Delaware Sea Grant 2014–2016 Request for Proposals

The Delaware Sea Grant College Program (DESG) encourages a holistic approach to issues, i.e., cohesive, multidisciplinary combinations of natural science, social science, policy, and public outreach that contribute to scientific knowledge and to the wise use of marine and coastal resources. This approach can be accommodated within a single project or through strong linkages between and among projects. Competition for DESG funding is designed to produce the strongest package of research, education, and outreach possible and should address marine and coastal problems and opportunities that are important to Delaware, the Mid-Atlantic region, and the nation.

DESG seeks proposals for its 2014–2016 funding cycle. Awards are available for up to two years for a maximum of $70,000 per year; additional graduate student support may be requested. Lead Principal Investigators (PIs) must be affiliated with an academic institution or research laboratory in Delaware.

Only those applicants who have completed the pre-proposal process are eligible to submit a full proposal. Pre-proposals are due at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2013. Please see Related Documents below for proposal guidelines and other supporting information. Potential applicants are also encouraged to review the National Sea Grant Program 2014–2017 strategic plan and the Delaware Sea Grant College Program 2014–2017 strategic plan, which are aligned to pursue research, outreach, and education in the following focus areas:

• Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
• Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Resilient Communities and Economies
• Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development

The plans identify strategic issues of importance to the state of Delaware, the mid-Atlantic region, and the nation. The Delaware plan also specifies how Delaware Sea Grant’s efforts will align with National Sea Grant Program’s four focus areas.

DESG will host a PI question and answer session Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. at the University of Delaware’s Lewes (203 Cannon Laboratory) and Newark (105 Robinson Hall) campuses. Prospective PIs who are unable to attend at either location may be accommodated via conference call. Please contact Jennifer Merrill (merrillj@udel.edu) for conferencing details or to submit questions in advance.

In a separate competition, the Delaware Sea Grant College Program is participating in a regional collaboration with other Mid-Atlantic Sea Grant programs. The opportunity is open to PIs from across the Mid-Atlantic region. Additional information is available from Virginia Sea Grant; the opportunity is expected to be announced on January 15, 2013. Full details are available here.