Deadline: 15-Jul-21
The University of Maine is pleased to launch a call for proposals for the eDNA Emerging Areas & Commercialization Seed Grants Program.
The overarching hypothesis of Maine-eDNA is that they can transform the understanding of the ecological dynamics and sustainability of Maine’s coastal macrosystem through innovations in environmental DNA (eDNA) science that unlock new spatiotemporal and taxonomic scales of inference.
Objectives
- One of the objectives of the Maine-eDNA project is to encourage valuable contributions from researchers in emerging areas of eDNA technology and its application to marine ecosystem monitoring (Option 1).
- They seek one-year seed grant proposals to be reviewed and awarded on a competitive basis, with total project costs up to $20,000.
- For proposals that include the commercialization of eDNA technology in the scope of work (Option-2), the PI will be eligible to apply for additional matching funds from MTI, with the potential to receive an additional $20,000.
Priority Areas
Research priority areas are:
- Priority area 1 – Environmental DNA Technologies: Includes sampling technologies, molecular tools, novel detection methods, bioinformatic tools, data management and visualization technologies. Technologies that advance widespread needs in the field, emerging environmental monitoring needs, and/or community participation and well-being are strongly encouraged.
- Priority area 2 – Sustainable Seafood and Seaproducts: Includes ways that eDNA can improve sustainability and economic value of seafood products, whether aquacultured or harvested. Could include eDNA for improved aquaculture practices (e.g., farm siting), reducing harvest bycatch, improving seafood safety (e.g., pathogen testing), seafood traceability, that benefit Maine’s marine fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Eligibility Criteria
- Institutions and individuals associated with Maine-based research organizations, companies and community organizations are eligible to apply.
- Early career researchers and entrepreneurs are particularly encouraged to apply, as are individuals from groups who are underrepresented in STEM (women, persons with disabilities, blacks, Hispanics, and American Indians).
For more information, visit https://umaine.edu/epscor/2021/05/19/call-for-proposals-edna-emerging-areas-commercialization-seed-grants/