External Awards Received
The UM-Dearborn Office of Research is pleased to congratulate the following faculty members on receiving external funding for their research projects as follows:
U-M Principal Investigator: Mohamed Abouelenien (Co-PI)
Project Title: Advancing Intelligent Cognitive Load Sensing and Adaptive Scaffolding to Support Collaborative Simulation-based Learning in High-Stakes Environments
Sponsor: National Science Foundation
Award Amount: $484,824
This project aims to advance the understanding of cognitive load experienced by individuals and teams during complex collaborative tasks in healthcare emergencies. Many factors influence collaborative cognition, including prior knowledge, team experience (e.g., team familiarity, distribution of information or roles among team members, prior collective experience in similar tasks), and learning tasks (e.g., complexity, fidelity, interactivity). The processes underlying collaborative information processing are not well understood, particularly how different factors interact to affect cognitive load and potentially overwhelm mental resources, leading to diminished task performance and decision-making capabilities. Hence, the goal is to advance our understanding of the cognitive load individuals and teams experience while performing complex learning tasks in a multiuser virtual reality simulation-based environment using multimodal sensing, modeling, and data-driven interviews in order to develop and evaluate preparatory and just-in-time AI-based strategies to support regulation of cognitive load at both individual and team levels.
U-M Principal Investigator: Zhi Zhang
Project Title: Targeted Nanotherapies for the Treatment of Brain Disorders
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health via Washington State University
Award Amount: $1,090,229
Treating brain diseases has always been incredibly challenging, largely because of a built-in security system called the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB blocks harmful invaders but also keeps out most helpful drugs. Even when a brain injury, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), weakens this barrier, it remains difficult to deliver drugs right to the neurons—the brain’s main communicators that are often the most in need of treatment. To tackle this problem, our team developed an innovative solution: a remarkably tiny, specialized nanoparticle designed to act like a “smart package.” This nanoparticle seeks out injured neurons and delivers drugs directly where it’s needed most. By targeting neurons so precisely, our approach allows us to use much smaller doses of drugs, which minimizes side effects elsewhere in the body. What makes our delivery system especially promising is its versatility—it’s water-soluble, stable inside the body, and can be loaded with one or several types of drugs at once. With this breakthrough technology, we are opening new doors for smarter, safer, and more effective ways to treat neurological diseases.
Announcements
UM-Dearborn Office of Research Competitive Campus Grants Accepting Applications
Our Competitive Campus Grants are open for applications now through Jan. 15, 2026. To check your eligibility and see the detailed program guidelines, please visit our Campus Grants webpage. We strongly encourage you to read the Standard Requirements for ALL Campus Grants and to visit the FAQs webpage. View a list of previously funded Campus Grants projects.
Campus Grants are managed using the InfoReady automated application software system, which allows applicants to complete and submit proposals online. A new campus grants process requires that PIs obtain Department and Dean's Office pre-approvals BEFORE applying. Final approvals of the submitted applications will be obtained electronically, via InfoReady.
Research Cores Office Launches New Centralized Resource Website
The Research Cores Office has launched a new website that serves as a central portal for U-M researchers searching for services and expertise related to centralized shared resources. The new website includes many of the 85+ cores available on campus, including the Medical School's Biomedical Research Core Facilities. The website’s database allows users to browse or search by service category, equipment, or keyword.
Stay in Step with Your Funder - Research Security
Starting Oct. 1, all U-M investigators listed on an eRPM PAF, AWD or MOD record requiring approval from the ORSP must have completed the PEERRS Research Security Training (RST) module within the past 12 months. This requirement also applies to any other senior/key personnel or “covered individuals,” as defined by the sponsor in the solicitation. For non-UM subcontract personnel, Sponsored Programs Office staff at the subcontracting institution must certify that their institution's covered individuals have completed research security training.
U-M requires research security training to ensure compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies. The requirement applies to all externally sponsored funding. ORSP will enforce the requirement starting Oct.1, 2025.
Take Action Now! Notify your investigators and covered individuals to complete the one-hour PEERRS RST module to avoid delays with PAF submission and AWD/MOD processing. After Oct. 1, PAFs won't be approved and AWDs/MODs will go on compliance hold unless the RST training is complete.
Note: The PEERRS DoJ Bulk Data Regulations Training module is separate from the RST module. For PAF approval, only the RST module is required. However, both modules must be completed to avoid compliance holds on AWD and MOD records.
eResearch Investigator Sign PAF Attestation Language Revisions
Effective on Sept. 29, investigators asked to electronically sign the following forms or records in eResearch may notice changes to the attestation language. In order to clarify our compliance with university policies, federal research sponsor requirements and investigator disclosure obligations related to Intellectual Property, an additional bullet has been added to the attestation for Investigator Sign activities for Proposal Approval Forms, Awards, Award Change Requests, and Unfunded Agreements.
The new bullet states:
“Duty to promptly contact Innovation Partnerships with any information that a patent application was (or may, in the future, be) filed by another entity (such as a company or another university) that names you as an inventor, if such a filing was not already disclosed to and approved by Innovation Partnerships.”
Changes coming to Budget Justification Nov. 1, 2025
New budget justification language will be required effective Nov. 1, 2025. The following language must be included on any budget justification document sent to all sponsors:
“University of Michigan certifications of compliance are based on reasonable knowledge of programs authorized and supervised by the University of Michigan as of the date of signing. University policy is to operate federally supported research and programs in compliance with all applicable grant terms and conditions, consistent with current laws, regulations, and related court decisions. The University regularly examines programs, policies, and activities for compliance with university policy and federal and state law. The University’s ongoing compliance processes include monitoring, audits, a compliance hotline, and training. The University takes prompt corrective action when it has direct knowledge of non-compliance with policy or applicable law.”
PAFs will be returned for a “Required Change” if the above language is not in the budget justification document.
Research Events
Building Stronger Research Proposals - A Candid Conversation w/ Former NSF Program Director A. Esquivel
The UM-Dearborn Office of Research will host in early December a conversation with Amanda Esquivel, former NSF Program Director and UM-Dearborn faculty. Esquivel will share insights from her rotation at NSF, including practical tips and candid advice on what makes proposals stand out. The session will include a short presentation followed by a Q&A.
To provide your availability and receive an invitation to the event, register by 5 p.m. on Nov. 5. The event date and time will be selected based on the most availability. EVERYONE who responds by the November deadline will receive an invitation with the exact date, time, and location for the event.
Foundations 101 Information Webinar
Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) works collaboratively across campus to connect faculty with corporations and foundations that align with their research and program goals. During a session on Nov. 6 at 3 p.m., CFR will discuss the services it provides for faculty and researchers and give an overview of key information and resources to support success with foundation funding.
M-PACT Event: Building a National Reputation and Public Engagement Agenda
M-PACT is hosting a webinar on Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. for early-career faculty members on how they can lay the groundwork for a strong national reputation and a meaningful public engagement agenda that can shape the trajectory of their careers. It will offer guidance for navigating the early stages of reputation-building while aligning scholarly identity with public impact. Experienced faculty will share insights to define and refine their academic voice, share research with a broad audience and manage competing priorities as an early-career scholar.
Fit check: finding a suitable data repository
Nov. 13, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.: Learn about the ICPSR data repository, including what data the repository works with, how to include it in your data management plan, and how to deposit data.
Dec. 4, 1-2 p.m.: Learn about the Open Science Framework (OSF) data repository, including what data the repository works with, how to include it in your data management plan, and how to deposit data.
U-M I-Corps course
NSF I-CORPS Hub Great Lakes Region I-Corps provides a set of skills and entrepreneurial knowledge that can be applied to any career path. It uses the Lean LaunchPad method to give participants a working knowledge of how to think about their innovation ideas from a business and customer perspective, as well as how to conduct customer discovery interviews, the first step in any commercialization process. This free, online course is for faculty, researchers, postdocs and students interested in practicing and honing their innovation skills.
IRB-HSBS, IRB On-the-Road Drop-In Session for UM-Dearborn
Elizabeth Molina, the UM-Dearborn Health and Services and Behavioral Sciences Institutional Review Board (IRB-HSBS) liaison will be resuming the virtual “IRB On-the-Road” sessions once a month for any Dearborn study team members who would like to have a one-on-one discussion about any questions they may have about the IRB process. Join her on the third Wednesday of each month, September through December:
- Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2-3:30 p.m., virtual
- Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2-3:30 p.m., virtual
ORD; Grant Prix Seminar Series - Fall 2025
Join the OVPR Research Development team for their Fall Grant Prix Seminar Series, designed to enhance your grant writing skills and boost your chances of securing funding! Held every month on Friday at 12 p.m. via Zoom, these seminars will provide valuable insights and practical strategies for developing successful research proposals.
Please choose the sessions you would like to attend below. After you sign up, a calendar invite will be shared with a zoom link.
- Friday, Nov. 21, 12 p.m.: Beyond the Proposal: Cultivating Strategic Funder Relationships
- Friday, Dec. 19, 12 p.m.: DOE 101
Research Resource Highlight: Strengthening U-M Safety-First Culture
Every month, the Office of Research features a resource and/or tool that is available for researchers. This month we are featuring U-M research safety resources and information about how to maintain research safety.
Maintaining a strong research and academic safety culture is a core institutional value at the University of Michigan. The university's staff, students and faculty continue to make tremendous strides toward advancing a safety-first culture in our laboratories, shops and studios. These improvements include greater collaboration with Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) representatives to assist faculty with evaluating safety risks, integrating safety checks into daily operations and adopting strategies that streamline safety in their spaces.
A safety-first culture means that every member of the campus is engaged and committed to conducting research and creative practice activities safely. Together, we can advance innovative work by understanding our roles and working in partnership with EHS. Principal investigators, researchers, students and staff members are responsible for understanding the required training, regulations and policies specific to their research and roles within the university and for creating an environment where safety is discussed openly.
As leaders and supervisors, PIs are expected to ensure the overall compliance and safety of their research spaces, but we ask that every member of the U-M research community lead by example and "speak up for safety." Reporting incidents and near misses, and learning from them, reinforces that personal safety and environmental protection are important facets of university operations. Teams should encourage the open discussion of questions related to maintaining compliance and a safe research and creative practice environment.
Resources are available to assist faculty with understanding the training required and how to maintain research spaces in a compliant and safe manner. The EHS training catalog displays course descriptions. Additionally, training and other important information can be found in the U-M Chemical Hygiene Plan for labs that utilize chemicals. Non-lab spaces can refer to the new U-M Comprehensive Safety Plan for training information on specific topics. EHS also maintains the MI Safety Portal, a system for maintaining chemical inventories, inspection management and a connection to many other programs and services for registered individuals.
EHS reps are here to partner in this important work. For additional resources and information about research safety, please visit research.umich.edu/research-safety.
Upcoming Funding Opportunities
Bold Challenges opportunity: AI & Manufacturing
Sponsored by the AI Institutes at Michigan (AIIM) and OVPR, the Bold Challenges initiative will pilot “Seed-Networking” – two speed-networking events to seed potential new collaborations around the theme of AI & Manufacturing.
These events will convene multidisciplinary faculty to learn about their colleagues’ interests and expertise, to probe challenges and questions, and to consider new and complementary approaches to their work on AI and manufacturing. Participants will be eligible for $5,000 seed grants to continue exploring their ideas and prospective partnerships.
Seed-Networking events will take place on Nov. 13 at the Michigan League Hussey Room, 1:30-3 p.m. and 3:30-5 p.m. Space is limited; the sessions are only open to U-M faculty, and each faculty member may only register for one event. Contact [email protected] with any questions.
ARPA-H Program Genetic Medicines and Individualized Manufacturing for Everyone (GIVE)
GIVE aims to enable a multi-site, multi-product, and multi-scale biomanufacturing network. The goal of the program is to develop reliable, simple to use, distributed manufacturing and quality control platforms for genetic medicines. GIVE’s two focus areas include advanced technologies for automated manufacturing and integrated quality control platforms.
- Proposer’s Day: Nov. 13 (Washington, D.C. and a virtual option)
- No cost-sharing requirement
- REQUIRED Solution Summary (preproposal) due: Dec. 19
Any researcher interested in the ARPA-H programs is encouraged to carefully review the solicitation and contact Vess Vassileva-Clarke as soon as possible for support in developing a competitive solution summary.
NSF Translation to Practice (TTP) program
The Translation to Practice (TTP) program supports use-inspired research, translational activities and partnerships that turn scientific discoveries into real-world solutions. Researchers can gain market insights, launch commercial applications and/or facilitate industry adoption. The program offers three tracks, each with different requirements, focus, and funding levels.
Interested researchers should read the program solicitation and get in touch with the UM-Dearborn research development team with any questions related to applying.
NSF Computer and Information Science and Engineering: Future Computing Research (Future CoRe) program
The new NSF Future CoRe program supports research and education projects that develop new knowledge in all aspects of computing, communications, and information science and engineering through the following Future Computing Research (Future CoRe) programs. Funding amount: up to $1 million. Proposals due: Feb. 5, 2026
ONR Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics(STEM) Education and Workforce Program
The ONR STEM program supports STEM education programs and activities, which are formal or informal education primarily focused on physical and natural sciences, technology, engineering, social sciences, and mathematics disciplines, topics, or issues. Funding amount: up to $1 million per year. Proposal due: June 30, 2026.
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The Office of Research maintains a list of Hanover Research subject area calendars with funding opportunities, uploaded on a regular basis to our website. We encourage you to check them out!
Additionally, a weekly Federal Grants Digest is available via email to all interested CASL, CEHHS, and COB faculty - register here to receive it. No registration required for CECS faculty.
Please refer to OVPR’s Tracking Federal Changes 2025 page for more information and updates related to the Trump administration's changes to federal research funding.
Use the updated U-M Research Commons to look up internal (to U-M) funding opportunities and Limited Submission opportunities open to Dearborn researchers.
Contact the UM-Dearborn Office of Research if you would like more information about submitting a proposal to any of the programs.
