Greetings Dornsife Faculty,

In this issue we include: 
– Accolade for distinguished Dornsife faculty member;
– External funding success for four PIs;
– External funding opportunities, including two limited submissions, both from the CDC, and an opportunity from Dornsife's Coprorate and Foundational Relations; and
– In addition to our reminder on zoom office hours for Research Administration concerns, we also include  (1) an announcement of an upcoming Center for Excellence in Research workshop, and (2) announcement of an informational session on funding opportunities with the German Research Foundation, a public funding agency in Germany.

 

Best regards,

Renee J. Perez, Vice Dean, Administration and Finance
Cathleen Crayton, Project Specialist, Research Administration

Viet Nguyen, English, is a recipient of the Bill of Rights Award bestowed by the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California to those whose work challenge the status quo and advances a more just and inclusive world.

Richard Brutchey, Chemistry, Corrosion-Resistant High Entropy Alloy Nanocrystals for Thermocatalytic CO2 Hydrogenation, American Chemical Society

 

Sarah Feakins, Earth Sciences, U.S. Science Support Program Office associated with the International Ocean Discovery Program (USSSP-IODP), Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York

 

Myron Goodman, Molecular and Computational Biology, Creation and Repair of Postreplicative DNA Gaps, University of Wisconsin – Madison

 

Arthur Stone, Psychology, Prognostic biomarkers for high-impact chronic pain: Development and validation, The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford, Junior University

 

***Limited Submission***

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Program: Epilepsy Incidence Among Children in the United States
NOFO #: RFA-DP-25-038

Synopsis: Supports projects that will contribute to a better understanding of epilepsy incidence, incidence disparities, and associated risk factors among the general U.S. pediatric population. The knowledge obtained from this study would help health officials shape public health policies based on epilepsy incidence burden and improve the quality of life for children with epilepsy and their families. Results will inform future research by identifying research gaps in epilepsy incidence as well as risk factors that underlie disparities.
Award details: Total maximum funding is $1.6M over 4 years. First year funding is a maximum $500K.
USC Internal announcement: https://rii.usc.edu/limited-submissions/rfa-dp-25-038/
External announcement on website: Epilepsy Incidence Among Children in the U.S. 
USC Internal due date: November 20, 2024.
Letter of Intent due date: December 12, 2024.
Application due date: January 23, 2024.
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***Limited Submission***

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Program: Comprehensive Analysis, Surveillance, and Statistics Initiative for Diabetes in the Young (CASSIDY)
NOFO #: RFA-DP-25-043
Synopsis: Supports projects that will conduct diabetes surveillance across health system and/or health plan membership-based centers to
- Estimate incidence and prevalence of diabetes in youth (< 18 years) and young adults (18–44 years) in the United States. These estimates are sought by diabetes type, demographic traits, health insurance status, and geographic area to identify disparities in diabetes burden, and
- Ascertain the prevalence of risk factors for diabetes complications, occurrence of acute and chronic diabetes complications, and use of diabetes medications among youth and young adults with diabetes.
Award details: The estimated total funding (direct and indirect) for the entire Period of Performance will be $12,800M. The period of performance is anticipated to run from 09/30/2025 to 09/29/2029.
USC Internal Announcement: https://rii.usc.edu/limited-submissions/rfa-dp-25-043/
External announcement on website: CASSIDY
USC Internal due date: November 20, 2024.
Letter of Intent due date: December 10, 2024.
Application due date: January 10, 2025.
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American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS)
Program: The Robert N. Ho Family Foundation Translation Grants in Buddhist Studies
Synopsis: Supports translations of important Buddhist texts for the benefit of contemporary audiences (e.g., communities of scholarship and Buddhist practice) who currently do not have access to them in their own languages. Applicants may propose the translation of works from any genre of Buddhist literature from any period and region. Priority will be given to the translation of works that have never been translated into a modern language. There are no restrictions as to the language of the final product prepared for publication. Collaborative projects are welcome. Individual applicants and leaders of collaborative teams must have Ph.D. degrees conferred by the application deadline. An established scholar who can demonstrate the equivalent of the Ph.D. in publications and professional experience may also qualify.
Award details: Up to $50K for a year.
Announcement on website: https://www.acls.org/competitions/the-robert-h-n-ho-family-foundation-translation-grants-in-buddhist-studies/
Application due date: December 3, 2024.
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American Antiquarian Society (AAS)
Program: 2025-2026 AAS-National Endowment for the Humanities Long-Term Fellowship
Synopsis: Supports scholars beyond the doctorate. All awards are for a period of residence to use the AAS library’s resources in Worcester, Massachusetts, for research and writing. AAS-NEH fellows are expected to be in regular and continuous residence at the Society. They must devote full time to their study and may not accept teaching assignments or undertake any other major activities during the tenure of their award. Fellows may hold other major fellowships or grants during fellowship tenure, in addition to sabbaticals and supplemental grants from their own institutions. Other NEH-funded grants may be held serially, but not concurrently.
Award details: $5K per month for 4 to 12 months.
Announcement on website: https://www.americanantiquarian.org/4-12-month-residential/aas-neh-long-term-fellowship
Application due date: January 15, 2025.
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American Mathematical Society (AMS)
Program: AMS Young Scholar Program
Synopsis: Supports summer mathematics programs in the United States for mathematically talented youth. The program aims to nurture those that are interested in mathematics by aiding summer programs that provide high school students with opportunities to engage with mathematics in a way that builds curiosity and confidence. Eligible applicants are considered those who have been in operation for a minimum of a year and be located in the U.S. As such, these very broad guidelines an array of organizations are welcome to apply. Programs may focus on any area of mathematics, pure or applied, and be of narrow or broad scope, including programs that may concentrate on problem solving and/or mathematical research. They may also be specifically targeted to one high school year (e.g., 9th graders), or to mathematically talented women or racial minorities. Programs that incorporate undergraduate or graduate students alongside mathematicians in their teaching are particularly encouraged, as well as those that attract members of underrepresented groups.
Award details: Awards range from $2.5K to $15K.
Announcement on website: https://www.ams.org/grants-awards/emp-epsilon
Application due date: January 22, 2025.
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Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation
Program: Fellowship Program
Synopsis: Supports departmental-nominated outstanding post-doctoral or junior faculty candidates who are investigating the causes, prevention, and treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD or depression, especially those from low-income families and under-resourced communities, or other minoritized populations that may have limited support and resources. The program seeks to support promising, early career scientists. Post-doctoral or junior faculty candidates from underrepresented and minoritized groups are encouraged to apply.
Award details: $50K per year for 2 years.
Announcement on website: https://klingenstein.org/klingenstein-third-generation-foundation/fellowship-program/applying/
Application due date: December 15, 2025.
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American Psychological Association
Program: APA Congressional Fellowship
Synopsis: Supports psychologists by providing an invaluable public policy learning experience, to contribute to the more effective use of psychological knowledge in government, and to broaden awareness about the value of psychology-government interaction among psychologists and within the federal government. Applicants must be a member of the APA, and a U.S. citizen. The program makes an exception for current psychology interns to apply for this fellowship. Interns may apply with certification from the director of training in their doctoral program stating they have met all but the internship requirement for their doctorate.  Applicants must demonstrate excellence in scientific and / or professional psychology; demonstrate knowledge of policy issues; make connections between psychology and solutions to society’s challenges; and be able to communicate and work collaboratively in a wide variety of areas.
Award details: $75K to $90K, depending on years of postdoctoral experience; $7,750 for professional development and reimbursement for health care.

Announcement on website: https://www.apa.org/about/awards/congress-fellow?tab=2
Application due date: January 2, 2025.
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Foundation for Aging
Program: Research Grants
Synopsis: Supports research that seeks to identify interventions, policies and practices to improve the well-being of adults 60 years of age and above and / or their caregivers. Preference is given to projects aimed at generating practical knowledge and guidance that can be used by advocates, policy-makers, providers, and the aging network. Projects must have national relevance across the U.S. Of particular interest are: (1) Interventional trials; translational studies; and health services and policy research
(2) Projects that build on the investigator’s past studies
(3) Proposals that include robust dissemination plans, if appropriate, to assure that findings reach audiences positioned to act on them.
Award details: Recent research grants have ranged from $50K upward to $200K. Applicants are encouraged to develop realistic budgets that include all expenses needed to effectively implement their projects. 10% of direct cost may be allocated to indirect cost.

Announcement on website: https://www.rrf.org/apply-for-a-grant/research-grants/
Letter of Intent due date: Letter of Intents are received 3 times a year. Next due date is February 5, 2025.
Proposal due date (invited): Proposers have one year from the LOI to submit a full proposal.
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Simons Foundation
Program: Flatiron Institute Inclusion, Diversity Equity Advocacy Scholar (IDEAS) Program
Synopsis: Supports and invites distinguished scientists interested in increasing diversity and improving equity and inclusion in the sciences for extended visits at the foundation’s intramural computational research division, the Flatiron Institute. IDEA Scholars may engage in various activities while in residence, such as working on scientific projects, starting new scientific collaborations, mentoring junior scientists, interacting with Flatiron scientific staff, giving talks, and organizing workshops, career development events and outreach activities. Scholars may propose activities they wish to lead or to participate in during their residency. Although a scholar’s research is likely to be anchored within one of the Flatiron centers, some activities might be institute-wide. Additional financial and administrative assistance will be provided to support activities such as workshops upon request. Eligible applicants are at the rank, at minimum, of assistant professor in a scientific discipline.
Award details: The program will cover scholars’ travel and local expenses. Scholars can also request a fixed supplement to support caregiving responsibilities.
Announcement on website: https://www.simonsfoundation.org/2024/11/01/applications-open-for-2024-2025-flatiron-institute-inclusion-diversity-equity-advocacy-idea-scholar-program-649/
Application due date: January 3, 2025.
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Water Foundation
Program: Safe Clean Water Grants Program (SCWO)
Synopsis: Supports projects that advance the goals of the SCWP, a program resulting from passage of Measure W— to fund projects and programs to increase stormwater capture and reduce stormwater pollution — by the voters of Los Angeles County in 2018. Proposals funded under this program must address one or more of the following objectives:
  -  Increase community  awareness of the SCWP and support community members in envisioning their own stormwater solutions.
  -  Support the development of stormwater project concepts that are responsive to community needs and priorities.
  -  Engage community members in active stewardship of neighborhood green stormwater infrastructure.
  -  Increase community understanding of stormwater management in the context of LA County's water systems, particularly in areas that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Award details: Funding is available at two levels: Tier 1: $500 to $5K; Tier 2: $5001 to $250K
Announcement on website: https://waterfdn.org/safe-clean-water-program/
Application due date: Rolling Applications. Due date for Period 2 evaluations is January 31, 2025; due date for Period 3 evaluations is April 4, 2025.
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PADI Foundation
Program: Grants
Synopsis: supports research and education related to aquatic environments. The Foundation will fund and assist worthwhile projects that either:
  -  Enrich mankind's understanding of aquatic environments and encourage sensitivity to and protection of ecosystems.
  -  Increase understanding of sport diving physics and physiology that will benefit the general diving public and add to the scientific understanding of man's relationship   and ability to survive in the underwater environment.
  -  Improve understanding of, and response to, hazards to humans and ecosystems related to climate change in coastal and ocean environments.
Award details: The foundation considers budget requests up to $12K, though grants on average are awarded $5K to $10K. Generally does not fund indirects, salaries or diving equipment.
Announcement on website: http://www.padifoundation.org/guides-deadlines.html
Application due date: January 15, 2025.
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Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Program: Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Fellowships
Synopsis: Supports graduate students and researchers from a variety of fields who share a common interest in the nonlinear dynamics of rotating, stratified fluids to share an intense ten-week research experience, and vigorous discussions of concepts that span different disciplines. Fellows pursue a research project under the supervision of the staff and present a lecture and a written report for a proceedings volume.
Award details: A stipend $8,430 and an allowance for travel expenses within the United States. Fellows are expected to fully participate for the full ten weeks of the program.
Announcement on website: https://gfd.whoi.edu/gfd-fellowships/
Application due date: February 5, 2025.
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The Elsa U. Pardee Foundation
Program: Innovative Cancer Research grants
Synopsis: Supports new scientists with cutting-edge ideas who are often denied private and government funding simply because they were unknown. The purpose of the foundation provides support for research in cancer to provide others with the advantages of new knowledge and techniques for the treatment of cancer.  It is anticipated that this early-stage funding by the Foundation may lead to subsequent and expanded support using government agency funding. Project relevance to cancer detection, treatment, or cure should be clearly identified. By design, there are no limits set on the grant amount that can be requested. It must be reasonable and clearly supported by the scope of the project outlined in the application.
Award details: Recent grants have ranged upward to $187,700. Indirects are limited to 5%.

Announcement on website: https://pardeefoundation.org/how-to-apply/
Application due dates: There are 3 application cycles every year: December 15, April 30, and August 31.
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American Epilepsy Society (AES)
Program: Postdoctoral Fellowships
Synopsis: Supports postdoctoral trainees conducting research into the causes, treatment, and consequences of epilepsy under the guidance of a mentor with expertise in epilepsy research. Proposals are welcomed across the spectrum of basic, translational, and clinical epilepsy research.

Award details: $50K for stipend and travel support to the AES Annual Meeting for one year, as well as a one-year AES membership.
Announcement on website: https://aesnet.org/
Proposal due date: January 16, 2025.
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Department of Defense (DoD) (in partnership with the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency)
Program: The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) Broad Agency Announcement FY2025

Synopsis: Supports research and development that addresses environmental issues relevant to the management and mission of DoD. SERDP-supported efforts lead to the development and application of innovative environmental technologies or methods that improve the environmental performance of DoD by improving outcomes, managing environmental risks, and/or reducing costs or time required to resolve environmental problems. The development and application of innovative environmental science and technology support the long-term sustainability of DoD’s installations and ranges, and significantly reduce current and future environmental liabilities. Within its broad areas of interest, the Program focuses on Environmental Restoration, Resource Conservation and Resilience, and Weapons Systems and Platforms. SERDP funds research and

development programs in basic and applied research and advanced technology development. SERDP is seeking proposals responding to Statements of Need (SONs)  https://serdp-estcp.mil/workwithus/solicitation?id=078a8263-a3e4-4cb5-a195-d91cc074c065 for projects.

Award details: The estimated total costs, including labor, materials, travel, burdens, and profit (fixed fee, if any, for eligible organizations) by year. A detailed breakout of costs is not required or desired in the pre-proposal. If selected for funding, proposers will be required to provide a certificate of current cost or pricing data prior to award in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation if the total contract value is expected to exceed $2M
Pre-Proposal due date: January 9, 2025.
Full Proposal due date (invited): March 14, 2024.
Announcement on website: SERDP

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Advanced Research Projects Agency — Energy (ARPA-E) / Department of Energy
Program: Disruptive DC Converters for Grid Resilient Infrastructure to Deliver Sustainable Energy (DC-GRIDS)
NOFO #: DE-FOA-0003499

Synopsis: Supports projects that will enable the rapid expansion of the grid’s capacity by making high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems cost-comparable with conventional alternating current (AC) technology. This will lead to higher grid resiliency, energy availability, performance, and lower deployment time (if HVDC can use the existing overhead and underground transmission infrastructure rights-of-way). The program will also enable true multi-directional power routing with flexible interconnections between new and existing AC and direct current (DC) lines, making integration of sustainable energy sources faster and easier. The program focus on 2 technical topics
- Category A: Novel submodules and modular high-voltage power electronic valves;
- Category B: Technologies that enable highly compact multi-terminal converter stations.
Award details: Awards will vary between $500K and $1M; 5% cost share (that is a reduced cost share percentage for universities)

Announcement on website: DC Grids Concept Paper 

Concept Paper due date: December 10, 2024
Full proposal due date (invited): TBD
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NSF / Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences – Division of Mathematical Sciences & Directorate for Biological Sciences – Multiple Divisions
Program: Emerging Mathematics in Biology (eMB)
Solicitation #: NSF 25-509
Synopsis: Supports research projects in mathematical biology that address challenging and significant biological questions through novel applications of traditional, but nontrivial mathematical tools and methods or the development of new mathematical theories particularly from foundational mathematics, including the mathematical foundation of Artificial Intelligence / Deep Learning / Machine Learning (AI/DL/ML) enabling explainable AI or mechanistic insight. The program emphasizes the uses of mathematical methodologies to advance our understanding of complex, dynamic, and heterogeneous biological systems at all scales (molecular, cellular, organismal, population, ecosystems, evolutionary, etc.). Examples of research challenges include (partial)
  -  Applications of foundational mathematics in genomics and other -omics applications;
  -  Modeling climate impacts on the organism and on biodiversity

  -  Modeling dynamical interactions between organisms (e.g., self/non-self recognition, host-symbiont, plant-animal, predator-prey, disease dynamics, and behavioral interactions)

Award details: Up to $6M program funds total for FY 25-26, subject to availability of funds and receipt of meritorious proposals for an award duration of 3 years

Announcement on website: https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/nsf25509.pdf
Proposal due date: March 3, 2025; March 1, annually thereafter.
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NIH / Multiple Institutes
Program: In-Depth Phenotyping and Research Using IMPC-Generated Knockout Mouse Strains Exhibiting Embryonic or Perinatal Lethality or Sub Viability (R01)
NOFO #: PAR-25-140
Synopsis: Supports projects that phenotype and / or perform research on embryonic lethal knockout mouse strains being generated through the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) of which the NIH Knockout Mouse Phenotyping Program (KOMP2) is a member. The mission of IMPC is to generate a comprehensive catalog of mammalian gene function that will provide the foundation for functional analyses of human genetic variation. Overall, the IMPC hopes to generate a null mutant and undertake broad-based phenotyping for every gene in the mouse genome. About 30% of these strains are expected to be either embryonic or perinatal lethal, or subviable. However, a large portion of homozygous lethal mutations are expected to have viable heterozygous phenotypes. The scientific community has the unique opportunity to leverage these mouse strains while they are being created and bred as part of the IMPC adult mouse phenotyping effort to perform additional in-depth phenotyping and research.
Award details: Budget request may be up to $499K for direct costs for a project period of 5 years.

Announcement on website: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-25-140.html
Letter of Intent due date: 30 days prior to submission of application.
Application due dates: 2 due dates for new applications in 2025. Next due date is June 5, 2025.

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NIH / National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Program: NINDS Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) for Training of Postdoctoral Fellows (F32 — Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award)
NOFO #: PAR-25-234
Synopsis: Supports outstanding scientific training of highly promising postdoctoral candidates with outstanding mentors. This NINDS F32 seeks to foster early, goal-directed planning and to encourage applications for bold and / or innovative projects by the candidate that have the potential for significant impact. Inclusion of preliminary data is strongly discouraged; rather, this F32 seeks innovative research ideas and thoughtful plans for training and mentorship that will facilitate the development of the postdoctoral fellow into an outstanding scientist. Applications are expected to incorporate strong training in quantitative reasoning and the quantitative principles of experimental design and analysis. Support by this program is limited to the first 4 years of a candidate's activity in a specific laboratory or research environment, so as to further encourage early, thoughtful planning and timely completion of “mentored training” within a particular lab or environment.

Award details: Award budgets are composed of stipends, tuition and fees, and institutional allowance for up to 3 years.

Announcement on website: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-25-234.html
Application due date: Due dates for all applications through 2027, (and 2028 for AIDS applications). Next due date for all applications except AIDS applications is February 10, 2025. Next due date for AIDS applications May 7, 2025.  Candidates are eligible to apply for support from this program from ~12 months prior to the start of the proposed postdoctoral position to within 12 months (or 18 months for resubmissions) after starting in the proposed postdoctoral position.

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NIH / National Institutes on Aging (NIA)
Program: Advanced Stage Development and Utilization of Research Infrastructure for Interdisciplinary Aging Studies
NOFO #: PAR-25-219
Synopsis: Supports biomedical, social, and behavioral research and research training directed toward greater understanding of the aging process and the diseases, special problems, and needs of people as they age. This NOFO utilizes NIH’s R33 Exploratory/Developmental Grants Phase II for advanced-stage development and utilization of novel research infrastructure to advance the science of aging in specific areas requiring interdisciplinary partnerships or collaborations. Areas of interest span NIA’s divisions, which include divisions of aging biology, behavioral and social research, geriatrics and clinical gerontology, and the division of neuroscience. Specific topics are listed in the NOFO by division, including types of proposals associated with this NOFO.
Award details: <$500K per year for direct costs. Maximum project period is 5 years.
Announcement on website: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-25-219.html
Application due dates: 2 due dates in 2025: July 2nd and November 3rd for new applications; August 4th and December 2nd for resubmissions, renewals and revised applications, as allowed.
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Dornsife Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR)
(contact Kerri Bennett at <kerriben@usc.edu> for more info)

 

BASF
Program: Quantum machine learning (QML) for predicting molecular spectral properties
Synopsis: Supports promising QML methods with the potential to exceed classical methods in terms of speed and accuracy to predict molecular spectral properties. Specifically, seeks Quantum computing algorithms that can be adapted to predict specific spectral properties of molecules

The developed method should ultimately be applicable to different molecules, perform well on provided datasets, and be demonstrated on similar use cases.
Award details: Matching funding will be available depending on the scope of the proposal received, as well as access to partners with expertise.
Announcement on website: https://www.halo.science/request_for_solutions/quantum-machine-learning
Application due date: December 31, 2024.
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Office of Research and Innovation

Center for Excellence in Research

 

Upcoming Workshop

 

Funding From Foundations for Arts and Humanities
This presentation will provide faculty in the arts and humanities with essential tools to successfully navigate the complex landscape of foundation funding. We will delve into effective strategies for identifying potential funding sources aligned with your research interests, understanding and interpreting Requests for Proposals (RFPs), crafting compelling grant proposals, and effectively managing limited submission policies.

Date: Friday, November 18, 2024                        Time:  12:00 PM

Zoom Registration: https://rii.usc.edu/cer/

Presenter: Dana Drew Irwin, Ph.D., Director of Foundation Relations, University Advancement

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German Research Foundation

(Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft: DFG)

 

Informational Session

 

DCG is Germany’s public funding agency in basic science. Researchers in Germany can apply for funding that integrates researchers in the United States into research projects and international collaboration. The DFG funds all disciplines. DFG is very interested in building a relationship with USC, by which DFG-funded researchers in Germany may come to the US to work with collaborators, and vice versa. Also, German citizens are encouraged to come to the US to work in US labs as postdocs. Particular areas of interest are collaborations that promote commercialization related to USC IP. Support could be available for German citizens could come to the US to work in a USC company, or potentially collaborations between USC startups and German companies. Please see the attached overview that details DFG’s main international funding opportunities. An informational session with Diego Rivera, DFG Program Manager, at USC for postdocs, faculty and administrators will take place on Thursday, November 21st Taper Hall (THH) 309K. 3-4pm PST. For more info, please contact diego.rivas@dfg.de or here 

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Office Hours for Help with Research Administration Questions
Every Wednesday from 3 to 4 p.m. via Zoom: USC Dornsife Research Administration is now offering weekly office hours via Zoom. Feel free to join to ask questions and connect with research administration staff.

Zoom: https://usc.zoom.us/j/94648152007?pwd=M1ZPQU81QmtWc3VZaHp6QnhnK0RSdz09
Meeting ID: 946 4815 2007
Passcode:  989008

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