FY25 Minerva Research Initiative University Research Program
ID: 356694Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Washington Headquarters Services (DOD-WHS)

Award Range

$1M - $30M

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Washington Headquarters Services is offering the FY25 Minerva Research Initiative University Research Program, a federal grant aimed at supporting innovative basic research in social sciences related to national security. The initiative seeks to enhance the Department of Defense's understanding of social, cultural, behavioral, and political dynamics that influence global regions of strategic importance, encouraging collaborations among universities and research institutions. Grants will range from $1 million to $30 million, with an expected 15 awards, and proposals must be submitted by February 28, 2025, following an initial white paper submission due by November 29, 2024. For further inquiries, interested applicants can contact Jonathan Bertsch at jonathan.e.bertsch.civ@mail.mil.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Department of Defense's Minerva Research Initiative seeks to support basic research that enhances understanding of social science in the context of national security. The initiative invites submissions through a two-stage process: first, white papers due by November 29, 2024, and then full proposals by February 28, 2025. The funding opportunity covers six key research topics, including societal cohesion and conflict, influence measurements, and the societal impacts of technological change. Grants of up to $1 million per year for a maximum of 15 successful proposals are anticipated, totaling up to $30 million. The initiative encourages collaborations among universities and relevant institutions while emphasizing original, transformative research to build the Department's intellectual capacity. Eligible applicants include universities, non-profit institutions, and certain other research entities. Each proposal must align with the research priorities established by the Defense Department, aiming to foster innovative solutions to defense-related behavioral and social questions. Overall, the Minerva Research Initiative aspires to bridge the gap between the Department of Defense and the social science community, ultimately contributing to informed policy and strategy.
    Similar Opportunities
    Defense Security Cooperation University - Research Grants
    Active
    Washington Headquarters Services
    The Washington Headquarters Services is offering research grants through the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) to enhance knowledge and practices in security cooperation and irregular warfare. This funding opportunity invites individual researchers or research teams, including those from professional military education institutions and federally funded research centers, to submit white papers focusing on evidence and data-building activities that contribute to the understanding of security cooperation. The initiative, with a total anticipated funding of $21.6 million over five fiscal years, emphasizes the importance of unclassified and publicly accessible research findings that support U.S. security interests. Interested applicants can reach out to Jonathan Bertsch, Grants Officer, at jonathan.e.bertsch.civ@mail.mil, with proposals due by August 7, 2028.
    RESEARCH INITIATIVES AT THE NAVAL POST GRADUATE SCHOOL
    Active
    Naval Supply Systems Command
    The Naval Supply Systems Command is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Research Initiatives at the Naval Postgraduate School," aimed at supporting basic and applied research in STEM fields relevant to national security. Eligible applicants, specifically private institutions of higher education, are encouraged to submit proposals that do not focus on the development of specific systems or hardware procurement. This initiative is significant for fostering innovative research that aligns with the Department of Defense's mission and priorities. The estimated total program funding is $20 million, with an expected 40 awards, and proposals can be submitted until January 13, 2026. Interested parties can contact Dwayne M. Casad at dwayne.m.casad.civ@us.navy.mil for further information.
    Department of Defense Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI)
    Active
    Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command
    The Department of the Army's Materiel Command is offering a federal grant opportunity through the Department of Defense Research and Education Program aimed at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCUs/MIs). This initiative seeks to enhance defense-related research and educational capabilities at these institutions, with a focus on increasing the number of graduates in STEM disciplines and fostering collaborations with other educational institutions and defense organizations. The program is critical for addressing national defense research priorities and strengthening the defense workforce through educational enhancements. Eligible applicants can apply for grants ranging from $100 million, with applications due by July 31, 2029. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact William A. Creech at william.a.creech3.civ@army.mil or by phone at 919-549-4387.
    NDEP STEM Open NFO
    Active
    Washington Headquarters Services
    The Washington Headquarters Services is offering a funding opportunity through the National Defense Education Program (NDEP) for initiatives aimed at enhancing STEM education and outreach. This program seeks innovative proposals that align with the Department of Defense's objectives to implement and research effective STEM activities, including education at community colleges, workforce development, and civic education initiatives. Eligible applicants include industry, non-profit institutions, and educational agencies, with grant awards ranging from $100,000 to $10 million. Interested parties must submit white papers by March 5, 2024, with full applications due by April 30, 2024, and anticipated award notifications by August 1, 2024. For further inquiries, contact Jonathan Bertsch at jonathan.e.bertsch.civ@mail.mil.
    Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Department of the Navy (DoN) Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) Program
    Active
    Office of Naval Research
    The Office of Naval Research is offering a grant opportunity under the Fiscal Year 2025 Department of the Navy Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) Program. This initiative aims to enhance the research and educational capabilities of U.S.-based Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), thereby increasing the number of minority professionals in these critical fields for the defense community. The program is particularly focused on fostering collaborative research efforts that address naval science and technology challenges while engaging underrepresented minorities in STEM disciplines. Interested applicants must submit their white papers by December 13, 2024, with funding amounts ranging from $100,000 to $525,000, and can contact Sarah Jaeschke at sarah.m.jaeschke.civ@us.navy.mil for further information.
    Class of 2025 Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship (VBFF)
    Active
    Office of Naval Research
    The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is offering the Class of 2025 Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship (VBFF), a federal grant aimed at stimulating innovative basic research within academia and developing future scientists and engineers for the Department of Defense (DoD). This program seeks proposals from tenured faculty at accredited U.S. institutions to conduct high-risk research in various fields, including mathematics, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, bioengineering, quantum information science, and material science. With a total estimated funding of $30 million and individual awards ranging from $1 million to $3 million over five years, interested applicants must submit a mandatory white paper by September 27, 2024, with full proposals due in early 2025. For further inquiries, contact Anastasia Lenfest at anastasia.e.lenfest.civ@us.navy.mil.
    US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Indo-Pacific Fundamental Research Collaboration Opportunities
    Active
    USAF 347 Contracting Squadron
    The USAF 347 Contracting Squadron is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Indo-Pacific Fundamental Research Collaboration Opportunities." This initiative aims to foster the discovery, development, and integration of novel science and technologies specifically within the Indo-Pacific region, explicitly excluding engagements in the Continental United States. The funding, categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, has an award ceiling of $9.5 million and a floor of $10,000, with an expected 51 awards to be made. Interested applicants can reach out to Mr. Kazuhito Urano or Mr. Joshua B. Grubb for further inquiries, and proposals must be submitted by August 30, 2027, as detailed on the System for Award Management (SAM) website.
    Legacy Resource Management Program
    Active
    Washington Headquarters Services
    The Washington Headquarters Services is offering a funding opportunity under the Legacy Resource Management Program, aimed at supporting non-research cooperative agreements for the management and conservation of Department of Defense (DoD) lands in the U.S. Applicants are invited to submit comprehensive project narratives that align with conservation objectives, focusing on areas such as biodiversity management, wildland fire management, tribal coordination, and cultural resource management. This initiative is crucial for enhancing conservation goals while ensuring military readiness, reflecting the DoD's commitment to environmental stewardship. Interested parties must maintain an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, with funding amounts ranging from $0 to $30 million, and applications are due by June 20, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Grants Officer Michael J. Fanizzo at michael.j.fanizzo.civ@mail.mil.
    Security and Preparedness
    Active
    National Science Foundation
    The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Security and Preparedness," aimed at supporting basic scientific research that enhances understanding of global and national security issues. Proposals should focus on theoretically motivated and methodologically rigorous research in areas such as international relations, political violence, and peace science, while also promoting research experiences for undergraduate students and methodological innovations. This program is significant for advancing knowledge in critical security domains and does not fund applied research. Interested applicants can find more details and submit proposals by January 15, 2025, and may contact NSF grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov for assistance.
    Staff Research Program
    Active
    Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command
    The Department of the Army's Materiel Command is offering a funding opportunity through the Staff Research Program, aimed at fostering collaborative basic research between its scientific staff and institutions of higher education. The program seeks to enhance the professional competence of Army Research Office (ARO) scientists by engaging in hands-on research that advances knowledge in various scientific disciplines, including engineering, physical, life, and information sciences. This initiative is crucial for maintaining the integrity of ARO's mission while promoting innovative research aligned with Army interests. Interested applicants must submit proposals via Grants.gov by February 19, 2025, with no cost-sharing requirement, and can direct inquiries to William A. Creech at william.a.creech3.civ@mail.mil or by phone at 919-549-4387.