FY22 CU Boulder Federal Research Priorities Application

To support CU Boulder's advocacy in Washington, D.C., the Research & Innovation Office (RIO) and Office of Government Relations (OGR) seek campus input as we determine the federal research priorities and strategies to pursue in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. Your submissions will aid in developing the annual Programmatic Requests OGR delivers to the Colorado Congressional Delegation on behalf of CU. 

While the election process is still ongoing, it is anticipated that Joe Biden will be the next President. To help guide your submissions, here are the four priorities the Biden presidential transition team has unveiled: COVID-19, economic recovery, racial equity and climate change. This solicitation is focused on research priorities. During the campaign, President-elect Biden proposed two new agencies modeled after DARPA focused on climate change and health. He also proposed expanding NIST's Manufacturing USA Institutes. The President-elect previously oversaw the Obama administration's "Cancer Moonshot" initiative and is a strong supporter of biomedical research related to cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The next administration is expected to continue support for industries of the future, including quantum information science and artificial intelligence. We expect a growing emphasis on substantive research partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) from both the executive branch and Congress in the coming years.
 

Synergies exist for many of these priorities within the science agencies and Congress, as well. For example:

  • NSF's new director outlined his priorities for the agency, which include maintaining global leadership; ensuring accessibility and inclusivity, including through partnerships with HBCUs, MSIs and TCUs; and advancing the frontiers of science. Dr. Panchanathan has expressed strong support for research on artificial intelligence, quantum information science, and risk and resilience. He has also expressed support for promoting fundamental and translational research at NSF and said he wants expand NSF's Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program.
  • In the current Congress we’ve seen bipartisan proposals aimed at infusing significant research investment in strategic technology areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning; high performance, computing, semiconductors, and advanced computer hardware; quantum computing and information systems; robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing; natural or anthropogenic disaster prevention; advanced communications technology; biotechnology, genomics, and synthetic biology; cybersecurity, data storage and data management technologies; advanced energy technology; and materials science, engineering, and exploration relevant to the other key technology areas.
  • Next year, the Democrat-led House is expected to partner with the Biden administration to advance climate change policy. In the current Congress, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released a report, which forecasts possible climate R&D policy proposals we could see advance next year. Proposals include emphasizing climate in the Department of Energy's mission, boosting funding for clean energy R&D and facilitating clean energy technology transfer and commercialization.

To be considered, proposals do not have to be related to administration or agency priorities, although it may be beneficial.

Please submit proposals using the form below by close of business December 18, 2020. CU Boulder anticipates selecting no more than 5 proposals for FY22, but may be able to support additional projects through other means or during future fiscal years. Several examples of programs that could be considered are provided below. 

Please provide the requested information. If you have any questions, please contact Karen Regan.

Indicates required field

Source(s) of Federal Funds

Other (please specify):
Other (please specify):
Other (please specify):

Summary of Proposed Program (500 word limit)

We encourage you to address the following criteria in your summary:

  • How the project aligns with College or Institute strategic plans and complements the long-term strategic imperatives of the University.
  • Existing support and opportunities within the Executive Branch and/or Congress.
  • The state, regional and/or national significance of the work.
  • How CU Boulder is at the forefront of the research and what other partners contribute to the work.

Previously selected University projects have addressed diverse research topics including quantum, artificial intelligence, wildfires, climate change and more.

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