research proposal on environmental policies

• Philanthropy News Digest

Environmental Research & Education Foundation invites proposals for waste management practices

The mission of the  Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is to advance scientific research and create educational pathways that enable sustainable innovation in sustainable waste management practices.

The EREF Board of Directors has set an initiative to ensure the research funded reflects EREF’s long-term strategic plan to address all areas of integrated solid waste management, with a strong focus towards research that increased sustainable solid waste management practices and has identified three key priorities that focus on the impacts of solid waste management, circular and sustainable materials management, and mitigating environmental risk and/or harm:

Climate Change Impacts/Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Quantification of greenhouse gas emissions, including direct measurement, modeling, data, and methodology; impacts and reduction strategies from waste management collection and disposal options, including waste-to-energy, landfill gas to energy, etc.; and impact of waste management activities, including how they related to broader emissions in manufacturing/re-manufacturing.

Emerging Contaminants: Potential impacts of emerging contaminants on waste management operations, including leachate disposal/treatment, composting facility operations, anaerobic digestion facilities, and digestate management; fate and transport/environmental and health impacts from emerging contaminants, including those managed by waste facilities; and best practices/effective management strategies during waste collection and disposal.

Advancing Materials Circularity and Recycling: Evaluation/efficacy of policies that impact waste management or circularity; assessment of trade-offs between environmental burdens associated with circular priorities (e.g., via LCA); and understanding barriers/benefits experienced across the value chain (e.g., end market, recycled content needs).

Submitted pre-proposals must relate to sustainable solid waste management practices and at least one of the three key priorities. The priorities are equally important, and proposals will not be rated more strongly for one priority area over another.

Previously awarded grants have ranged from $15,000 to over $500,000, with the average grant amount in recent years being $160,000 and the typical project duration about two years.

EREF defines solid waste to include municipal solid waste (e.g., residential, commercial, institutional), construction and demolition debris, certain industrial wastes (e.g., exploration and production), drilling/fracking waste (e.g., oil/gas waste), renewable energy infrastructure (e.g., solar panels, wind turbines) and other wastes typically managed by the solid waste industry or generated by the public not included in the above items (e.g., electronic waste, disaster debris, etc.).

This definition does not include agricultural wastes (not handled by the waste industry), mining wastes managed by the mining industry (e.g., tailings), nuclear waste, and land-applied wastewater treatment sludge.

Eligible applicants include United States or non-U.S.-based institutions, and proposals will be accepted from non-academic institutions, provided the principal investigators are qualified to conduct the research. Principal investigators typically include full-time faculty at academic institutions, post-doctoral employees, and principals or senior personnel at non-academic institutions.  

Pre-proposals will be accepted from 15 days before the deadline date and up to the close of business (5:00 p.m. ET) on the deadline date.  Proposals must be received during this window to be considered. 

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Environmental Research & Education Foundation website.

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Collection  26 September 2022

Climate, energy and environmental policy: from formulation to implementation

The sustained global economic growth achieved over the past half century has transformed the lives of billions of people, yet this has not come without costs. Increased economic activity has led to greater energy demands and reliance on non-renewable resources and widespread environmental degradation including climate change, deforestation, and high levels of air and water pollution. The challenge therefore facing governments and policymakers is to maximise the opportunities derived from increased economic activity and growth, while minimising adverse environmental impacts.

This Collection invites research (empirical, methodological and theoretical) concerned with all aspects of the formulation, adoption, and implementation of climate, energy, and environmental policies.

Articles are invited from a variety of geographic and disciplinary perspectives, including science and technology studies, science policy studies, public policy, political science, sociology, and philosophy. Research that advances specific policy proposals must be supported by rigorous analysis and balanced appraisal.

Contributions are invited on key themes, including but not limited to:

• All aspects of the policymaking process from problem identification, agenda setting, assessment of policy options, implementation, and evaluation;
• Processes, instruments and bodies to facilitate climate (change and adaptation), energy and environmental policymaking;
• Policymaking and regulation at all scales (local, national, regional and global) and contexts (e.g. city-, country- and region-specific);
• Production and use of evidence and expertise in developing policy;
• Considerations of the networks of power, influence and evidence-use contributing to policy formulation;
• Relationship between scientific evidence and other knowledge types (e.g., sectoral, local and indigenous);
• Policy decision-making processes in differing contexts (government, civil society, and corporate settings);
• Negotiation and design of regional and international agreements;
• Role of incentives and trade-offs in policy making, and the ramifications of non-compliance;
• Mechanisms for enabling public/non-expert participation in policymaking;
• Interplay of policymaking with economic, social, planning and political considerations;
• Perspectives on justice, equity and inclusion arising from policy adoption;
• Inter- and transdisciplinary initiatives (e.g., co-production and humanities-based research);
• Impacts of trade and investment on policy action.

Research focused on green electoral politics and activism should be directed to our sister collection Going green? Environmental politics and activism .

Stathis Arapostathis

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

Fateh Belaïd

King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, Saudi Arabia

Charlotte Unger

Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies e.V. (IASS), Germany

• Collection content
• How to submit
• About the Guest Editors
• Collection policies

The Paris Agreement’s inherent tension between ambition and compliance

Parties to the Paris Agreement face mounting social pressure to raise their ambition, thereby reducing the gap between individual pledges and collective temperature goals. Although crucial for inciting positive change, especially given that the Paris Agreement lacks an enforcement mechanism, it is also important to consider social pressure’s potential negative unintended consequences. First, it might undermine the Paris Agreement’s celebrated flexibility, which allows countries to design their Nationally Determined Contributions according to domestic conditions and capabilities. Second, it might result in widespread noncompliance by inciting pledges that the countries concerned prove unwilling or even unable to fulfill. Should that happen, confidence in the Paris Agreement and its institutions might falter. Further research is therefore needed to identify the scope conditions for social pressure to work effectively in the domain of international climate policy.

• Tatjana Stankovic
• Tora Skodvin

Digital infrastructure construction drives green economic transformation: evidence from Chinese cities

• Boqiang Lin

The price and income elasticities of natural gas demand in Azerbaijan: Is there room to export more?

• Sarvar Gurbanov
• Jeyhun I. Mikayilov
• Shahin Maharramli

Assessing climate justice awareness among climate neutral-to-be cities

• Nives Della Valle
• Giulia Ulpiani
• Nadja Vetters

Eco-tourism, climate change, and environmental policies: empirical evidence from developing economies

• Yunfeng Shang
• Ehsan Rasoulinezhad

Green finance, renewable energy development, and climate change: evidence from regions of China

• Yunpeng Sun
• Farhad Taghizadeh-Hesary

Economic experiments support Ostrom’s polycentric approach to mitigating climate change

• Manfred Milinski
• Jochem Marotzke

Configurational analysis of environmental NGOs and their influence on environmental policy in Turkey

Quick links.

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Articles on US environmental policy

Displaying 1 - 20 of 45 articles.

Which wetlands should receive federal protection? The Supreme Court revisits a question it has struggled in the past to answer

Albert C. Lin , University of California, Davis

What is wishcycling? Two waste experts explain

Jessica Heiges , University of California, Berkeley and Kate O'Neill , University of California, Berkeley

On environmental protection, Biden’s election will mean a 180-degree turn from Trump policies

Janet McCabe , Indiana University

American environmentalism’s racist roots have shaped global thinking about conservation

Prakash Kashwan , University of Connecticut

Fine-particle air pollution has decreased across the US, but poor and minority communities are still the most polluted

Jonathan Colmer , University of Virginia and Jay Shimshack , University of Virginia

Repealing the Clean Water Rule will swamp the Trump administration in wetland litigation

Patrick Parenteau , Vermont Law & Graduate School

Saving endangered species: 5 essential reads

Jennifer Weeks , The Conversation

Women are rising in the conservation movement, but still face #MeToo challenges

Megan Jones , Colorado State University and Jennifer Solomon , Colorado State University

Plastic bag bans can backfire if consumers just use other plastics instead

Rebecca Taylor , University of Sydney

EPA’s plan to regulate chemical contaminants in drinking water is a drop in the bucket

Laurel Schaider , Harvard University

George H.W. Bush understood that markets and the environment weren’t enemies

Matthew E. Kahn , USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Coal ash spill highlights key role of environmental regulations in disasters

Brian J. Gerber , Arizona State University and Melanie Gall , Arizona State University

Trump’s coal plan – neither clean nor affordable

Daniel Fiorino , American University School of Public Affairs

Ozone pollution in US national parks is nearly the same as in large cities

David Keiser , Iowa State University ; Gabriel E. Lade , Iowa State University , and Ivan Rudik , Cornell University

EPA staff say the Trump administration is changing their mission from protecting human health and the environment to protecting industry

Chris Sellers , Stony Brook University (The State University of New York) ; Lindsey Dillon , University of California, Santa Cruz , and Phil Brown , Northeastern University

The sage grouse isn’t just a bird – it’s a proxy for control of Western lands

John Freemuth , Boise State University

Scott Pruitt’s approach to pollution control will make the air dirtier and Americans less healthy

Robert Percival , University of Maryland

Trump proposal to weaken project reviews threatens the ‘Magna Carta of environmental law’

Janet McCabe , Indiana University and Cynthia Giles , University of Chicago

Is Earth’s ozone layer still at risk? 5 questions answered

A.R. (Ravi) Ravishankara , Colorado State University

The Trump administration, slanted science and the environment: 4 essential reads

Related topics.

• Air pollution
• Climate change
• Donald Trump
• Environmental law
• Environmental regulation
• Scott Pruitt
• Trump administration
• US Environmental Protection Agency
• Water pollution

Top contributors

Professor of Law Emeritus, Vermont Law & Graduate School

Professor of Practice of Law, Indiana University

Cecil D. Andrus Endowed Chair for Environment and Public Lands and University Distinguished Professor, Boise State University

Provost Professor of Economics and Spatial Sciences, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Associate Professor of Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School

Professor at the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley

Associate Professor of History, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara

Professor of Marine Science and Vice President for Science Applications, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Professor of History and Director of the Center for the Study of Inequalities, Social Justice, and Policy, Stony Brook University (The State University of New York)

Professor of History, University of Idaho

Associate Professor of Law, University of Virginia

Professor of Forestry and Environmental Conservation (Forest Resource Management and Economics), Clemson University

W. M. Keck Professor of Environmental Analysis and History, Pomona College

Professor of Environmental Law, University of Maryland

Dana and David Dornsife Professor of Psychology and Director of the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

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55 Remarkable Environmental Topics for Research Proposal

Explore the collection of great environmental research topics from field experts.

Environmental Research Topics: Features, Importance & Great Ideas

Environmental investigations entail investigating the natural world’s structure and function, the association between humans and the environment, and how people’s values, beliefs, and attitudes affect that association. Environmental research topics thus cover a wide range of subjects, including climate change, biodiversity, pollution, renewable energy, and sustainability.

How to Choose Environmental Topics for Research

Environmental investigations is a very broad field that offers a wide range of areas to investigate. So how can you choose a good one for your paper? First, always pick an issue from the area you are interested in. Working on your paper will be easier since you’ll be motivated to explore something you care about. From there, sort through your environmental topics for research to determine the following:

• Relevance – does the proposal theme address an environmental issue with significant societal implications, such as pollution or climate change?
• Originality –  does the investigation subject offer a new perspective on existing knowledge?
• Feasibility – are the environmental topics to research realistic and achievable based on the scope and your available resources?
• Scope – how broad is the matter of investigation? It shouldn’t be too broad or too narrow; it should be the right size to provide a comprehensive investigation.

When choosing environmental science research paper topics, avoid those that are too complex or require more resources and time than you can provide. Remember also to consider data availability, literature, funding, time, and ethical issues involved.

Environmental Topics for Research Paper Are Not Created Equal

Environmental science topics are created differently depending on your discipline, purpose, scope, and methodology. Thus, the approach used to formulate them differs as they will serve different purposes. For example, some are explanatory and will try to explain how something happens or works. Others will try to seek more knowledge about a subject(exploratory). Then, you might also encounter a few that compare and contrast two phenomena or situations.

When assessing investigation issues, carefully evaluate your goals and interests before committing to a specific one. Otherwise, you might get stuck. Luckily our research proposal writing services are always here to help you help to get out of even the most challenging situation!

The Most Actual Environmental Science Topics for an Excellent Proposal

Natural and human-made systems that shape our planet and affect its inhabitants are one of the most interesting areas to write a paper about. Check out these environmental topics for research paper to produce an engaging proposal.

1. Consequences of Climate Change Human Societies.

2. Challenges of Renewable Energy Technologies.

3. Recycling Initiatives and Their Implications on Reducing Pollution.

4. Challenges of Sustainable Management of Freshwater Resources.

5. The Impact of Low Air Quality on Human Health.

6. Effectiveness of Conservational Policies in Addressing Environmental Issues.

7. Impacts of Sustainable Transportation in Reducing Urban Ecological Footprint.

8. Effect of Marine Pollution on Marine Ecosystems.

9. Challenges Facing Sustainable Farming Practices.

10. Impacts of Electricity Generation on the Environment.

11. Ecological Hazards of Electronic Waste.

12. Tourism’s Negative Effect on Ecosystems.

Environmental science research topics are often flexible and can be broadened or narrowed down depending on the scope of your study.

Interesting Environmental Justice Topics

Environmental justice involves advocating for fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in implementing environmental laws and policies. Here’re exciting environmental justice topics for a good proposal.

1. Effect of Hazardous Waste Facilities on Minority Communities.

2. The Influence of Air Pollution Exposure on the Health of Marginalized Populations.

3. Effect of Unequal Distribution of Parks and Green Spaces in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods.

4. Relationship Between Indigenous Communities and Conservation Efforts.

5. Influence of Climate Change on Vulnerable Communities.

6. Differential Impacts of Natural Disasters on Marginalized Populations.

7. The Importance of Environmental Education in Empowering Disadvantaged Communities.

8. Barriers to Equitable Access to Healthy and Sustainable Food Options in Marginalized Communities.

9. Geographical Inequalities in Accessing Clean Water.

10. The Intersection Between Food Justice and Ecological Concerns.

11. The Link Between Exposure to Pollutants Hazards and Adverse Health Outcomes in Socially Disadvantaged Groups.

12. Barriers to Equitable Distribution of Resources and Assistance During Post-disaster Recovery in Marginalized Communities.

The above can provide great options for a research proposal about environmental problems and how they affect specific populations.

Insightful Environmental Economics Research Topics

Environmental economics research topics aim to understand the human activities impacting on the natural environment and human welfare. So if you are looking for decent quantitative research ideas , consider the following offered by our experienced investigator.

1. Effectiveness of Economic Incentives in Promoting the Adoption of Renewable Energy Sources.

2. Effect of Pollution Regulations on Automobile Manufacturing Industry Competitiveness.

3. Factors Promoting Economic Growth in Green Industries and Sustainable Sectors.

4. The Economic Influence of Urban Sprawl on Environmental Quality.

5. Economic Implications of Water Scarcity.

6. Economic Incentives for Conserving Biodiversity.

7. Economic Benefits of Investing in Renewable Energy Technologies.

8. The Economic Viability of Strategies to Reduce Plastic Pollution.

9. Effectiveness of Carbon Pricing Mechanisms in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

10. Economic Consequences of Natural Disasters.

11. Economic Importance of Disaster Preparedness and Resilience.

12. Economic Benefits of Transitioning From a Linear to a Circular Economy Model Focused on Resource Efficiency and Waste Reduction.

13. Role of Green Finance & Sustainable Investments in Supporting Eco-Friendly Projects and Businesses.

14. Efficient Water Pricing Mechanisms to Encourage Conservation.

Captivating Environmental Biology Research Topics

Environmental biology research topics will often try to assess the interaction between living organisms and their natural or human-modified environments. Check out these interesting issues to investigate for your biology research proposal .

1. Ways in Which Climate Change Affects the Distribution and Habitat Suitability of Plants.

2. Relationship Between Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health.

3. Role of Keystone Species in Maintaining Ecosystem Processes.

4. Human Factors Contributing to the Decline of Endangered Species.

5. Ecological Effect of Invasive Species on Local Ecosystems.

6. Factors Contributing to Pollinator Decline.

7. Ecological Consequences for Plant-Pollinator Interactions and Food Security.

8. Ecological Effects of Microplastics in Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems.

9. Shifts in the Timing of Seasonal Events in Animals in Response to Climate Change.

10. Ways in Which Changes in Land Use Impact Biodiversity.

11. Ways in Which Deforestation Impacts Ecological Communities.

12. Effects of Agricultural Pollutants on Ecosystems.

13. Challenges of Ecotoxicological Risk Assessments.

14. Ways in Which Wildlife Populations Adapt to Urban Environments.

15. Effects of Conservation on Human-Wildlife Interactions.

16. The Impact of Rising Carbon Dioxide Levels on Coral Reef Ecosystems.

17. The Influence of Marine Tourism on Marine Biodiversity.

DOWNLOAD Here More Environmental Research Proposal Ideas!

Importance of choosing the right environmental research paper topics.

Choosing the proper investigation issue is crucial for the success and impact of your paper. Topics related to environment issues tend to be complicated and demand a thorough understanding of the natural and social dimensions of the problem. But with the right choice, the writing process is much easier and gives a better chance to produce a quality paper.

Poor environmental research paper topics will waste your time, resources and even cause frustration when investigators struggle to meet the word count. So, choose your subjects of investigation wisely or request expert help if you need extra support.

While the above topics for environmental research papers might prove useful, sometimes picking a subject of investigation and working on a proposal can be daunting. But you shouldn’t worry. We have a large team of experienced writers ready to work on your paper and final paper. You only need to send your instructions, and they’ll embark on the task.

We’re here to help with your proposal. So drop us a line anytime you may need professional assistance!

Ph.D. in Environmental Policy

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 31
• Students: 13
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 100%
• Part time study available: No
• Application terms: Fall
• Application deadline: December 14

Erika Weinthal Director of Graduate Studies University Program in Environmental Policy Duke University Box 90328 Durham, NC 27708-0328 Phone: (919) 613-8002

Email:  [email protected]

Website: https://nicholas.duke.edu/academics/doctoral-degrees

Program Description

The University Program in Environmental Policy (UPEP) is a multidisciplinary, research-focused five-year doctoral degree, intended to prepare candidates for positions in applied academic departments and professional schools (e.g., environment and natural resources, public policy, public administration, international affairs), domestic and international public agencies and environmental organizations, research institutes, and policy consulting firms.  Although the program is multidisciplinary, it is designed to ensure that students have strength in a particular social science discipline.  Students designate their concentration when applying and currently may select either environmental economics or environmental politics.

Students interested in doctoral studies at Duke can also study the environment from a social science perspective through the disciplinary PhD program in Economics and PhD program in Political Science, and the interdisciplinary PhD program in Marine Science and Conservation.  Students interested in an applied social science degree without a specific focus on the environment should apply to the PhD program in Public Policy Studies.  Students interested in natural science aspects of the environment should consider the PhD program in Environment, PhD program in Earth and Ocean Sciences, PhD program in Marine Science and Conservation, and PhD program in Ecology.

UPEP is the first and only PhD program in the United States jointly administered by a school of the environment and a school of public policy.  It provides a focal point for faculty and graduate students in the Nicholas School of the Environment and the Sanford School of Public Policy who are interested in environmental policy.  It draws on the intellectual resources of not only the two schools but also related disciplinary departments (Economics, Political Science) and other professional schools (Law School, Fuqua School, Pratt School of Engineering) at Duke.  Faculty in the program conduct research on economic and political aspects of a wide range of topics, including air and water quality, biodiversity conservation, climate change, community resources management, corporate sustainability, ecosystem services, energy, environmental health, fisheries, forests, freshwater, and marine resources, in both U.S. and international contexts.  Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty members with related interests to learn more about their current research projects and interest in accepting new doctoral students.

Students in the program:

• A set of common requirements, including courses in the political-economic theory of public policy (PUBPOL 901/902, 6 credits), a series of research workshops leading to the dissertation proposal (ENV 834S, 4.5 credits), and at least one course in environmental/resource economics (3+ credits).
• Disciplinary concentration requirements, including core theory (6+ credits) and research methods (6+ credits) in economics or political science, and corresponding environmental field courses (i.e., environmental economics or environmental politics; (6 credits).
• As needed, appropriate training in natural sciences relevant to the student's research.  The level and content of such training is flexible and is worked out in consultation with the student's advisor and committee.
• Regularly attend and participate in one or more research seminars in which faculty and others present their research.
• Attain dissertation status, including meeting qualifying requirements and passing the preliminary exam, by the end of the third year.
• Pass a final examination, which consists of an oral dissertation defense to an approved supervisory committee.  This is typically completed by the end of the fifth year.  A successful Environmental Policy PhD dissertation must constitute a significant contribution to policy-relevant knowledge, either through innovative application of social science methods to environmental policy problems, or by innovation in theory or methods appropriate for addressing environmental policy problems.

Students normally receive a stipend and a scholarship to cover tuition and fees for up to five years of study if they maintain satisfactory progress toward their degree.  Support during the first 2-3 years is usually in return for service as a teaching assistant, with support during the remainder of the program expected to come from research grants managed by a student's major professor.  Some students also compete successfully for fellowships offered by the Graduate School and other sources at Duke.  Applicants are encouraged to explore external sources of fellowship support (e.g., National Science Foundation) during the application process.

Students in the program can interact with researchers at several centers and institutes at Duke University including the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, the Center on Global Change, the Duke Global Health Institute, the Social Science Research Institute, the Duke Center for International Development, and the Triangle Census Research Data Center.  They can also interact with visiting researchers through two research seminar series supported by UPEP--the Environmental Institutions Seminar Series held at Duke and the regional Triangle Resource and Environmental Economics Seminar Series organized by Duke, North Carolina State University, UNC Chapel Hill, and Research Triangle Institute, along with numerous other seminar series in the Nicholas School, the Sanford School, the Departments of Economics and Political Science, and other Duke schools, departments, institutes, and centers.

• Environmental Policy: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Environmental Policy: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Environmental Policy: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Environmental Policy: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Marine plastic: new method for choosing the best clean-up technologies

Issue 612: Researchers have developed a framework for evaluating technologies that reduce marine plastic pollution.

The method could help decision-makers find the best solutions for meeting the objectives of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).

Decision-makers face a host of challenges in tackling marine pollution. While it is clear that we need innovative solutions to deal with this rising problem, how do we measure the impact of proposed measures and decide which to use?

Compounding the challenges, decision-makers must account for the broad, and sometimes competing, interests of affected parties. These groups include plastic producers, the tourist and fishing industries, environmental groups, consumers and governments.

This new study presents a solution to some of these key challenges. The researchers designed a framework for evaluating innovative technologies that help stop microplastics and macroplastics entering the sea.

Developed as part of the EU CLAIM (Cleaning litter by developing and applying innovative methods) project 1 , the framework considers both socio-economic and environmental impacts, and the interests of different sectors. CLAIM explores how technologies can help EU Member States attain Good Environmental Status (GES) for European seas to meet their MSFD goals.

To illustrate how the method works, the researchers applied it to the Mediterranean Sea. In this case study, they tested it out on two technologies for removing plastic from water before it reaches the sea:

• For macroplastics (larger than 5 millimetres (mm) in diameter): a floating barrier that collects litter in rivers.
• For microplastics (smaller than 0.05 mm): a filtering system for waste-water treatment plants.

The framework is a form of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). This provides an organised way of informing decisions while accounting for the many relevant interests concerned. It assesses the technologies using four criteria:

• annual costs of investment and operation;
• reduced exposure of Natura 2000 areas to plastic pollution;
• reduction in plastic pollution at aquaculture finfish and shellfish sites; and
• reduction in plastic pollution at cetacean critical habitats.

The researchers consulted experts in academia, industry and policy to decide how they should weight the criteria. Based on this feedback, they created a weighting system for the different criteria. Having assessed the sensitivity of the results to changes in criteria weights 2 , the researchers found that the most sensitive criterion for microplastics was the cost of reducing plastic pollution. For macroplastics, however, the most sensitive criterion was the number of monitoring points in cetacean critical habitats areas where at least 80% of the targeted reduction is achieved.

The impact of the technologies on plastic pollution in the sea will naturally vary according to how many are installed, where, and how efficiently they operate. For this reason, the researchers modelled their impact based on their configuration, specifically, whether 40, 120, 240 or 400 technological solutions are installed, and with removal rates of 25%, 50% or 75%.

The modelling simulated the movement of micro- and macroplastics from major land-based sources (rivers, coastal cities) to the Mediterranean Sea. It accounted for the most important processes that affect movement. These include sea currents and the particles’ buoyancy.

Based on the modelling results, and using the four criteria to rank the configurations based on the balance of their costs and impact on pollution removal, the study concludes that it is better to have fewer installations (40–120) to clean up macroplastics, but with higher removal rates (50–75%). This is because a minority of rivers release the majority of plastic pollution: the 40 most polluting rivers are responsible for 89% of macroplastics that enter the Mediterranean from rivers. Increasing the number of installations to 120 would ensure that median sources of pollution are also covered.

For microplastics, on the other hand, a much larger number of sites (240–400) with lower removal rates (25-50%) provides the best results when both costs and impact are assessed. Waste-water treatment plants are more evenly distributed along the Mediterranean coast than rivers, and microplastics travel shorter distances from their sources than macroplastics.

The results also underscore the high costs of managing microplastics. The best options for managing microplastics in this study cost around 11 times more than those for managing macroplastics.

The researchers further note that this method could support the goals set by the EU Action Plan Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil . This calls for a reduction by at least 50% of plastic litter at sea and by at least 30% for microplastics released into the environment by 2030.

In addition, the European Commission’s proposal for the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive foresees that waste-water treatment plants should introduce extra measures to remove micro-pollutants from urban wastewater, including microplastics.

• Funded under Horizon 2020. See: https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/436638-aim-for-plastic-free-seas
• The researchers note that, as they are dealing with a relatively new approach, there is no benchmark regarding the weights in this field of research. Therefore, they suggest a common way of proceeding in such circumstances, by using additional different sets of weights and performing a sensitivity analysis. The effects of weights are described in detail in the study’s results section.

Cunha, M.C., Tsiaras, K., Marques, J.R., Hatzonikolakis, Y., Dias, L.C. and Triantaphyllidis, G. (2023) A multi-criteria assessment of the implementation of innovative technologies to achieve different levels of microplastics and macroplastics reduction. Marine Pollution Bulletin 191: 114906. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114906

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Research Topics & Ideas: Environment

100+ Environmental Science Research Topics & Ideas

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. Here, we’ll explore a variety research ideas and topic thought-starters related to various environmental science disciplines, including ecology, oceanography, hydrology, geology, soil science, environmental chemistry, environmental economics, and environmental ethics.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the environmental sciences. This is the starting point though. To develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. Also be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to develop a high-quality research topic from scratch.

Overview: Environmental Topics

• Ecology /ecological science
• Atmospheric science
• Oceanography
• Soil science
• Environmental chemistry
• Environmental economics
• Environmental ethics
• Examples  of dissertations and theses

Topics & Ideas: Ecological Science

• The impact of land-use change on species diversity and ecosystem functioning in agricultural landscapes
• The role of disturbances such as fire and drought in shaping arid ecosystems
• The impact of climate change on the distribution of migratory marine species
• Investigating the role of mutualistic plant-insect relationships in maintaining ecosystem stability
• The effects of invasive plant species on ecosystem structure and function
• The impact of habitat fragmentation caused by road construction on species diversity and population dynamics in the tropics
• The role of ecosystem services in urban areas and their economic value to a developing nation
• The effectiveness of different grassland restoration techniques in degraded ecosystems
• The impact of land-use change through agriculture and urbanisation on soil microbial communities in a temperate environment
• The role of microbial diversity in ecosystem health and nutrient cycling in an African savannah

Topics & Ideas: Atmospheric Science

• The impact of climate change on atmospheric circulation patterns above tropical rainforests
• The role of atmospheric aerosols in cloud formation and precipitation above cities with high pollution levels
• The impact of agricultural land-use change on global atmospheric composition
• Investigating the role of atmospheric convection in severe weather events in the tropics
• The impact of urbanisation on regional and global atmospheric ozone levels
• The impact of sea surface temperature on atmospheric circulation and tropical cyclones
• The impact of solar flares on the Earth’s atmospheric composition
• The impact of climate change on atmospheric turbulence and air transportation safety
• The impact of stratospheric ozone depletion on atmospheric circulation and climate change
• The role of atmospheric rivers in global water supply and sea-ice formation

Topics & Ideas: Oceanography

• The impact of ocean acidification on kelp forests and biogeochemical cycles
• The role of ocean currents in distributing heat and regulating desert rain
• The impact of carbon monoxide pollution on ocean chemistry and biogeochemical cycles
• Investigating the role of ocean mixing in regulating coastal climates
• The impact of sea level rise on the resource availability of low-income coastal communities
• The impact of ocean warming on the distribution and migration patterns of marine mammals
• The impact of ocean deoxygenation on biogeochemical cycles in the arctic
• The role of ocean-atmosphere interactions in regulating rainfall in arid regions
• The impact of ocean eddies on global ocean circulation and plankton distribution
• The role of ocean-ice interactions in regulating the Earth’s climate and sea level

Tops & Ideas: Hydrology

• The impact of agricultural land-use change on water resources and hydrologic cycles in temperate regions
• The impact of agricultural groundwater availability on irrigation practices in the global south
• The impact of rising sea-surface temperatures on global precipitation patterns and water availability
• Investigating the role of wetlands in regulating water resources for riparian forests
• The impact of tropical ranches on river and stream ecosystems and water quality
• The impact of urbanisation on regional and local hydrologic cycles and water resources for agriculture
• The role of snow cover and mountain hydrology in regulating regional agricultural water resources
• The impact of drought on food security in arid and semi-arid regions
• The role of groundwater recharge in sustaining water resources in arid and semi-arid environments
• The impact of sea level rise on coastal hydrology and the quality of water resources

Topics & Ideas: Geology

• The impact of tectonic activity on the East African rift valley
• The role of mineral deposits in shaping ancient human societies
• The impact of sea-level rise on coastal geomorphology and shoreline evolution
• Investigating the role of erosion in shaping the landscape and impacting desertification
• The impact of mining on soil stability and landslide potential
• The impact of volcanic activity on incoming solar radiation and climate
• The role of geothermal energy in decarbonising the energy mix of megacities
• The impact of Earth’s magnetic field on geological processes and solar wind
• The impact of plate tectonics on the evolution of mammals
• The role of the distribution of mineral resources in shaping human societies and economies, with emphasis on sustainability

Topics & Ideas: Soil Science

• The impact of dam building on soil quality and fertility
• The role of soil organic matter in regulating nutrient cycles in agricultural land
• The impact of climate change on soil erosion and soil organic carbon storage in peatlands
• Investigating the role of above-below-ground interactions in nutrient cycling and soil health
• The impact of deforestation on soil degradation and soil fertility
• The role of soil texture and structure in regulating water and nutrient availability in boreal forests
• The impact of sustainable land management practices on soil health and soil organic matter
• The impact of wetland modification on soil structure and function
• The role of soil-atmosphere exchange and carbon sequestration in regulating regional and global climate
• The impact of salinization on soil health and crop productivity in coastal communities

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Chemistry

• The impact of cobalt mining on water quality and the fate of contaminants in the environment
• The role of atmospheric chemistry in shaping air quality and climate change
• The impact of soil chemistry on nutrient availability and plant growth in wheat monoculture
• Investigating the fate and transport of heavy metal contaminants in the environment
• The impact of climate change on biochemical cycling in tropical rainforests
• The impact of various types of land-use change on biochemical cycling
• The role of soil microbes in mediating contaminant degradation in the environment
• The impact of chemical and oil spills on freshwater and soil chemistry
• The role of atmospheric nitrogen deposition in shaping water and soil chemistry
• The impact of over-irrigation on the cycling and fate of persistent organic pollutants in the environment

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Economics

• The impact of climate change on the economies of developing nations
• The role of market-based mechanisms in promoting sustainable use of forest resources
• The impact of environmental regulations on economic growth and competitiveness
• Investigating the economic benefits and costs of ecosystem services for African countries
• The impact of renewable energy policies on regional and global energy markets
• The role of water markets in promoting sustainable water use in southern Africa
• The impact of land-use change in rural areas on regional and global economies
• The impact of environmental disasters on local and national economies
• The role of green technologies and innovation in shaping the zero-carbon transition and the knock-on effects for local economies
• The impact of environmental and natural resource policies on income distribution and poverty of rural communities

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Ethics

• The ethical foundations of environmentalism and the environmental movement regarding renewable energy
• The role of values and ethics in shaping environmental policy and decision-making in the mining industry
• The impact of cultural and religious beliefs on environmental attitudes and behaviours in first world countries
• Investigating the ethics of biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered species in palm oil plantations
• The ethical implications of sea-level rise for future generations and vulnerable coastal populations
• The role of ethical considerations in shaping sustainable use of natural forest resources
• The impact of environmental justice on marginalized communities and environmental policies in Asia
• The ethical implications of environmental risks and decision-making under uncertainty
• The role of ethics in shaping the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future for the construction industry
• The impact of environmental values on consumer behaviour and the marketplace: a case study of the ‘bring your own shopping bag’ policy

Examples: Real Dissertation & Thesis Topics

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various environmental science-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• The physiology of microorganisms in enhanced biological phosphorous removal (Saunders, 2014)
• The influence of the coastal front on heavy rainfall events along the east coast (Henson, 2019)
• Forage production and diversification for climate-smart tropical and temperate silvopastures (Dibala, 2019)
• Advancing spectral induced polarization for near surface geophysical characterization (Wang, 2021)
• Assessment of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter and Thamnocephalus platyurus as Tools to Monitor Cyanobacterial Bloom Development and Toxicity (Hipsher, 2019)
• Evaluating the Removal of Microcystin Variants with Powdered Activated Carbon (Juang, 2020)
• The effect of hydrological restoration on nutrient concentrations, macroinvertebrate communities, and amphibian populations in Lake Erie coastal wetlands (Berg, 2019)
• Utilizing hydrologic soil grouping to estimate corn nitrogen rate recommendations (Bean, 2019)
• Fungal Function in House Dust and Dust from the International Space Station (Bope, 2021)
• Assessing Vulnerability and the Potential for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in Sudan’s Blue Nile Basin (Mohamed, 2022)
• A Microbial Water Quality Analysis of the Recreational Zones in the Los Angeles River of Elysian Valley, CA (Nguyen, 2019)
• Dry Season Water Quality Study on Three Recreational Sites in the San Gabriel Mountains (Vallejo, 2019)
• Wastewater Treatment Plan for Unix Packaging Adjustment of the Potential Hydrogen (PH) Evaluation of Enzymatic Activity After the Addition of Cycle Disgestase Enzyme (Miessi, 2020)
• Laying the Genetic Foundation for the Conservation of Longhorn Fairy Shrimp (Kyle, 2021).

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. To create a top-notch research topic, you will need to be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you’ll need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Need more help?

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your environmental science dissertation or research project, be sure to check out our private coaching services below, as well as our Research Topic Kickstarter .

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Environment Research Proposals Samples For Students

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WowEssays.com paper writer service proudly presents to you an open-access database of Environment Research Proposals designed to help struggling students deal with their writing challenges. In a practical sense, each Environment Research Proposal sample presented here may be a guide that walks you through the essential phases of the writing process and showcases how to compose an academic work that hits the mark. Besides, if you require more visionary assistance, these examples could give you a nudge toward an original Environment Research Proposal topic or encourage a novice approach to a threadbare theme.

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Molokai Island is the fifth largest of the Hawaiian Islands. The island was built between two distinct shield volcanoes, with one forming the larger eastern Molokai and the lesser forming the western Molokai (Bardolet and Pauline, 905). The island is located in the Maui County and through its geography and culture it is perfect for tourism. Tourism is one of the economic boosters of the Maui County, and part of the tourism revenues of Maui County is from the Island of Molokai though in a larger proportion.

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Introduction Many hospitals go against the practice of sustainable of development and environmental conservation. They contribute to pollution and environmental destruction through emission of carbon into the atmosphere, water wastage, unhealthy food and misuse of energy. These actions not only destroy the environmental but also contribute to high disease prevalence (HealthIT 2012). The concept of green hospitals has evolved over time to offer answers to some of the challenges.

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1. Research Problem The growing popularity of the patient care coordination (PCC) programs have spawned a growing literature investigating the extent of its success as a program and the challenges it had to face in fulfilling its objective of keeping the patients from hospitals for their health concerns and the cost issues related to it. This study will determine the best practices so far generated in the current experiences of PCC program. 2. Intent of the Study

The study intends to determine the best practices generated in the experience of administering PCC programs.

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Econometric investigation of climate change on forestation and its impact on international timber supply and demand (i.e. pricing) shows competitive advantage in wood-based biofuels, as well as potential positive effects on temperature and growth into the future (Chimeli et al. 2011). Although definitive arguments about the atmospheric relationship between GHG emissions, climate change and forestation are few, the potential for an ecological equilibrium relevant to an economic one is found in market relations.

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POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

Southern Institute of Technology 2016

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2.1 Introduction 6 2.2 Micro and Macro-Economic Indicators and Business Confidence 6 2.3 Recent Trends, Strategies and the Market Potential 7 2.4 Consumer Preferences 8 2.5 Conclusion 9

Section 3: Methodology 9

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Africa's dangerous air pollution levels are a global problem, says new research

A new report in Nature Geoscience has brought to light the challenge of air pollution levels in Africa and why international action is needed to combat it.

Over the last 50 years African nations have suffered from rapidly deteriorating air quality, making their cities some of the most polluted in the world. Particulate matter concentration levels are now five to ten levels greater than that recommended by the World Health Organisation, with the situation predicted to worsen as populations grow and industrialization accelerates.

However, far too little has been done to try and combat the dangerous air quality with just 0.01% of global air pollution funding currently spent in Africa.

The new perspective piece from the University of Birmingham, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, South Eastern Kenya University and the African Centre for Clean Air, published today (7 Nov) in Nature Geoscience, argues that tackling this issue requires collective efforts from African countries, regionally tailored solutions, and global collaboration.

Francis Pope, Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of Birmingham and one of the co-authors, said: "The burning of biomass fuel for cooking, heating, and lighting, the crude oil exploitation and coal mining industries, and old vehicles being shipped in from Europe are all causes for the poor air quality in African nations. This dangerous air can cause complex and sometimes deadly health issues for those breathing it in. If this wasn't enough of a reason to tackle this issue, air pollution in Africa is not just a problem for people living on the continent, but for the wider world, limiting the ability to meet global climate targets and combat the climate emergency."

Multiple efforts have been made over the years to tackle air pollution, such as the signing of C40 Clean Air Declaration by ten major African cities. Initiatives to monitor air-pollution levels and collect much needed data have also begun to gather momentum.

But there is still much to be done. The researchers argue that regional and international efforts must be coordinated to achieve real change and leverage existing knowledge on controlling and cutting air pollution.

They call for urgent collaboration on:

• Continuous air monitoring via a network of sensors in order to build a detailed picture of air pollution variations and track progress.
• Investment in clean energy such as solar, hydropower and wind to meet Africa's energy demand which is expected to double by 2040.
• Improved solid waste management to prevent dumping and burning of waste and improve reuse, recycling, and recovery rates.
• Investment in environmentally friendly technology to ensure African countries can grow economically whilst avoiding dirty and obsolete technology from the Global North.
• Infrastructure improvements to curb emissions from the transport sector, improving public transport provision and adopting higher emission standards for fuel and imported vehicles.

Co-author of the article, Dr Gabriel Okello, from the Institute for Sustainability Leadership at the University of Cambridge and the African Centre for Clean Air, said: "Air pollution is complex and multifaceted with different sources and patterns within society. Addressing it requires more ambitious, collaborative, and participatory approaches centred on involvement of stakeholders in policy, academia, business, communities to co-design and co-produce context-specific interventions. This should be catalysed by increased investment in interventions that are addressing air pollution. Africa has the opportunity to leverage the growing political will and tap into the young population to accelerate action towards the five broad suggestions in our paper."

Dr Andriannah Mbandi, from South Eastern Kenya University and co-author of the article, said: "The burden of air pollution unjustly rests on poorer populations, and women and children, as they most likely face higher exposure to pollutants and most probably experience more impacts. Thus, clean air actions will go some ways in redressing some of these inequalities in Africa, in addition to the benefits to health and the environment."

Professor Pope concludes: "There is no 'one size fits all' solution to Africa's air quality problems, and each region and population will have their own specific challenges to overcome. But by being proactive and doing these five actions there will be a reduction in air pollution levels, meaning healthier people and a healthier planet."

• Air Quality
• Air Pollution
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Policies
• Transportation Issues
• Energy Issues
• Racial Disparity
• Air pollution
• Environmental effects of fishing
• Environmental impact assessment
• Attribution of recent climate change

Story Source:

Materials provided by University of Birmingham . Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Mohammed Iqbal Mead, Gabriel Okello, Aderiana Mutheu Mbandi, Francis David Pope. Spotlight on air pollution in Africa . Nature Geoscience , 2023; 16 (11): 930 DOI: 10.1038/s41561-023-01311-2

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Free Research Paper Samples, Research Proposal Examples and Tips | UsefulResearchPapers.com

Research proposal on environmental pollution.

January 9, 2013 UsefulResearchPapers Research Proposals 0

Pollution  is called littering and contamination of the environment with various substances and chemicals. Environmental pollution includes air pollution, light pollution, littering, noise pollution, soil contamination, radioactive contamination, water pollution, etc. With the development of the human civilization and human activity the environment started to suffer greatly. People influence the planet badly destroying forests, mineral resources, fish, animals and plants.

We Can Help with Writing a Research Proposal on ANY Environmental Pollution Topic!

Moreover, nearly every part of the environment including soil, air and water is polluted with the industrial wastes, chemicals and gases. The amount of fresh air and oxygen is getting smaller and the ozone layer, which protects the planet from the energy of the sun and space, is also damaged greatly. A range of international organizations try to change the situation for the better but their success is minimal.

Healthy environment is all we need for good existence, but very soon we will be deprived of it. Some areas on the planet are dangerous for living, because of various types of pollution. It is obvious that the main source of pollution is the developing industrial countries with their factories, plants and stations which produce energy. The topic of environmental pollution is becoming more and more popular, because every day people notice that the situation with nature is becoming worse. So, young people who study at colleges and universities are suggested to prepare a research proposal on environmental pollution. A well-organized paper should contain the description of various types of pollution and present cause and effect of this serious problem. A proposal is a special paper which is prepared by students who have interesting brand new ideas which are helpful to solve a certain problem of the topic offered for the research. In this case if students have smart ideas which are effective to reduce the rates of pollution, they have to prepare a good research proposal on the topic.

Every student understands that he has to complete a convincing proposal in order to be allowed to conduct research further. He has to read a lot on the topic to improve his knowledge and to be able to brainstorm smart creative ideas and solutions. Free sample research proposals on environmental pollution in India will be useful as models of proper paper writing. Such models can be easily found in the Internet and can be reliable help for every student.

Free example research proposals on environmental pollution in English are prepared by the real experts who know much about the topic and the way to analyze it correctly. So, when a student takes advantage of a sample, he will understand how to make a proper composition of the paper, how to analyse data and to format the whole paper professionally.

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Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter's local time):

     February 01, 2024

     February 1, Every Other Year Thereafter

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND REVISION NOTES

Goals and research themes of solicitation have been modified to focus on current program priorities.

Proposal submissions will be accepted every other year.

Any proposal submitted in response to this solicitation should be submitted in accordance with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) that is in effect for the relevant due date to which the proposal is being submitted. The NSF PAPPG is regularly revised and it is the responsibility of the proposer to ensure that the proposal meets the requirements specified in this solicitation and the applicable version of the PAPPG. Submitting a proposal prior to a specified deadline does not negate this requirement.

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

General information.

Program Title:

Designing Synthetic Cells Beyond the Bounds of Evolution (Designer Cells)

Because of recent technological advances in synthetic biology and bioengineering, researchers are now able to tailor cells and cell-like systems for a variety of basic and applied research purposes. The goal of this solicitation is to support research that (1) develops cell-like systems to identify the minimal requirements for the processes of life, (2) designs synthetically-modified cells to address fundamental questions in the evolution of life or to explore biological diversity beyond that which currently exists in nature, and (3) leverages basic research in cell design to build novel synthetic cell-like systems and cells for innovative biotechnology applications. Highest funding priority is given to proposals that have outstanding intellectual merit and broader impacts, while proposals with weaknesses in either category (or those that are perceived as likely to have an incremental impact) will not be competitive. Proposals submitted to this solicitation should address social, ethical, and safety issues associated with designing and building synthetically modified cells as an integrated component of the project.

Cognizant Program Officer(s):

Please note that the following information is current at the time of publishing. See program website for any updates to the points of contact.

Anthony G. Garza, telephone: (703) 292-8440, email: [email protected]

Steven W. Peretti, telephone: (703) 292-7029, email: [email protected]

Lee D. Walker, telephone: (703) 292-7174, email: [email protected]

• 47.041 --- Engineering
• 47.074 --- Biological Sciences
• 47.075 --- Social Behavioral and Economic Sciences
• Award Information

Anticipated Type of Award: Standard Grant or Continuing Grant

Estimated Number of Awards: 5 to 7

Anticipated Funding Amount: $6,000,000

Estimated program budget, number of awards and average award size and duration are subject to the availability of funds.

• Eligibility Information

Who May Submit Proposals:

Proposals may only be submitted by the following: Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) - Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of subawards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus. Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. Tribal Governments: The governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a, et seq.)

Who May Serve as PI:

There are no restrictions or limits.

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization:

Limit on Number of Proposals per PI or co-PI:

Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions

A. proposal preparation instructions.

• Letters of Intent: Not required
• Preliminary Proposal Submission: Not required

Full Proposals:

• Full Proposals submitted via Research.gov: NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) guidelines apply. The complete text of the PAPPG is available electronically on the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg .
• Full Proposals submitted via Grants.gov: NSF Grants.gov Application Guide: A Guide for the Preparation and Submission of NSF Applications via Grants.gov guidelines apply (Note: The NSF Grants.gov Application Guide is available on the Grants.gov website and on the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide ).

B. Budgetary Information

Cost Sharing Requirements:

Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited.

Indirect Cost (F&A) Limitations:

Not Applicable

Other Budgetary Limitations:

C. Due Dates

Proposal review information criteria.

Merit Review Criteria:

National Science Board approved criteria. Additional merit review criteria apply. Please see the full text of this solicitation for further information.

Award Administration Information

Award Conditions:

Standard NSF award conditions apply.

Reporting Requirements:

Standard NSF reporting requirements apply.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Summary of Program Requirements

• Introduction
• Program Description
• Proposal Preparation Instructions
• Budgetary Information
• Research.gov/Grants.gov Requirements
• Merit Review Principles and Criteria
• Review and Selection Process
• Notification of the Award
• Award Conditions
• Reporting Requirements
• Agency Contacts
• Other Information

I. INTRODUCTION

NSF recognizes the dramatic advances in rational cell design technology in recent years and the potential to use this technology to address questions regarding the fundamental components of cells, the evolution of life, and biological diversity beyond extant processes and organisms. The participating organizations also recognize the potential to use rational cell design technology for novel biotechnology applications.

NSF is committed to the inclusion of all people and institutions across all geographies in the U.S. because all are vital to the nation’s health, security and global leadership in STEM. NSF welcomes the submission of proposals to this funding opportunity that include the participation of the full spectrum of diverse talent in STEM, e.g., as PI, co-PI, senior personnel, postdoctoral scholars, graduate or undergraduate students or trainees. NSF also recognizes that STEM research and education occur at a wide range of institutions, including Minority-serving Institutions (MSIs), Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs), and two-year colleges, as well as major research institutions. NSF welcomes single institution and multi-institutional collaborative proposals from all types of institutions and encourages authentic and substantive collaborations and partnerships across diverse geographies and types of institutions. Proposals from EPSCoR jurisdictions are especially encouraged.

II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Over the past few decades, biological research has vastly improved our understanding of life processes at the molecular, organismal and community levels. In recent years, researchers have been able to use this knowledge base and the toolkits of synthetic biology and cellular engineering to address fundamental biological questions. Synthetic biologists and cellular engineers have also been able to repurpose organisms and organismal processes to address important problems in health, manufacturing, energy, ecology and agriculture, profoundly impacting the bioeconomy.

With recent technological advances such as the ability to assemble cell-like systems with particular functionalities and the ability to make precision small-scale and large-scale modifications to eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes using rewriting tools, synthetic biology is poised to enter the age of designer organelles, cell-like systems and organisms. Indeed, progress in rational cell design technology will enable synthetic biology researchers to examine cellular functions in a new way, to explore the evolution of life in ways that were not possible before, and to engineer cells and cell-like systems that have particular functions and applications. Progress in this technology will also help the United States achieve its goal of being a world leader in basic biological research, biotechnology and bioeconomic output now and into the future.

Creating designer cells requires simultaneous careful exploration of the social, ethical, and biosafety/security dimensions of such research. Understanding both the societal benefits and risks as well as their potential for willful misuse or unintended damage to natural biological systems is an integral component of developments in this area.

The goal of this solicitation is to support innovative research that used the tools of synthetic biology and cellular engineering to build synthetic cells or cell-like systems for one of the following: 1) to identify and analyze the minimal function units of cellular structures, organelles or processes; 2) to address fundamental questions in the evolution of life on earth or to explore biological diversity beyond that which currently exists in nature; and 3) to provide new functionalities for innovative biotechnology applications.

• Identify and analyze the functional units of synthetic cells: We seek projects that design and analyze synthetic cell components (ribosomes, mitochondria, membranes, regulatory modules, molecular machines, etc.), or synthetic components that have been integrated into cells or cell-like systems. The project should include a functional analysis of the synthetic component or a functional analysis of a component once it has been integrated into cells or a cell-like system.
• Evolution and expanding diversity: Technologies such as genome rewriting will provide researchers with new ways to explore the evolution of life on this planet and to explore biological diversity that does not currently exist and may never have existed on earth. Projects are solicited that develop synthetically modified prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic cells that will address questions such as, how do regulatory circuits evolve, are 20 canonical amino acids and four nucleotides crucial for life or what are the functions of the dark matter of the genome? Projects to develop synthetic systems that allow researchers to expand cellular diversity into design spaces that evolution has not sampled/or selected for and analyze the new components are also encouraged. Examples would include synthetic systems that allow researchers to expand the number of amino acids available for proteins, protein structural diversity and potentially expand protein functional diversity for purposes such as expanding biochemical diversity. All projects should integrate social, ethical and biosafety/biosecurity dimensions in addressing these issues.
• Create synthetic biosystems for innovative biotechnology applications. We seek projects that incorporate synthetic components into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells, or design synthetic cell-like systems to generate new functionalities. These new functionalities may include synthetic systems that adapt and respond to specific external stimuli, perform novel computations, or have novel functions not found in natural systems. Projects that have basic research components, such as those described in themes 1 and 2, and leverage the basic research findings for biotechnology applications are of particular interest. The biotechnology application could be in any sector of the economy.

Additional Considerations

In concert with technology development, educating students and the lay public will also be important to ensure an accurate understanding of the scientific advances resulting from the development and use of designer cells. Responsive proposals must address the social, ethical and/or biosafety/security issues of the proposed research and the resulting biological systems. There will be serious consideration given to proposals that include the expertise of social scientists as a funded collaborator on the project and characterize how social science, ethics, and/or biosafety expertise is integrated to the project.

Summary of Solicitation Requirements

To be responsive to this solicitation, successful proposals will:

• Develop and use synthetic cells or cell-like systems to build and study minimal cellular functional units, to explore the potential for life beyond that which evolution sampled or to create new functionalities with biotechnology applications.
• Address social, ethical, and/or biosafety/biosecurity implications of designer cells as an integral component of the project.

III. AWARD INFORMATION

Pending availability of funds, approximately $6M will be committed in total for all new awards in each fiscal year. Award size and duration should be commensurate with the scope of the project.

IV. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

V. proposal preparation and submission instructions.

Full Proposal Preparation Instructions : Proposers may opt to submit proposals in response to this Program Solicitation via Research.gov or Grants.gov.

• Full Proposals submitted via Research.gov: Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation should be prepared and submitted in accordance with the general guidelines contained in the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). The complete text of the PAPPG is available electronically on the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg . Paper copies of the PAPPG may be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, telephone (703) 292-8134 or by e-mail from [email protected] . The Prepare New Proposal setup will prompt you for the program solicitation number.
• Full proposals submitted via Grants.gov: Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation via Grants.gov should be prepared and submitted in accordance with the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide: A Guide for the Preparation and Submission of NSF Applications via Grants.gov . The complete text of the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide is available on the Grants.gov website and on the NSF website at: ( https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide ). To obtain copies of the Application Guide and Application Forms Package, click on the Apply tab on the Grants.gov site, then click on the Apply Step 1: Download a Grant Application Package and Application Instructions link and enter the funding opportunity number, (the program solicitation number without the NSF prefix) and press the Download Package button. Paper copies of the Grants.gov Application Guide also may be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, telephone (703) 292-8134 or by e-mail from [email protected] .

In determining which method to utilize in the electronic preparation and submission of the proposal, please note the following:

Collaborative Proposals. All collaborative proposals submitted as separate submissions from multiple organizations must be submitted via Research.gov. PAPPG Chapter II.E.3 provides additional information on collaborative proposals.

See PAPPG Chapter II.D.2 for guidance on the required sections of a full research proposal submitted to NSF. Please note that the proposal preparation instructions provided in this program solicitation may deviate from the PAPPG instructions.

Cost Sharing:

D. Research.gov/Grants.gov Requirements

For Proposals Submitted Via Research.gov:

To prepare and submit a proposal via Research.gov, see detailed technical instructions available at: https://www.research.gov/research-portal/appmanager/base/desktop?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=research_node_display&_nodePath=/researchGov/Service/Desktop/ProposalPreparationandSubmission.html . For Research.gov user support, call the Research.gov Help Desk at 1-800-381-1532 or e-mail [email protected] . The Research.gov Help Desk answers general technical questions related to the use of the Research.gov system. Specific questions related to this program solicitation should be referred to the NSF program staff contact(s) listed in Section VIII of this funding opportunity.

For Proposals Submitted Via Grants.gov:

Before using Grants.gov for the first time, each organization must register to create an institutional profile. Once registered, the applicant's organization can then apply for any federal grant on the Grants.gov website. Comprehensive information about using Grants.gov is available on the Grants.gov Applicant Resources webpage: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html . In addition, the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide (see link in Section V.A) provides instructions regarding the technical preparation of proposals via Grants.gov. For Grants.gov user support, contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or by email: [email protected] . The Grants.gov Contact Center answers general technical questions related to the use of Grants.gov. Specific questions related to this program solicitation should be referred to the NSF program staff contact(s) listed in Section VIII of this solicitation.

Submitting the Proposal: Once all documents have been completed, the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) must submit the application to Grants.gov and verify the desired funding opportunity and agency to which the application is submitted. The AOR must then sign and submit the application to Grants.gov. The completed application will be transferred to Research.gov for further processing.

The NSF Grants.gov Proposal Processing in Research.gov informational page provides submission guidance to applicants and links to helpful resources including the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide , Grants.gov Proposal Processing in Research.gov how-to guide , and Grants.gov Submitted Proposals Frequently Asked Questions . Grants.gov proposals must pass all NSF pre-check and post-check validations in order to be accepted by Research.gov at NSF.

When submitting via Grants.gov, NSF strongly recommends applicants initiate proposal submission at least five business days in advance of a deadline to allow adequate time to address NSF compliance errors and resubmissions by 5:00 p.m. submitting organization's local time on the deadline. Please note that some errors cannot be corrected in Grants.gov. Once a proposal passes pre-checks but fails any post-check, an applicant can only correct and submit the in-progress proposal in Research.gov.

Proposers that submitted via Research.gov may use Research.gov to verify the status of their submission to NSF. For proposers that submitted via Grants.gov, until an application has been received and validated by NSF, the Authorized Organizational Representative may check the status of an application on Grants.gov. After proposers have received an e-mail notification from NSF, Research.gov should be used to check the status of an application.

VI. NSF PROPOSAL PROCESSING AND REVIEW PROCEDURES

Proposals received by NSF are assigned to the appropriate NSF program for acknowledgement and, if they meet NSF requirements, for review. All proposals are carefully reviewed by a scientist, engineer, or educator serving as an NSF Program Officer, and usually by three to ten other persons outside NSF either as ad hoc reviewers, panelists, or both, who are experts in the particular fields represented by the proposal. These reviewers are selected by Program Officers charged with oversight of the review process. Proposers are invited to suggest names of persons they believe are especially well qualified to review the proposal and/or persons they would prefer not review the proposal. These suggestions may serve as one source in the reviewer selection process at the Program Officer's discretion. Submission of such names, however, is optional. Care is taken to ensure that reviewers have no conflicts of interest with the proposal. In addition, Program Officers may obtain comments from site visits before recommending final action on proposals. Senior NSF staff further review recommendations for awards. A flowchart that depicts the entire NSF proposal and award process (and associated timeline) is included in PAPPG Exhibit III-1.

A comprehensive description of the Foundation's merit review process is available on the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/merit_review/ .

Proposers should also be aware of core strategies that are essential to the fulfillment of NSF's mission, as articulated in Leading the World in Discovery and Innovation, STEM Talent Development and the Delivery of Benefits from Research - NSF Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2022 - 2026 . These strategies are integrated in the program planning and implementation process, of which proposal review is one part. NSF's mission is particularly well-implemented through the integration of research and education and broadening participation in NSF programs, projects, and activities.

One of the strategic objectives in support of NSF's mission is to foster integration of research and education through the programs, projects, and activities it supports at academic and research institutions. These institutions must recruit, train, and prepare a diverse STEM workforce to advance the frontiers of science and participate in the U.S. technology-based economy. NSF's contribution to the national innovation ecosystem is to provide cutting-edge research under the guidance of the Nation's most creative scientists and engineers. NSF also supports development of a strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce by investing in building the knowledge that informs improvements in STEM teaching and learning.

NSF's mission calls for the broadening of opportunities and expanding participation of groups, institutions, and geographic regions that are underrepresented in STEM disciplines, which is essential to the health and vitality of science and engineering. NSF is committed to this principle of diversity and deems it central to the programs, projects, and activities it considers and supports.

A. Merit Review Principles and Criteria

The National Science Foundation strives to invest in a robust and diverse portfolio of projects that creates new knowledge and enables breakthroughs in understanding across all areas of science and engineering research and education. To identify which projects to support, NSF relies on a merit review process that incorporates consideration of both the technical aspects of a proposed project and its potential to contribute more broadly to advancing NSF's mission "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense; and for other purposes." NSF makes every effort to conduct a fair, competitive, transparent merit review process for the selection of projects.

1. Merit Review Principles

These principles are to be given due diligence by PIs and organizations when preparing proposals and managing projects, by reviewers when reading and evaluating proposals, and by NSF program staff when determining whether or not to recommend proposals for funding and while overseeing awards. Given that NSF is the primary federal agency charged with nurturing and supporting excellence in basic research and education, the following three principles apply:

• All NSF projects should be of the highest quality and have the potential to advance, if not transform, the frontiers of knowledge.
• NSF projects, in the aggregate, should contribute more broadly to achieving societal goals. These "Broader Impacts" may be accomplished through the research itself, through activities that are directly related to specific research projects, or through activities that are supported by, but are complementary to, the project. The project activities may be based on previously established and/or innovative methods and approaches, but in either case must be well justified.
• Meaningful assessment and evaluation of NSF funded projects should be based on appropriate metrics, keeping in mind the likely correlation between the effect of broader impacts and the resources provided to implement projects. If the size of the activity is limited, evaluation of that activity in isolation is not likely to be meaningful. Thus, assessing the effectiveness of these activities may best be done at a higher, more aggregated, level than the individual project.

With respect to the third principle, even if assessment of Broader Impacts outcomes for particular projects is done at an aggregated level, PIs are expected to be accountable for carrying out the activities described in the funded project. Thus, individual projects should include clearly stated goals, specific descriptions of the activities that the PI intends to do, and a plan in place to document the outputs of those activities.

These three merit review principles provide the basis for the merit review criteria, as well as a context within which the users of the criteria can better understand their intent.

2. Merit Review Criteria

All NSF proposals are evaluated through use of the two National Science Board approved merit review criteria. In some instances, however, NSF will employ additional criteria as required to highlight the specific objectives of certain programs and activities.

The two merit review criteria are listed below. Both criteria are to be given full consideration during the review and decision-making processes; each criterion is necessary but neither, by itself, is sufficient. Therefore, proposers must fully address both criteria. (PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i). contains additional information for use by proposers in development of the Project Description section of the proposal). Reviewers are strongly encouraged to review the criteria, including PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i), prior to the review of a proposal.

When evaluating NSF proposals, reviewers will be asked to consider what the proposers want to do, why they want to do it, how they plan to do it, how they will know if they succeed, and what benefits could accrue if the project is successful. These issues apply both to the technical aspects of the proposal and the way in which the project may make broader contributions. To that end, reviewers will be asked to evaluate all proposals against two criteria:

• Intellectual Merit: The Intellectual Merit criterion encompasses the potential to advance knowledge; and
• Broader Impacts: The Broader Impacts criterion encompasses the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes.

The following elements should be considered in the review for both criteria:

• Advance knowledge and understanding within its own field or across different fields (Intellectual Merit); and
• Benefit society or advance desired societal outcomes (Broader Impacts)?
• To what extent do the proposed activities suggest and explore creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts?
• Is the plan for carrying out the proposed activities well-reasoned, well-organized, and based on a sound rationale? Does the plan incorporate a mechanism to assess success?
• How well qualified is the individual, team, or organization to conduct the proposed activities?
• Are there adequate resources available to the PI (either at the home organization or through collaborations) to carry out the proposed activities?

Broader impacts may be accomplished through the research itself, through the activities that are directly related to specific research projects, or through activities that are supported by, but are complementary to, the project. NSF values the advancement of scientific knowledge and activities that contribute to achievement of societally relevant outcomes. Such outcomes include, but are not limited to: full participation of women, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); improved STEM education and educator development at any level; increased public scientific literacy and public engagement with science and technology; improved well-being of individuals in society; development of a diverse, globally competitive STEM workforce; increased partnerships between academia, industry, and others; improved national security; increased economic competitiveness of the United States; and enhanced infrastructure for research and education.

Proposers are reminded that reviewers will also be asked to review the Data Management Plan and the Postdoctoral Researcher Mentoring Plan, as appropriate.

Additional Solicitation Specific Review Criteria

In addition to the standard NSF review criteria, reviewers will be asked to evaluate the following:

• The proposed research uses the tools of synthetic biology and cellular engineering to build a synthetic cell or cell-like system for one of the following: to identify and analyze the minimal functional units of cellular structures, organelles or processes; to address fundamental questions in the evolution of life on earth or to explore biological diversity beyond that which currently exists in nature; to create new functionalities with biotechnology applications.
• The proposal includes a component that addresses appropriate aspects of social, ethical and/or biosafety/security implications of synthetic or designer cells.

B. Review and Selection Process

Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation will be reviewed by Ad hoc Review and/or Panel Review.

Reviewers will be asked to evaluate proposals using two National Science Board approved merit review criteria and, if applicable, additional program specific criteria. A summary rating and accompanying narrative will generally be completed and submitted by each reviewer and/or panel. The Program Officer assigned to manage the proposal's review will consider the advice of reviewers and will formulate a recommendation.

After scientific, technical and programmatic review and consideration of appropriate factors, the NSF Program Officer recommends to the cognizant Division Director whether the proposal should be declined or recommended for award. NSF strives to be able to tell proposers whether their proposals have been declined or recommended for funding within six months. Large or particularly complex proposals or proposals from new recipients may require additional review and processing time. The time interval begins on the deadline or target date, or receipt date, whichever is later. The interval ends when the Division Director acts upon the Program Officer's recommendation.

After programmatic approval has been obtained, the proposals recommended for funding will be forwarded to the Division of Grants and Agreements or the Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Support for review of business, financial, and policy implications. After an administrative review has occurred, Grants and Agreements Officers perform the processing and issuance of a grant or other agreement. Proposers are cautioned that only a Grants and Agreements Officer may make commitments, obligations or awards on behalf of NSF or authorize the expenditure of funds. No commitment on the part of NSF should be inferred from technical or budgetary discussions with a NSF Program Officer. A Principal Investigator or organization that makes financial or personnel commitments in the absence of a grant or cooperative agreement signed by the NSF Grants and Agreements Officer does so at their own risk.

Once an award or declination decision has been made, Principal Investigators are provided feedback about their proposals. In all cases, reviews are treated as confidential documents. Verbatim copies of reviews, excluding the names of the reviewers or any reviewer-identifying information, are sent to the Principal Investigator/Project Director by the Program Officer. In addition, the proposer will receive an explanation of the decision to award or decline funding.

VII. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. notification of the award.

Notification of the award is made to the submitting organization by an NSF Grants and Agreements Officer. Organizations whose proposals are declined will be advised as promptly as possible by the cognizant NSF Program administering the program. Verbatim copies of reviews, not including the identity of the reviewer, will be provided automatically to the Principal Investigator. (See Section VI.B. for additional information on the review process.)

B. Award Conditions

An NSF award consists of: (1) the award notice, which includes any special provisions applicable to the award and any numbered amendments thereto; (2) the budget, which indicates the amounts, by categories of expense, on which NSF has based its support (or otherwise communicates any specific approvals or disapprovals of proposed expenditures); (3) the proposal referenced in the award notice; (4) the applicable award conditions, such as Grant General Conditions (GC-1)*; or Research Terms and Conditions* and (5) any announcement or other NSF issuance that may be incorporated by reference in the award notice. Cooperative agreements also are administered in accordance with NSF Cooperative Agreement Financial and Administrative Terms and Conditions (CA-FATC) and the applicable Programmatic Terms and Conditions. NSF awards are electronically signed by an NSF Grants and Agreements Officer and transmitted electronically to the organization via e-mail.

*These documents may be accessed electronically on NSF's Website at https://www.nsf.gov/awards/managing/award_conditions.jsp?org=NSF . Paper copies may be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, telephone (703) 292-8134 or by e-mail from [email protected] .

More comprehensive information on NSF Award Conditions and other important information on the administration of NSF awards is contained in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) Chapter VII, available electronically on the NSF Website at https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg .

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Build America, Buy America

As expressed in Executive Order 14005, Ensuring the Future is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers (86 FR 7475), it is the policy of the executive branch to use terms and conditions of Federal financial assistance awards to maximize, consistent with law, the use of goods, products, and materials produced in, and services offered in, the United States.

Consistent with the requirements of the Build America, Buy America Act (Pub. L. 117-58, Division G, Title IX, Subtitle A, November 15, 2021), no funding made available through this funding opportunity may be obligated for an award unless all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in the project are produced in the United States. For additional information, visit NSF’s Build America, Buy America webpage.

C. Reporting Requirements

For all multi-year grants (including both standard and continuing grants), the Principal Investigator must submit an annual project report to the cognizant Program Officer no later than 90 days prior to the end of the current budget period. (Some programs or awards require submission of more frequent project reports). No later than 120 days following expiration of a grant, the PI also is required to submit a final project report, and a project outcomes report for the general public.

Failure to provide the required annual or final project reports, or the project outcomes report, will delay NSF review and processing of any future funding increments as well as any pending proposals for all identified PIs and co-PIs on a given award. PIs should examine the formats of the required reports in advance to assure availability of required data.

PIs are required to use NSF's electronic project-reporting system, available through Research.gov, for preparation and submission of annual and final project reports. Such reports provide information on accomplishments, project participants (individual and organizational), publications, and other specific products and impacts of the project. Submission of the report via Research.gov constitutes certification by the PI that the contents of the report are accurate and complete. The project outcomes report also must be prepared and submitted using Research.gov. This report serves as a brief summary, prepared specifically for the public, of the nature and outcomes of the project. This report will be posted on the NSF website exactly as it is submitted by the PI.

More comprehensive information on NSF Reporting Requirements and other important information on the administration of NSF awards is contained in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) Chapter VII, available electronically on the NSF Website at https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg .

VIII. AGENCY CONTACTS

Please note that the program contact information is current at the time of publishing. See program website for any updates to the points of contact.

General inquiries regarding this program should be made to:

For questions related to the use of NSF systems contact:

• NSF Help Desk: 1-800-381-1532
• Research.gov Help Desk e-mail: [email protected]

For questions relating to Grants.gov contact:

Grants.gov Contact Center: If the Authorized Organizational Representatives (AOR) has not received a confirmation message from Grants.gov within 48 hours of submission of application, please contact via telephone: 1-800-518-4726; e-mail: [email protected] .

IX. OTHER INFORMATION

The NSF website provides the most comprehensive source of information on NSF Directorates (including contact information), programs and funding opportunities. Use of this website by potential proposers is strongly encouraged. In addition, "NSF Update" is an information-delivery system designed to keep potential proposers and other interested parties apprised of new NSF funding opportunities and publications, important changes in proposal and award policies and procedures, and upcoming NSF Grants Conferences . Subscribers are informed through e-mail or the user's Web browser each time new publications are issued that match their identified interests. "NSF Update" also is available on NSF's website .

Grants.gov provides an additional electronic capability to search for Federal government-wide grant opportunities. NSF funding opportunities may be accessed via this mechanism. Further information on Grants.gov may be obtained at https://www.grants.gov .

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent Federal agency created by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC 1861-75). The Act states the purpose of the NSF is "to promote the progress of science; [and] to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare by supporting research and education in all fields of science and engineering."

NSF funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering. It does this through grants and cooperative agreements to more than 2,000 colleges, universities, K-12 school systems, businesses, informal science organizations and other research organizations throughout the US. The Foundation accounts for about one-fourth of Federal support to academic institutions for basic research.

NSF receives approximately 55,000 proposals each year for research, education and training projects, of which approximately 11,000 are funded. In addition, the Foundation receives several thousand applications for graduate and postdoctoral fellowships. The agency operates no laboratories itself but does support National Research Centers, user facilities, certain oceanographic vessels and Arctic and Antarctic research stations. The Foundation also supports cooperative research between universities and industry, US participation in international scientific and engineering efforts, and educational activities at every academic level.

Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED) provide funding for special assistance or equipment to enable persons with disabilities to work on NSF-supported projects. See the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide Chapter II.F.7 for instructions regarding preparation of these types of proposals.

The National Science Foundation has Telephonic Device for the Deaf (TDD) and Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) capabilities that enable individuals with hearing impairments to communicate with the Foundation about NSF programs, employment or general information. TDD may be accessed at (703) 292-5090 and (800) 281-8749, FIRS at (800) 877-8339.

The National Science Foundation Information Center may be reached at (703) 292-5111.

PRIVACY ACT AND PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENTS

The information requested on proposal forms and project reports is solicited under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended. The information on proposal forms will be used in connection with the selection of qualified proposals; and project reports submitted by proposers will be used for program evaluation and reporting within the Executive Branch and to Congress. The information requested may be disclosed to qualified reviewers and staff assistants as part of the proposal review process; to proposer institutions/grantees to provide or obtain data regarding the proposal review process, award decisions, or the administration of awards; to government contractors, experts, volunteers and researchers and educators as necessary to complete assigned work; to other government agencies or other entities needing information regarding proposers or nominees as part of a joint application review process, or in order to coordinate programs or policy; and to another Federal agency, court, or party in a court or Federal administrative proceeding if the government is a party. Information about Principal Investigators may be added to the Reviewer file and used to select potential candidates to serve as peer reviewers or advisory committee members. See System of Record Notices , NSF-50, "Principal Investigator/Proposal File and Associated Records," and NSF-51, "Reviewer/Proposal File and Associated Records.” Submission of the information is voluntary. Failure to provide full and complete information, however, may reduce the possibility of receiving an award.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, an information collection unless it displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The OMB control number for this collection is 3145-0058. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 120 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions. Send comments regarding the burden estimate and any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:

Suzanne H. Plimpton Reports Clearance Officer Policy Office, Division of Institution and Award Support Office of Budget, Finance, and Award Management National Science Foundation Alexandria, VA 22314

National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, USA Tel: (703) 292-5111, FIRS: (800) 877-8339 | TDD: (703) 292-5090 or (800) 281-8749