support future aircraft needs.
  • Fuel and Lubricant Technology (BAA 122): Focused on developing fuel and lubricant technologies to expand operational capabilities, enhance fuel quality, and support Navy fuel needs in evolving environments. Research aims to improve fuel readiness, interoperability, and readiness response.
  • Aircraft Operational Energy Technology (BAA 123): Targets operational energy improvements for aircraft to increase mission capabilities and efficiency without compromising safety. Solutions should be ready for fleet transition by 2028 and focus on energy management, thermal components, and drag reduction.
  • Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) and Health Monitoring (BAA 124): Develops diagnostics, prognostics, and health-monitoring technologies to transition from reactive to predictive maintenance, enhancing safety and reducing costs. Research areas include fault detection, predictive analysis, and open-system architecture.
  • Advanced Propulsion System Technology (BAA 125): Seeks propulsion advancements for turbofan, turboprop, and rotorcraft engines to extend mission range, improve thrust-to-weight ratios, and reduce fuel consumption and lifecycle costs. This includes the development of new engine components, testing, and validation for improved operational capability.
  • Each program encourages concept feasibility, detailed design, and validation, with flexible timelines ranging from one to five years. Proposals should demonstrate significant impact on Naval operations, readiness, affordability, and environmental compliance, offering options for scalability and future Navy integration.(White papers are accepted until 9/30/25)

Advanced Research Projects Agency - Health (ARPA-H)

• ARPA-H Computational ADME-Tox and Physiology Analysis for Safer Therapeutics - CATALYST: 
  This solicitation aims to revolutionize preclinical drug safety prediction by developing human-based models that accurately estimate toxicity and safety profiles for drug candidates. Proposed solutions will span three technical areas: (TA1)-data discovery and deep learning methods for drug safety models, (TA2)-living systems tools for model development, and(TA3)-in silico models of human physiology. 
  Solution Summaries due November 25, 2024.
• Doing Business With ARPA-H, November 13, 2024: is open to the public, specifically for entities doing business with or interested in doing business with ARPA-H for R&D projects. Register before November 8, 2024.

Requests for Information (RFIs): RFIs offer guidance to the federal government on specific areas of interest. Researchers can respond to RFIs to influenceprovide a framework for influencing policy decisions and shaping future funding calls. For questions or support on RFIs, please contact Patrick M. Mendez (pmendez1@umd.edu). RFI due dates are noted in parentheses listed.

• DOE RFI on Frontiers in AI for Science, Security, and Technology (FASST) (11/11)
• ARPA-E RFI on Plant Genetic Engineering for Energy Applications (11/11) 
• NSF RFI on research ethics provision in the CHIPS and Science Act (11/15)
• DARPA RFI on Low-Noise RF Photonic Microwave Oscillators (11/16)*new
• ARL RFI on University Partnership Models (11/21)*new
• ARMY RFI on AI Driven Solutions for Combat Feeding Division (11/22) *new
• DOD RFC on rule requiring public access to results of federally funded research (11/25)
• NIST Safety Considerations for Chemical and/or Biological AI Models (12/03) 
• DARPA Cost Efficient Cargo (12/20)
• EERE Technology and Market Potential of Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) Systems (12/31)

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