A1521 Engineering for Ag Production & Processing, Oct 2, 2025
A1551 Engineering for Precision Crop & Water Mgmt, Oct 9, 2025
A1414 Bioeconomy & Biobased Products (Integrated), Oct 9, 2025
A1332 Food Safety & Defense, Oct 16, 2025
A1411 Water Quantity & Quality, Oct 23, 2025
A1364 Innovations in Food Manufacturing Technologies, Oct 23, 2025
A1511 Nanotechnology for Ag & Food Systems, Oct 30, 2025
A1541 Data Science for Food & Agricultural Systems (DSFAS), Nov 13, 2025
CIST-focused scope:
AI/ML & data platforms for ag decision support (DSFAS); CPS/IoT, robotics, automation, and sensing for fields/orchards and processing (A1521, A1551); secure connectivity & cyber considerations for ag systems (A1521); nano-enabled sensors and delivery systems (A1511); food safety analytics & detection (A1332); modeling/simulation & decision tools for water quality/quantity (A1411); biobased products & circular bioeconomy systems (A1414).
Notes:
New Investigator options available within FASE (Seed and New Investigator Standard, program-dependent).
Informational webinars will be posted on NIFA’s calendar.
Focus Areas Aligned to CIST
CS: AI/ML, Robotics, Networks
ISQA: Analytics/optimization
Si2: Cybersecurity, IT Innovation, Bioinformatics/Biomedical Informatics, Data Science
Award summary:
Most research/standard caps up to $650k (some integrated up to $750k)
Seed grants up to $300k
Select priorities up to $1,000,000 (see program area)
Project period: commonly 36–60 months.
Air Force, AFRL (Information Directorate) BAA FA8750-24-S-7006; NAICS 541715
STO seeks revolutionary—not incremental—research leading to proof-of-concept mission systems and disruptive capabilities for national security across air, space, sea, and land. Short-duration exploratory projects (e.g., analytical studies, proof-of-concept experiments) are prioritized to help shape future DARPA programs.
Selected Topic Areas of Interest (aligned with CIST strengths):
Artificial intelligence; advanced/at-scale computing; big-data analytics; signal processing.
Cyber operations and non-kinetic effects (EW/DE/cyber); resilient/interoperable systems.
Autonomy and distributed teaming (human–machine, machine–machine); human–machine symbiosis; human behavior modeling.
Communications & networking (HF, VLF, microwave/mmWave, software-defined radio), space comms/architectures, VLEO.Sensing and analytics (acoustic, EO/IR, radar/adaptive arrays, seekers, space sensors).
Short, high-risk/high-reward explorations in “third-wave” AI—advancing future AI science and prototype concepts so machines become trusted, collaborative partners for national security. Strong fit for AI/ML, knowledge-rich reasoning, human-AI teaming/HCC, robust & efficient learning, and novel AI hardware/software.
The 2026 funding opportunity is designed to facilitate research on integrating AI in courses—spanning effectiveness, ethics, pedagogy, and student experience.
Proposals must request funds for research that hopes to improve teaching by making significant,transformative changes to the design, pedagogy, learning materials, or special supports associated with existing courses. The proposed project may involve one faculty member or a team; Co-PIs may be from the same campus or skills might be leveraged by using expertise from faculty on other campuses. No funding can be awarded to those outside the NU System. If the PI does not have research experience, it is highly recommended an experienced Co-PI or research mentor be included in the proposal. Proposals related to general education or discipline-based courses will be considered.
Proposals impacting larger numbers of students will be given priority.
Award Summary
Up to $75,000 total for two or three years, with an expectation that the campus, college, and/or department provide an additional $25,000 for a total of $100,000.
UNO ORCA
Proposal deadline: Rolling while funds available. Submissions opened September 15, 2025
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