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U.S. Mission to Tunisia

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE U.S. EMBASSY TO LIBYA, PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. Embassy to Libya PAS Annual Program Statement Funding Opportunity Number: PAS Tripoli FY2024 CFDA Number: 19.040 Public Diplomacy Programs Maximum for Each Award: $25,000 USD PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Tripoli Public Affairs Section (PAS) is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The objectives of the Public Diplomacy Grant Program are to build capacity and community, promote social good, and enhance mutual understanding between the people of Libya and the United States. The U.S. Embassy to Libya is seeking projects that: Capitalize on arts initiatives to increase unity, social cohesion, and reconciliation that deepen Libyan national identity and are consistent with U.S. values. Promote leadership, positive community engagement, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and soft skills development among youth, women, and underserved communities. Increase Libyan youth capabilities to help them explore and develop technological solutions for social problems through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) programs. Projects that address environmental challenges to mitigate the effects of climate change are highly encouraged. Note: Alumni of U.S. Government funded exchange programs are encouraged to apply. Initiatives that support diversity and inclusion of minority groups and link with U.S. universities or organizations are also welcome. Additional information on this link: https://ly.usembassy.gov/notice-of-funding-opportunity-nofo/

U.S. Mission to Morocco

The U.S. Mission in Morocco s Public Affairs Office (PAO) is pleased to announce that funding is available through the Public Diplomacy Grant Program for projects ranging in value from $5,000 to $25,000. Projects for lesser or greater values will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The objectives of the Public Diplomacy Grant Program are to promote positive relations between Morocco and the United States; reinforce shared values; and connect Morocco s emerging leaders to the American people through projects that: Strengthen understanding of U.S. values and institutions; highlight U.S. culture, including American Studies, English language teaching/learning, and study in the United States; and support diversity, acceptance of minority groups, and other areas of mutual interest. Help Moroccan youth explore and discover their potential through innovative science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM,) programs, as well as entrepreneurship programs. Encourage Moroccan youth to participate in civic life through social entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and community engagement. APPLICATION PROCESSApplication DeadlinesApplications will be reviewed three times during Fiscal Year 2020. The deadlines for application are:Round 1: November 30, 2019Round 2: March 31, 2020Round 3: June 30, 2020Proposal FormatTo apply, please complete these forms in English:The Project Narrative (DOC 47 KB)The Budget Proposal (XLSX 22 KB)SF424 (Application for Federal Assistance Must be signed) (PDF 265 KB)SF424A (Budget Information) (PDF 1 MB)SF424B (Assurances Must be signed) (PDF 70 KB)Submit all forms in electronic format to: Rabatgrants@state.gov

U.S. Mission to United Arab Emirates

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) at U.S. Mission UAE invites results-oriented proposals for programs that foster economic opportunities for U.S. businesses, investors, and innovators, and showcase American leadership and excellence in science, technology, culture, arts, sports, culinary diplomacy, artificial intelligence (AI), and health. The purpose is to strengthen ties between the United States and the United Arab Emirates in ways that make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous and advance the interests of the American people as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence (2026) and celebrate the enduring U.S.-UAE partnership. See Section C, Program Description for more information. This APS outlines the funding priorities and strategic themes we will focus on in FY2026, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Proposals that fail to conform to the requirements outlined in this APS will not be considered. Goals and Objectives Proposals must focus on one of the seven priority areas outlined below. All proposed programs must clearly advance American strength, safety, and/or prosperity, to advance Goal 2 of the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs: Secure opportunities to advance U.S. commercial and strategic interests. Specifically, all proposals must include an American element or demonstrate meaningful engagement with American experts, organizations, or institutions in ways that advance U.S. interests and promote understanding of American policies, perspectives, society, culture, and values. Proposals that include programming across multiple emirates are encouraged. Possible PD grant proposals include, but are not limited to: Programs that generate tangible opportunities for U.S. companies and American experts and institutions by connecting them with Emirati partners, suppliers, procurement channels, investors, government stakeholders, and/or decision makers; supporting U.S. market entry and visibility in the UAE; and facilitating engagements designed to produce measurable outcomes, including deals, partnerships, exports, investment, licensing, training agreements, or expanded U.S. market share across strategic sectors. Proposals may include activities such as events, collaborative projects, workshops, conferences, speaker series, alumni engagement initiatives, performances, trade and expo engagement, business networking activities, or programs conducted in connection with appropriate UAE trade shows, festivals, or public events. Examples of programs include, but are not limited to: Programs that connect U.S. companies and experts with Emirati partners, suppliers, procurement channels, investors, and decisionmakers, facilitating business-to-business networking, investment matchmaking, and engagements designed to produce commercial partnerships, deals, exports, or expanded market access for American firms across strategic sectors. Subject-matter expert, academic, and professional lectures, seminars, workshops, and speaker programs featuring American experts. University-industry partnerships, including with research or technology parks, that generate commercialization projects and innovation initiatives, creating opportunities for U.S. companies in STEM fields and emerging technologies to expand partnerships and commercial engagement in the UAE. Programs in partnership with UAE institutions and American companies that promote U.S. technologies, products, and services through workshops, trade show engagement, expos/showcases, and business networking in priority sectors such as AI, healthcare, energy, or the creative industries. Hackathons, innovation competitions, maker spaces, or other hands-on activities that showcase American leadership in AI, space, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies. Professional and academic exchanges, training programs, and collaborative projects between U.S. and UAE institutions. (Note: This funding cannot be used to support construction-related activities. End note.) Priority Program Areas and Strategic Themes: Proposals must focus on one of the seven priority areas outlined below: 1. CELEBRATING AMERICA'S 250th ANNIVERSARY (FREEDOM 250): Initiatives that celebrate America s 250th birthday by showcasing American excellence, innovation, technology, dynamism, culture, and strength of the U.S.-UAE partnership. 2. CELEBRATING AMERICAN SPORTS EXCELLENCE DURING THE AMERICAN DECADE OF SPORTS: Initiatives that leverage major U.S.-hosted sporting events, such as the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics and the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, to showcase American excellence in sports, sports science, athlete development, event management, tourism, and entertainment while strengthening U.S.-UAE engagement and creating opportunities for American sports institutions, companies, and experts to expand partnerships and commercial engagement in the UAE. 3. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) ADOPTION AND INNOVATION: Initiatives that promote the adoption of American AI technologies and strengthen U.S.-UAE collaboration in AI, innovation, and applied STEM fields, including cybersecurity, space, energy, water security, and smart agriculture, while creating opportunities for U.S. companies, universities, and research institutions to expand partnerships and commercial engagement in the UAE. 4. CULINARY DIPLOMACY:. Initiatives that use food and culinary arts as a bridge to strengthen U.S.-UAE ties while promoting American agricultural products, food systems, hospitality expertise, and culinary innovation. Programs should create opportunities for U.S. food producers, culinary professionals, hospitality companies, and agricultural exporters to expand partnerships and commercial engagement in the UAE. 5. CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION AND DIGITAL HERITAGE: Initiatives that showcase American leadership in cultural heritage preservation, artifact and antiquities protection, site conservation, and digital heritage technologies, including VR/AR platforms, 3D scanning, and digital archiving, while promoting U.S. expertise and expanding opportunities for American technology providers, educational institutions, and cultural organizations to strengthen partnerships and commercial engagement in the UAE. 6. HEALTH AND LIFE SCIENCES: Initiatives that strengthen U.S.-UAE collaboration in health and life sciences by promoting American expertise, technologies, research, and innovation while expanding partnerships and commercial opportunities for U.S. companies, healthcare institutions, and academic organizations in the UAE. 7. CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AND DIGITAL INNOVATION: Initiatives that strengthen U.S.-UAE cooperation and commercial engagement in the creative industries, digital media, entertainment, gaming and game development, esports, immersive technologies, and AI-enabled creative sectors by showcasing American platforms, technologies, platforms, storytelling, and innovation models while creating opportunities for U.S. companies, creators, developers, institutions, and experts to expand partnerships, collaboration, and market engagement in the UAE. Programs may also highlight the importance of intellectual property protections, creator rights, licensing frameworks, and responsible innovation in supporting growth across the digital and creative economy. In addition to the specific requirements listed above, all proposals must: Clearly indicate the primary grant priority area the program is focused on. Clearly indicate the key public diplomacy audience(s) that will be targeted by the program and the key activities to be delivered through the program. Identify the emirate(s)/city(cities) in which activities will take place. Identify specific outcomes to be achieved by the end of the grant period. Clearly delineate how elements of the proposed program will have a multiplier effect and be sustainable beyond the life of the grant. Provide a traditional and/or social media plan for marketing program activities and outcome, if applicable. Identify any tools (surveys, beneficiary interviews, focus groups, etc.) that will be developed and used for Monitoring and Evaluation purposes. Participants and Audiences: All proposals must focus on audiences in the United Arab Emirates and in the United States. If appropriate and feasible, proposals may have a regional scope and include participants from other countries, with a view to strengthening broader U.S. engagement in the region. Proposals should describe both the primary and secondary audiences for the program, including age, sex, geographic location, and anticipated reach. Primary audiences are those that will participate directly in the program, and secondary audiences include those reached indirectly, for example, via traditional or social media. Specific audiences that are considered a priority include: Students, emerging leaders, and young professionals (ages 14-45), particularly in STEM, entrepreneurship, sports, media, technology, culinary arts, and the creative industries; Entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, educators, artists, chefs, content creators, startup founders, and other professionals engaged in technology, business, culture, and innovation sectors; Mid-career and senior-level professionals, decision-makers, institutional leaders, investors, and industry experts across sectors including artificial intelligence, healthcare, education, aerospace, sports, media, cultural heritage preservation, entertainment, and emerging technologies; Alumni of U.S. government-funded programs; and Representatives of academic institutions, research organizations, technology parks, innovation hubs, cultural institutions, and business associations involved in strengthening U.S.-UAE collaboration and commercial engagement. Mandatory application forms SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance organizations) or SF424-I (Application for Federal Assistance --individuals) at grants.gov. SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov. SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov or the Mission's website (Note: The SF-424B is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM.gov.) Budget Project Narrative Template: (detailed budget categories) at grants.gov. Summary Page (optional) Cover sheet stating the applicant's name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. Proposal (5 pages maximum) The proposal should contain sufficient information such that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use the Mission's recommended proposal template (APS Application Form) included with our APS package on Grants.gov or your own proposal format, but the proposal must include all the items below. Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact. Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Mission UAE and/or U.S. government agencies. Problem Statement: Clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed Program Goals and Objectives: The "goals" describe what the program is intended to achieve. The "objectives" refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Project Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. Project Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate. Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees. (NOTE: If your proposal requires permission, collaboration, cooperation, and/or some form of approval from or partnership with an Emirati governmental office to effectuate the project, you should obtain that permission and support prior to submitting your proposal so you can include the required letters of permission or agreement with your proposal. Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? Media Outreach Strategy: Applicant's plan for using traditional and/or social media to raise awareness of the program and U.S. funding of it, recruit participants, and highlight program impact and benefits for Emiratis. Budget Justification Narrative After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section I. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information. Proposal applications may be submitted at any time before the closing date of July 15, 2026, 5:00PM UAE Time at 5.00 p.m. UAE time. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

U.S. Mission to Canada

<p>The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Ottawa announces an open competition to implement a program to connect U.S. citizen talent, including subject matter experts, artists and cultural professionals, and current and former American athletes and coaches, with Canadian audiences and institutions on topics of strategic importance to the United States. Recipients should be prepared to identify and recruit U.S. citizen experts in the following strategic areas, in addition to arts, cultural, and sports experts that showcase American excellence:</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;U.S. prosperity and economic security (e.g. supply chains; digital policy; trade; transboundary water issues, etc.).</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Defense (e.g. defense spending, procurement; NORAD modernization; Arctic domain awareness and deterrence, etc.).</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Border security (e.g. combatting illegal trafficking, smuggling, migration, etc.).</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Freedom of speech (e.g. exposing censorship, promoting transparency etc.).</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Artificial Intelligence (e.g. promoting American AI exports, building enabling infrastructure, countering foreign influence in emerging technologies, etc.).</p><p>Programs will be conducted in-person and/or through virtual platforms. The proposal should outline how the grantee would address both options. In-person programs will generally range from two days to one week in length. Virtual programs will usually take place on a single specified date and time and may be part of a continuing series. U.S. talent will address topics identified by the U.S. Mission to Canada that will advance Administration and U.S. Mission to Canada strategic goals.</p><p><br></p>

U.S. Mission to Canada

The U.S. Department of State s Embassy Ottawa announces an open competition to implement a program to connect U.S. citizen talent, including subject matter experts, artists and cultural professionals, and current and former American athletes and coaches, with Canadian audiences and institutions on topics of strategic importance to the United States. Recipients should be prepared to identify and recruit U.S. citizen experts in the following strategic areas, in addition to arts, cultural, and sports experts that showcase American excellence: U.S. prosperity and economic security (e.g. supply chains; digital policy; trade; transboundary water issues, etc.). Defense (e.g. defense spending, procurement; NORAD modernization; Arctic domain awareness and deterrence, etc.). Border security (e.g. combatting illegal trafficking, smuggling, migration, etc.). Freedom of speech (e.g. exposing censorship, promoting transparency etc.). Artificial Intelligence (e.g. promoting American AI exports, building enabling infrastructure, countering foreign influence in emerging technologies, etc.).Programs will be conducted in-person and/or through virtual platforms. The proposal should outline how the grantee would address both options. In-person programs will generally range from two days to one week in length. Virtual programs will usually take place on a single specified date and time and may be part of a continuing series. U.S. talent will address topics identified by the U.S. Mission to Canada that will advance Administration and U.S. Mission to Canada strategic goals.

U.S. Virgin Islands Council on the Arts

Arts and cultural grants for organizations in U.S. Virgin Islands, supported by NEA federal funding.

NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

ABSTRACT The filoviruses Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV), cause severe disease in humans with high case fatality rates. Advanced metagenomic analyses led to the discovery of previously unknown filoviruses from a range of animal species. Newly discovered filoviruses include Lloviu virus (LLOV) and Dehong virus (DEHV). While recent work on LLOV suggests that it might not pose a threat to human health, it is not known if DEHV can cause disease in humans. The discovery of novel filoviruses provides an excellent research avenue for determining the molecular correlates that define pathogenicity or protection by comparing closely related pathogenic and potentially nonpathogenic viruses. In this application, we propose to perform comparative studies with pathogenic (EBOV, MARV), likely nonpathogenic (Reston virus, LLOV), and filoviruses of unknown pathogenicity (DEHV). We will analyze potential determinants of filovirus pathogenicity across viruses, including replication kinetics (Aim 1), the magnitude of the virus-induced inflammatory response in macrophages (Aim 2), and virulence in two humanized mouse models (Aim 3). By integrating findings from all three aims, we will be able to define key molecular signatures of filovirus infection that have the potential to inform the assessment of the pathogenic potential of known and newly emerging filoviruses. In Aim 1, we will compare the replication kinetics of the various viruses in distinct cell types, which will inform about the virus-intrinsic and cell-dependent factors determining replication efficiency. We will perform RNA FISH analysis to gain insight into the earliest events of viral transcription and genome replication at single-cell level. Since viral replication kinetics determine the timing and rate of viral RNA production and protein expression, they may play a major role in shaping antiviral host responses and virulence. In Aim 2, we will comprehensively profile the phosphoproteomic/proteomic and transcriptomic changes in filovirus-infected human macrophages to map the differences in the host response signatures induced by pathogenic and nonpathogenic viruses. These analyses will be accompanied by mechanistic studies aimed to dissect the molecular mechanisms of filovirus-induced immune activation using knockdown cells and targeted inhibitor approaches. In Aim 3, we will comparatively assess the ability of the various filoviruses to cause disease in two human immune system (HIS) mouse models. This includes state-of-the-art histopathological analysis of the tissues including spatial transcriptomics. Our multidisciplinary team combines expertise in filovirus biology, virus-induced activation of innate immune cells, omics analysis, humanized mouse models, and histopathology of filovirus-infected tissues. We are therefore well positioned to perform the proposed work.

NIDCR - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Project Summary The overarching goal of this R03 proposal is reduce the moisture sensitivity of dental adhesives by incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). This work is motivated by prior research in related engineering applications (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesives, coatings) demonstrating that CNCs decrease moisture sensitivity of polymeric matrices. Despite this prior art, systematic investigation of CNC impact on dental adhesive materials has yet to be undertaken. This constitutes a major gap, as moisture sensitivity is a significant contributor to the high rate of secondary caries and therefore identifying benign materials that can address this issue is of utmost importance. Furthermore, the proposed specific aims will determine fundamental interactions between CNCs and water, determining if ‘bound’ water within a polymerized adhesive delays or eliminates water-mediated degradation mechanisms. I am qualified to lead this project, as previous and ongoing work from my research team investigates reduced water sensitivity in food packaging and adhesive materials modified with cellulose nanomaterials. Furthermore, my expertise in photopolymerized polymer networks employed as dental materials complements this expertise and makes me uniquely qualified to oversee this investigation. Building upon this foundation and expertise, the overarching hypothesis for this proposal is that long-term stability of the adhesive layer will be enhanced when CNCs are uniformly incorporated and distributed within a photopolymerized dental adhesive. This project consists of two Specific Aims. In Specific Aim 1, I will determine how the distribution of CNCs varies based on the composition of model self-etch adhesives, and how this distribution impacts moisture sensitivity, network properties, and adhesive performance when exposed to moisture. This is motivated by the high degree of heterogeneity associated with currently employed adhesive systems. In Specific Aim 2, different surface functionalizations will be explored to optimize and modify the distribution of CNCs within adhesive networks and potentially improve the impact of these additives on adhesive performance. Given the heterogeneous nature of adhesive materials, I expect surface functionalization will enable more effective distribution. This area of research constitutes a new domain at this early-stage of my career, and thus the results from this award will serve as motivation to investigate a more diverse range of bio-sourced nanomaterials (e.g., functionalization, geometries) for restoration systems where biomaterial-water interactions need to be tailored.

NIDA - National Institute on Drug Abuse

PROJECT SUMMARY Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is highly comorbid in people with HIV (PWH) and can accelerate infection, alter neuropathology, and exacerbate cognitive decline despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). Many of these effects are due to the infection and dysregulation of CNS-associated myeloid cells, especially microglia, which comprise a significant reservoir in this compartment. However, the precise mechanisms by which cocaine (Coc) dysregulates microglia to enhance HIV infection are unclear, partly due to the lack of translationally relevant human microglial models suitable for mechanistic evaluation of Coc-mediated changes in viral dynamics. Classically, Coc has been thought to act by blocking dopamine transporter (DAT) activity, exposing microglia to aberrantly high dopamine concentrations. Our data show that dopamine can increase HIV infection and inflammation in microglia and other myeloid cells. However, recent data show that Coc has other mechanisms of action beyond the modulation of dopaminergic tone, involving the ER protein sigma1 (σ1), which has diverse cellular functions including the modulation of cellular stress pathways such as the unfolded protein response (UPR). Viruses, including HIV, can exploit the UPR to amplify stress-induced protein production in the host cell, enhancing viral replication. Our preliminary studies indicate that Coc’s effects on σ1 may drive a Coc-mediated increase in HIV infection in microglia, potentially through increased stress response and independent of dopamine’s effects. My preliminary data show that both Coc and σ1 agonists increase HIV replication in human inducible pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia (iMg). These effects are blocked by σ1 antagonism but not by inhibition of DAT or dopamine receptors. We also show increased σ1 protein expression and recruitment to the ER/nuclear envelope space in HIV-infected iMg treated with Coc, and preliminary single-cell RNAseq data suggest changes in the UPR. Therefore, we hypothesize that Coc-mediated activation of σ1 increases HIV infection of microglia via activation of the UPR. In Aim 1, we will test the involvement of σ1 in driving Coc-mediated changes in HIV infection of iMg using pharmacological and genetic modulation, and we will also confirm the absence of dopaminergic involvement. We will assess changes in viral dynamics using AlphaLISA and immunofluorescence (IF) high-content imaging. In Aim 2, we will test the hypothesis that Coc induces greater σ1 activity in the presence of HIV infection utilizing confocal and high-content IF imaging of σ1 subcellular localization in cellular compartments like the nuclear envelope, ER, and mitochondria-associated ER membrane. Movement of σ1 to these compartments is a feature of σ1 activation. In Aim 3, we will use single-cell RNAseq to test the hypothesis that Coc-induced σ1 activity drives increased HIV infection in iMg via upregulation of UPR genes. The results from these experiments will not only define novel interactions between HIV and σ1 that could reveal new antiretroviral targets but will also broadly inform on the role of σ1 in microglia and potentially identify biomarkers for prevention strategies against CUD and its associated comorbid diseases.

NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Abstract CD8+ T cells are unique in effective sensing and killing of intracellular pathogen-infected cells and tumor cells. Because current vaccines are designed to induce high titer pathogen-specific antibodies for host protection, new vaccines focused on promoting effective memory CD8+ T cells are needed. Since a single naive CD8+ T cell has the potential to give rise to multiple types of progenies, it is essential to understand how naive T cells are primed to form distinct effector and memory cells. It is generally accepted that the strength of cognate antigen (Ag) stimulation determines the size of the primary response and of the memory cell pool, and that strong cognate Ag signals coupled with robust co-stimulation and cytokines altogether drive naive CD8+ T cells towards an effector rather than a memory cell fate. The current dogma also states that cognate Ag stimulation does not lead to functionally distinct subsets of memory CD8+ T cells. In contrast, however, we recently discovered that the strength and the stability of cognate Ag/MHC interactions with the T cell receptor (TCR) determine the development of memory cell functional characteristics, in particular stem-cell associated characteristics, through epigenetic imprinting. Stem cell memory CD8+ T (TSCM) cells have been shown to exhibit superior functional features, progeny potential, self-renewal capacity and longevity. Using state of the art conditional mouse models, high dimensional spectral flow cytometry, lentiviral-based inducible gain or loss of function experiments, and computational modeling approaches, we will define the features of T cell epitopes, key TCR structural modes of recognition, TCR signaling pathways, genetic and epigenetic regulators that enhance the differentiation of TSCM cells in vivo. We will validate our findings in models of chronic infections and tumors. This research directly impacts the rational design of more effective vaccines and adoptive T cell transfer therapies.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Preterm birth (PTB) affects 10% of pregnancies globally, with rates rising 12% between 2014-2022, incurring healthcare costs exceeding $25 billion annually in the US alone. While inflammation is a known trigger of PTB, the environmental factors driving this inflammatory response remain poorly understood. A critical knowledge gap exists in understanding how emerging environmental contaminants, particularly micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) particles, associate with PTB and alter placental immune function. Our preliminary data provide compelling evidence that MNPs bioaccumulate in human placentae at concentrations 23.9 times higher than in blood. Using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), we found significantly elevated MNP levels in preterm versus term placentae (224.7 vs 175.5 µg/g tissue; p=0.0032), with specific polymers showing 17-157% higher concentrations in preterm cases. The long-term objective of this research is to establish how environmental MNP exposure correlates with adverse pregnancy outcomes and identify modifiable risk factors for PTB prevention. Leveraging our completed longitudinal pregnancy cohort study (the Bacteria and Birth Study; BaBs Trial, n=585; PTB=103, term=367) with comprehensive maternal-infant biospecimens collected from first trimester through 6 weeks postpartum (>93,000 samples), we will: Aim 1) Define temporal patterns of MNP accumulation by quantifying 12 environmentally relevant polymers in maternal blood, urine, placental tissue, and cord blood (n=3,500 specimens) using Py- GC/MS, while integrating data on other environmental toxicants to establish exposure signatures that predict PTB risk; and Aim 2) Characterize the pathophysiology of MNP-associated placental dysfunction through systematic analysis of inflammatory markers (n=1,200 samples), histopathological changes (n=351 placentae), and immune cell distributions mapped by spatial transcriptomics (n=30 placentae). This comprehensive molecular and cellular characterization will establish the foundation for future mechanistic studies using animal models and in vitro systems. This research is innovative in challenging current paradigms of PTB etiology while introducing state-of-the- art methods to track environmental exposures during pregnancy. Our unique approach combines advanced analytical capabilities (Py-GC/MS- submicron plastics detection) with high-resolution spatial profiling to reveal how MNP exposure correlates with altered maternal-fetal immune balance. Success will establish: 1) The first longitudinal assessment of MNP accumulation patterns during pregnancy; 2) Novel biomarkers for identifying at- risk pregnancies; and 3) Key molecular and cellular changes associated with MNP accumulation in human placentae. These findings will directly inform the design of future mechanistic studies while directly providing evidence-based guidance for reducing harmful exposures during pregnancy, particularly benefiting vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by PTB.

NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

The University of North Carolina (UNC) Global HIV Prevention and Treatment Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) has a well-established record of high quality, innovative clinical research, strong network and scientific leadership. The CTU engages with critically important populations infected with and at high risk of HIV in southeastern US, southern Africa and southeast Asia. Our CTU is led by three experienced principal investigators (Joseph Eron MD, Mina Hosseinipour MD and David Wohl MD) and will support all four NIH Clinical Trials Networks (CTN); Adult Therapeutic Strategies, HIV Prevention, Vaccine Prevention and Pediatric, Adolescent and Maternal Therapeutic Strategies. Our four experienced Clinical Research Sites (CRS) include Chapel Hill CRS (Adult Strategies, Prevention and Vaccine CTN) led by Dr. Wohl, Greensboro CRS (Adult Strategies, Prevention and Vaccine CTN) led by Cornelius Van Dam MD, Malawi CRS (all four CTN) led by Lameck Chinula MD and Vietnam CRS (Adult Strategies, Prevention and Vaccine CTN) led by Vivian Go PhD. Participants with HIV include those newly diagnosed (including with acute infection), PWH stably suppressed on therapy, PWH with adherence challenges to care or medication, and PWH with drugresistant HIV. We will enroll PWH at risk for comorbidities and PWH or without HIV including those with co-epidemic pathogens such as tuberculosis (TB) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) which affect USA populations but the higher disease prevalence in Malawi and Vietnam allows research efficiency. We have skilled, experienced clinical and translational investigators working hand-in-hand with junior investigators in US and international settings, who will engage and execute the network scientific agenda. A globally representative set of senior scientists and public health leaders on our Scientific and Strategic Advisory Group advise the CTU leadership team. The CTU administration has a highly organized structure that is responsive to our research teams and CRSs. Each CRS engages the communities representing the affected populations in an interactive, openminded way. State-of-art communication and experienced, outstanding and well-organized laboratory, pharmacy, regulatory, quality and data management support the CTU, CRSs. Using this robust framework the UNC Global CTU is positioned optimally to continue our scientific, and network leadership and clinical trials support to all four NIH HIV networks, contributing to the elimination of HIV and significant co-infections in the USA and globally.

U.S. National Science Foundation

The URO program provides support for operations, technical enhancements, scientific investigations, and student training at university-based radio facilities. A primary function of funded University Radio Observatories is to provide focused research environments that foster hands-on student involvement in state-of-the-art radio astronomy instrumentation. UROs also serve the general astronomical community by providing open access to a substantial fraction of available telescope time.

Uptown Arts & Culture Coalition

Uptown Arts & Culture Coalition (UACC) seeks funding for a community movie night at Counterbalance Park on September 19, 2024. This event will engage the neighborhood with a free, family-friendly screening of short films during Uptown Artwalk. Specific event goals: attract 150+ attendees; engage 5+ local businesses for partner promotion; increase Uptown Artwalk attendance; highlight Uptown arts & culture organizations; demonstrate Counterbalance Park's potential as a public, outdoor event venue. Seattle Parks & Recreation will provide A/V; SIFF will provide film curation; Uptown Alliance, Tidy Uptown, Uptown Artwalk, & UACC will share planning and promotion. We hope to purchase ADA-accessible planking to ensure wheelchair access to the gravel-covered park. We seek support for event insurance, film licensing fees, and complimentary refreshments. We respectfully request $3,000 to support this community-led event to benefit residents, artists, and businesses in Uptown.

ACC APG - Natick

The Soldier Center is seeking solutions in the following scientific and technical areas: Combat Feeding &amp; Equipment Ration development, field feeding systems Soldier Protection &amp; Survivability Headborne protection, modular armor, chemical/biological protection, nanotechnology Modeling &amp; Simulation Soldier effectiveness, operational survivability Human Performance &amp; Biomechanics Body-worn systems, hand-held devices, soldier-centric sensors Expeditionary Maneuver Support Energy efficiency, EMI/EMP protection, battlefield mobility Aerial Delivery Advanced airdrop systems for personnel and cargo Simulation &amp; Training Technology Medical training, AI-based battlefield visualization, cyberspace warfare training This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is intended to fulfill requirements for scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing state-of-the-art technologies and/or increasing knowledge and understanding as a means of eliminating current technology barriers. This BAA DOES NOT focus on specific systems or hardware solutions. This BAA identifies DEVCOM SOLDIER CENTER research/exploratory development areas of interest and provides prospective offerors information on the preparation of proposals along with proposal evaluation factors. The Government may award purchase orders, contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transactions against this BAA. Read the Full BAA &amp; Submission Guidelines: On SAM.gov https://sam.gov/opp/e8c7609f0f154df4afda846595bca888/view

National Endowment for the Humanities

USA-250: CELEBRATING JOHN PHILIP SOUSA IN SOUTH DAKOTA [IN CELEBRATION OF AMERICA?S 250TH ANNIVERSARY, THE SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY (SDSU) SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS AND THE OSCAR LARSON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IN BROOKINGS, SOUTH DAKOTA PROPOSE A DYNAMIC AND HISTORICALLY GROUNDED TWO-DAY PUBLIC SYMPOSIUM AND CONCERT PROGRAM TITLED "USA-250: CELEBRATING JOHN PHILIP SOUSA IN SOUTH DAKOTA." THIS INITIATIVE WILL ILLUMINATE THE ENDURING LEGACY OF JOHN PHILIP SOUSA, WHOSE MUSIC PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN SHAPING AMERICAN PATRIOTIC IDENTITY.]

NIH

Background: How can we apply the community health worker (CHW) model to help both care partners and Veterans with serious illness in rural areas? Little is known about this approach. We will test a VA-supported intervention successfully piloted in the Durham VA and surrounding rural communities in 2021. VA’s Office of Rural Health, Caregiver Support Program and National Social Work Office are aware and support this work. Significance: Clinically, this work will help improve care for rural Veterans with serious illness by supporting care partners in their caregiving role in the community thus bolstering the care of Veterans receiving primary support from care partners in rural areas. A strength of our intervention is that it adapts and extends a successful model of individualized support commonly used outside of the VA. This approach maximizes the potential for sustainability, broad dissemination, and care delivery impact across the VA. This work will be generalizable. Strategically, this SDR proposal responds to the National Academies report recommending all health systems, including VA, develop processes to routinely identify, assess, and support needs of care partners. Our project meets rural health access, long-term care/aging, engagement science, and caregiving HSR priorities for investigator-initiated research focused on rural populations. Additionally, our proposed efforts fit squarely with the VA’s Rural Health State of the Art conclusion that we must expand VA partnerships in the community and help Veterans and their families understand their options for care and support in the community and at the VA. Innovation & Impact: This project is innovative because of its focus on social and practical needs of care partners, advances the science of community engagement in VA care and support, and situates a care partner- focused community health worker model squarely in the VA system for the first time. The entire project is guided by a Community Advisory Board (CAB) composed of social service, serious illness care, and rural care experts plus Veterans and care partners with lived experience. Specific Aims: Aim 1. Determine CHW effectiveness in reducing care partner burden, increasing Veterans' well-being, and increasing care partner-Veteran satisfaction with VA care in the intervention group compared with the usual care (CSP) group: We will apply our feasible CHW intervention to a larger sample, randomized control trial. (Hl) Care partners randomized to the intervention group will have lower mean Zarit-12 scores at 6 months compared to the control group. (H2) Care partners and Veterans randomized to the intervention group will have higher mean 1-item CAHPS Global Satisfaction scores at 6 months compared to the control group. (H3) Veterans randomized to the intervention group will have higher mean Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well- Being scores at 6 months compared to the control group. Aim 2: Following intervention, explore Veterans' and care partners' experience of care and support using subgroup semi-structured interviews in the intervention group. We then facilitate CAB Delphi Method sessions (including study Veterans, CHWs, and care partners) exploring Aims 1/2 data using equity-focused intervention mapping for wider implementation. Aim 3: Conduct budget impact analysis from the VA perspective to evaluate cost-drivers and assess feasibility to inform adaptation and implementation of the intervention within Durham VA Health Care System. Methodology: Two-arm randomized control trial using validated measures. We follow this using qualitative exploration with participants plus a Delphi method exploring implementation with the community advisory board and participants. We end with a unique business impact analysis of the intervention. Next Steps/Implementation: We are supported/advised by VA’s Office of Rural Health and Caregiver Support Program in Durham, NC with additional advisement from National Social Work Office, Chaplaincy, Palliative Care, county Veteran Services and Area Agencies on Aging (see LOS). If successful, this intervention can be added to the options available from CSP to support rural care partners and their seriously ill Veterans.

NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

This study aims to develop new methods for detecting pre-cancerous dysplasia on colonoscopy and histology in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is associated with a higher incidence of colorectal cancer compared to the general population. However, IBD dysplasia is more difficult to detect on colonoscopy because lesions are flat, irregular in shape, and coincide with inflammation. In efforts to combat visualization problems, most gastroenterologists continue to perform random mucosal biopsy for increased sensitivity of dysplasia detection on colonoscopy. Accessory measures to help enhance dysplasia detection including high- definition endoscopy, dye chromoendoscopy, and narrow band imaging require extensive expertise, increase procedure duration, and have not been definitively shown to improve dysplasia detection rates. In addition to difficulty detecting dysplasia on colonoscopy, pathologists face similar ambiguity when evaluating dozens of biopsies provided from every colonoscopy. Beyond reviewer fatigue, pathologists are challenged to separate inflammation from dysplasia and the grade of severity, typically requiring referral to experts at high volume centers for second opinion review. Machine learning and computer vision methods are well suited to address clinician limitations in detecting visual features of IBD-related colonic dysplasia. Our multi-disciplinary team’s prior work developing methods to improve endoscopic disease activity assessments and quantify histologic imaging using machine learning will be adapted and applied to dysplasia detection in this proposed project. We will pursue three aims to achieve our goal of determining whether computer vision models can match or exceed the diagnostic ability of experts for detecting dysplasia on colonoscopy and histology. Aim 1 will build computer vision models trained to infer histologic ground truth using endoscopic imaging for detecting the presence of dysplasia on standard colonoscopy video from multiple centers. Methods will incorporate both still image classifier pipelines and new generative diffusion-based model architectures for full video analysis. Aim 2 will evaluate the performance of both experts and new FDA-approved AI assistant tools in colonoscopy for detecting dysplasia on colonoscopy, comparing results to best performing video-based dysplasia models. Finally, Aim 3 will apply computer vision quantitative histology to predict the presence of dysplasia on routine colonic biopsy, leveraging state-of-the-art histologic image segmentation methods for both enhanced pathologist annotation and modeling. Optimized dysplasia model performance will be tested and piloted in a real-world digital pathology workflow to evaluate the feasibility and performance of automated dysplasia detection in clinical practice. We expect these advancements will transform IBD dysplasia assessment by eliminating the need for cumbersome mucosal interrogation methods, improving accuracy of dysplasia detection, personalizing dysplasia surveillance and management, and providing a deployable technologic solution to elevate the quality of IBD care rendered by less-experienced clinicians.

NHLBI - National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

Our primary goal is to acquire new insights into chronic GVHD (cGVHD) pathobiology to create new therapies to limit fibrosis. We’ve shown that T:B cell engagement can initiate cGVHD by causing pathogenic αhost immunoglobulin (Ig) deposition that exacerbates tissue injury, recruits monocytes (monos) and TGFβ-secreting macrophage (Macs), and stimulates fibroblast/myofibroblast/endothelial cell pro-fibrinogenic cytokines. Our central hypothesis is that developing effective αfibrotic therapies requires greater elucidation of tissue cellular mechanisms and dynamic evolution processes that culminate in cGVHD. We will use state-of-the-art techniques in valid mouse models to expose cGVHD vulnerabilities. Tissues will be obtained at an early and late timepoint from cGVHD mice with bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) or scleroderma (Scl) to assess cGVHD progression in lymphoid and cGVHD organs. In an innovative, scientifically and technologically unprecedented, approach we will interrogate cGVHD mechanisms in BO and Scl models by spatially and temporally resolving and integrating proteomics with whole genome transcriptomics at a single cell resolution within histopathological regions of interest. This will result in a spatiotemporal atlas mapping how specific cells drive cGVHD disease progression in both lymphoid and target tissues; an invaluable tool for future studies. Our specific aims will test the hypotheses that: Aim 1. Interrogating T cell:B cell crosstalk at cGVHD tissue sites will lead to novel therapeutics and individualized applications. During the mechanistic discovery phase, we will infuse bifunctional (suppressive and cytolytic) αCD19 scFv chimeric antigen receptor (CAR19) Tregs to preclude B cell support of pathogenic IgG secretion, leveraging our murine cGVHD/BO cell atlas to assess the means by which these cells disrupt cGVHD progression. Aim 2. cGVHD tissue injury recruits monos that evolve into αinflammatory, pro-fibrinogenic Macs and engagement with fibroblasts/myofibroblasts to initiate fibrosis. Coupling mono and Mac reporter and deleter donor mice with spatiotemporal multi-omics, we will define the mechanisms by which monos and Macs enter cGVHD tissues and pro-fibrotic cytokines are produced, leading to new and key therapeutic targets. To halt fibrosis, mannosylated lipid nanoparticles with TGFβ1 siRNA will be given to selectively bind CD206+ Macs linked to murine cGVHD/BO and Scl. Aim 3. Mac communication with fibroblasts/myofibroblasts causes fibrosis that can be halted by fibroblast activation protein (FAP) CAR Tregs. Utilizing our first of its kind cell atlas of disease progression, we will elucidate the nature of crosstalk between profibrogenic TGFβ-producing Macs, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and endothelial cells culminating in tissue fibrosis. We show FAP upregulation in cGVHD lung (BO), skin (Scl) and cGVHD/Scl patients and will infuse FAP CAR Tregs to eliminate damaged cells. We will fill cGVHD pathophysiology knowledge gaps for mechanistic insights focused on T:B and Mac: fibroblast/myofibroblast/endothelial cell (fibrosis) crosstalk, test novel therapies in clinically relevant models and, with mature data, assist Dr. Pavletic to lead cGVHD CAR trials at the NIH Clinical Center using intramural funds

UT Arts Council

General operating and project support for arts organizations and individual artists in UT. Funds visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, and arts education.

Utah Community Foundation

Utah Community Foundation ($200M in assets) supports nonprofits in UT through grants focused on education, community development, health, arts. Awards range from $1,000 to $50,000.

Utah Division of Arts and Museums

General Operating Support grants sustain Utah arts and museum organizations through funding for core operations, enabling consistent programming, exhibitions, and community engagement that enrich cultural life across the state.

Utah Division of Arts and Museums

Project grants fund specific arts and museum initiatives in Utah including exhibitions, performances, festivals, and educational programs that bring arts experiences to diverse communities and underserved populations.

Sanctuary Art Center

Utility boxes are a necessary part of the urban streetscape as the provide the essential controls to our trafic lights, however they are simply there for ?Utility? and to a passer by amount to nothing more than a large grey obstruction. This project aims to build community through the transformation of the Utility Boxes in the U District from ordinary obstructions into a community assets that contribute to both placemaking and wayfinding.