The Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research will release its Request for Preproposals (RFP) in mid-March 2024, and the due date will be mid-May 2024. Full proposals will be by invitation.
The RFP will request innovative energy sciences research and collaboration ideas from the University of Nebraska faculty. It will be the nineteenth annual cycle in which UNL faculty can compete in this internal competition for energy research grants.
NCESR provides major funding for two-year research projects to UNL faculty through collaboration with Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). The NCESR funds enable UNL faculty to conduct innovative research to develop or enhance energy science and technologies and educate undergraduate and graduate students on various energy-related aspects. Faculty are expected to use NCESR’s funding as a seed to pursue major external funding. NPPD provides several letters of support for UNL faculty each year as they bid on federal grants (e.g., Department of Energy, Department of Defense, etc.).
* The maximum budget for a one-year (12-month) research project is $85,000.
* For a two-year (24-month) research project, the maximum total budget is $170,000: $85,000 maximum for Year 1 and $85,000 maximum for Year 2. However, Year 2 funding is provisional and contingent on the PI’s demonstration of adequate project and financial performance.
The first year effective start date will be January 1, 2025, for the Cycle 19 projects awarded.