Call for proposals: April 1, 2017

Proposal due date: May 10, 2017 (extended from May 2, 2017)

Funds must be encumbered by May 1, 2018

The Biomedical Learning and Student Training (BLaST) program invites proposals for the purchase of equipment to support student biomedical research training. Investigators at all campuses of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University of Alaska Southeast, and Ilisagvik Tribal College are encouraged to submit proposals.

The overarching goal of BLaST is to enhance undergraduate training and mentoring in biomedical research through increased diversity of students, increased integration of research and teaching, and enhanced integration of rural campuses into a cohesive biomedical community in Alaska.

The BLaST grant allocates $374,000 for the purchase of equipment between 7/1/2017 and 6/30/2018 (must be encumbered by 5/1/2018). This funding will be awarded to one or more investigators to support equipment purchases that enhance undergraduate student training opportunities.  The amount requested for any equipment purchase cannot exceed $374,000, and it is anticipated that multiple smaller awards (<$100,000) will be chosen.  Proposals must include a detailed description of the equipment requested and how the acquisition of the equipment will enhance the engagement and mentoring of undergraduate students in biomedical research.

Funding priority will be assigned to equipment, locations, and investigators that will have the greatest impact in engaging students in biomedical/One Health research and in increasing student access to research opportunities.  Based on this funding priority, the following criteria will be used to evaluate proposals:

1. Capacity building in Alaska to enhance undergraduate research training in biomedicine/One Health;
2. Experience of investigator in mentoring undergraduates in biomedical/One Health research endeavors;
3. Relevance of technology made available through purchase of named equipment to biomedicine/One Health in Alaska

All equipment requests will be reviewed by the BLaST Equipment Purchase Review Committee.

Proposals must be submitted by May 10, 2017.

Application: BLaST Equipment Purchase Proposal

Evaluation: BLaST Equipment Purchase Evaluation

BLaST Equipment Budget template as an Excel spreadsheet

BLaST fiscal staff can help with any questions about how to complete the required BLaST equipment budget template and can be reached at 907-474-2449 or uaf-blast-fiscal@alaska.edu   

To learn more about what is an allowable and unallowable for an equipment proposal go to http://www.uaf.edu/ogca/resources/regulations/fabricated-equipment/ 

If you have specific questions regarding submission or requirements please contact Dr. Arleigh Reynolds, BLaST Institutional Development Core Leader, at 907-474-1928 or ajreynolds@alaska.edu.