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NSF International Materials Institutes (IMI) Toward an International Materials Research Network
WHAT: Limited Submission Proposal for the National Science Foundation (NSF 08-558) International Materials Institutes (IMI) Toward an International Materials Research Network
WHO: Texas A&M University faculty, including TAES, TEES and TTI personnel.
WHY: NSF anticipates awards ranging between $600,000 and $1,200,000 per year for a maximum period of five years.
WHEN: Internal proposal deadline of May 12, 2008.
HOW: Faculty should submit internal proposal via email for review by the internal selection committee.
THE FINE PRINT:
The funding agency below has limited the number of proposals to one per institution. If the number of faculty wishing to submit a proposal exceeds the number allowed by the agency, we will conduct an internal selection process. Below are due dates for the program, including the due date of the internal proposal for review by the internal selection committee, the date for announcement of the internal selection and the due date for submission to the agency.
AGENCY: National Science Foundation (NSF)
AGENCY PROGRAM TITLE: NSF 08-558 International Materials Institutes (IMI) Toward an International Materials Research Network
BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The International Materials Institutes (IMI) Program is designed to advance materials research by coordinating international projects involving condensed matter and materials physics, solid state and materials chemistry, polymers, metals, ceramics, electronic materials, biomaterials and, in general, the design, synthesis and characterization of and phenomena in materials to meet global and regional needs. Two long term goals include: creating elements of a global materials research network designed to coordinate and support the rapidly growing interdependence of materials research priorities and related activities carried out in all regions of the world; and developing a new generation of students, postdoctoral scholars and materials researchers and educators with enhanced international leadership capabilities.
Further, IMI must be university-based and provide a research environment that will attract leading scientists and engineers. Various models may include, but are not limited to: broad-based institutes focusing on the advancement of materials research and education on a global scale; institutes focusing on the advancement of an area of materials research for which international collaborations are essential, either on a global or regional scale; and institutes based on consortia of universities, centers and national facilities that enhance their international impact.
IMI activities may include some or all of the following: identifying areas of important and innovative research for joint international collaborative programs; organizing and coordinating international exchange programs at all professional levels; establishing mechanisms for long-term international collaborations among academia, industrial and government agencies and laboratories; organizing international workshops and coordinating international research experiences for students and post-doctoral scholars in the materials field; developing internet-based activities with video capabilities for international conferencing and learning; developing techniques for remote control of instrumentation and data-sharing across long distances; developing and supporting research and education resources such as searchable databases, publications, facilities, instruments and information about education activities and research expertise; implementing at the international level materials education efforts designed to increase public awareness of the contributions materials research makes to society; linking with institutes and research centers worldwide, including other IMIs, to coordinate and enhance materials research and education efforts; and partnering with states, private foundations, industry, national laboratories, international organizations, other universities, centers and national facilities to accomplish the stated goals of the IMI. In addition, each IMI has the responsibility to manage and evaluate its own operation with respect to program administration, planning, content and direction.
More information can be found here.
AGENCIES ELIGIBLE TO SUBMIT: The IMI Program is open to two-and four-year colleges and universities located in the United States.
AWARD INFORMATION: NSF anticipates awards ranging between $600,000 and $1,200,000 per year for a maximum period of five years.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT COSTS: Indirect Cost (F&A) Limitations: NONE.
COST SHARING: NONE.
Internal Selection Procedures and Deadlines
May 9, 2008: Deadline for an email of intent, including the names of the PI and co-PIs, title of internal proposal and a 1-3 sentence description of the project. Send email of intent.
May 12, 2008: Deadline to obtain signatures of approval from your department head and college dean to submit an internal proposal to the Office of Sponsored Projects for review by the internal selection committee. The internal proposal should include:
(1) An executive summary, up to three pages, based on the proposal description as outlined in the NSF program announcement;
(2) Summary budget;
(3) Project and Management Plans (including team members);
The form for completing the internal proposal is here.
This completed form should be submitted electronically for review by the internal selection committee.
Please read the RFP carefully for specific requirements of the program here.
Selection of a proposal will be based on NSF guidelines. The needs of the university’s reinvestment plan will also be taken into account.
During the selection process, the internal selection committee may contact departments and colleges for their opinions and commitments. They may also request additional information from PIs.
May 23, 2008: The Internal Selection Committee will notify PIs of the result of the internal competition.
July 15, 2008: Deadline for full proposal (due by 5 p.m. submitter’s local
time).