The Water Resources Research Institutes National Competitive Grants program for PFAS substances is now accepting proposals

05.14.21 – Ames, IA – The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Institutes for Water Resources, requests proposals for research projects to address PFAS. For the 2021 National Competitive Grants Program, proposals must address one of two priority areas:

  • Research on the fate, persistence, transport, and impacts of per-and polyflouroalkyl (PFAS) substances on changes to water quality and/or ecosystem dynamics, in water resources, including surface water and groundwater.
  • Social and/or economic assessment of the spread, detection, impacts, solutions, and management of PFAS in surface and/or groundwater.

Any investigator at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States is eligible to apply for a grant through a Water Research Institute or Center established under the provisions of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984, as amended (http://water.usgs.gov/wrri/index.php). Proposals involving substantial collaboration between the USGS and university scientists are encouraged. Proposals may be for projects of 1 to 3 years in duration and may request up to $250,000 in federal funds. Investigators much match one non-federal dollar to each federal dollar requested.

The deadline for submissions to the Iowa Water Center is June 15, 2021 by 5PM Central Time The submission process differs from previous years, requesting full proposal submissions to the Iowa Water Center. Investigators are encouraged to read through the 104(g) Iowa Submission Guidelines prior to reviewing the PFAS FY2021 announcement.

 104(g) Iowa Submission Guidelines

104(G) FY2021 announcement

Instructions for the 104g Budget Spreadsheet

Budget Sheet

Budget Justification

The Water Resources Research Institutes National Competitive Grants program (104G) is now accepting proposals

05.14.21 – Ames, IA – The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Institutes for Water Resources, requests proposals for research projects to improve and enhance the nation’s water supply and availability and promote the exploration of new ideas that address or expand our understanding of water problems. For the 2021 National Competitive Grants Program, proposals must address one of three priority areas:

  • Socioeconomics and water use – includes the development of water use models that require understanding of what drives the timing and location of water being withdrawn and used and how those relations change when climate impacts the use or conservation/management strategies (culture/societal/economics) are implemented.
  • Water related hazards and public health – exploration of the intersections of land/water use, disease vector mechanisms, and water hazards, climate change, and/or irrigation practices. Research may include advancing our understand of these connections as they affect the development rates of pathogens impacting public health.
  • Exploration and advancement of our understanding of harmful algae blooms (HABs). Proposals are sought that focus on innovations in monitoring the occurrence of HABs and algal toxins, research on factors that result in algal toxin production, and improvements in near-real time modeling and forecasting of toxin-producing blooms.

Any investigator at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States is eligible to apply for a grant through a Water Research Institute or Center established under the provisions of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984, as amended (http://water.usgs.gov/wrri/index.php). Proposals involving substantial collaboration between the USGS and university scientists are encouraged. Proposals may be for projects of 1 to 3 years in duration and may request up to $250,000 in federal funds. Investigators much match one non-federal dollar to each federal dollar requested.

The deadline for submissions to the Iowa Water Center is June 15, 2021 by 5PM Central Time The submission process differs from previous years, requesting full proposal submissions to the Iowa Water Center. Investigators are encouraged to read through the 104(g) Iowa Submission Guidelines prior to reviewing the 104(G) FY2021 announcement.

 

104(g) Iowa Submission Guidelines

104(G) FY2021 announcement

Instructions for the 104g Budget Spreadsheet

Budget Sheet

Budget Justification

Iowa Water Center Announces Available Research Grants

The Iowa Water Center Annual Competitive Grants Competition is open for faculty and graduate students at accredited institutions in the State of Iowa. This year, the Iowa Water Center is offering two funding opportunities: Graduate Student Supplemental Research Competition and a Targeted Seed Grant Research Competition.

The Graduate Student Supplemental Research Competition has funding of up to $5,000 for one-year projects for a maximum of three graduate students nearing completion of their program of study. This program allows for students to complete additional research objectives or products beyond the scope of their current water-related funded project. For this opportunity, proposals must address topics related to water resource management in Iowa. Iowa Water Center staff is available to assist students in the development of their submissions.

The Targeted Seed Grant Research Competition is intended to address the most pressing water research needs in Iowa, as determined by Iowa Water Center Advisory Board. The focus area for this opportunity is to assess the impacts of COVID-19 on water, the environment, and connected social-ecological systems. Potential topics of interest regarding COVID-19 impacts include precipitation and discharge; lakes, rivers, and streams; water infrastructure; effluent management, and water quality; and virus transport in the aquatic environment. Funding is available for up to $20,000 for this funding opportunity.

Research proposals must follow RFP guidelines and can be submitted to the Iowa Water Center via email (send to iowawatercenter@iastate.edu). All applicants must provide an intent to submit notice by October 8, 2020 by 5PM Central Time.

Proposals are due October 15, 2020 by 5PM Central Time. Late proposals will not be accepted.

Access full RFP here.

Water Quality, Social Well-being Linkages Focus of Grant Opportunity

The Iowa Water Center and Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University will jointly fund research to explore the linkages between water quality and social well-being for Iowa communities.

The research focus for this request for proposals is social justice and equity issues surrounding populations impacted by water pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus. By seeking to understand downstream impacts and social well-being in relation to nutrient issues, the RFP will address the wellbeing of all members of society within the larger agroecosystem of the Mississippi River Basin.

Potential topics include:

  • Assessment of nutrient impacts on tourism/recreation,
  • Water quality impacts on rural communities and water utility associations,
  • Management and monitoring strategies by downstream communities,
  • Assessment of community and watershed coalition activities to address nutrient management issues.

Studies focused on human-health impacts do not qualify for this RFP.

“Water is a critical, though too-often overlooked, aspect of quality of life,” said Iowa Water Center Director Rick Cruse. “Potable water is vulnerable to the presence of excess nutrients. This can lead to disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities. We want to encourage new research on the social aspects of nutrient pollution, which is vitally needed as we seek to improve Iowa’s water quality for all our citizens.”

Projects must be led by Iowa State University, the University of Iowa or the University of Northern Iowa. Priority will be given to proposals that engage early career faculty or engage graduate and undergraduate students. Also, projects that include the U.S. Geological Survey as a partner will receive extra attention. Other research partners can include local communities, utilities, agencies, businesses and landowners.

Applicants must submit a proposal intention by Oct. 23, 2020, 5 p.m. CDT, with full proposals due Oct. 30, 5 p.m. CDT. Funded projects may start as early as December 2020 and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2021.  

The total amount available is $40,000 to support  one or multiple projects. Funding for this grant opportunity comes from the Iowa Nutrient Research Center and the Iowa Water Center. Matching funds are not required for this grant competition.

Access full RFP here.