BLaST equipment funding opportunity
October 30, 2020
The Biomedical Learning and Student Training, or BLaST, program invites proposals
for the purchase of equipment to support student biomedical research training. Investigators
at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (all campuses), the University of Alaska Southeast
(all campuses), Iḷisaġvik College, Alaska Pacific University, Salish Kootenai College,
Diné College, and Fort Lewis College are encouraged to submit proposals.
Proposals must be submitted by Dec. 6, 2020.
The overarching goal of BLaST is to enhance undergraduate training and mentoring in
biomedical research through increased diversity of students, increased integration
of research and teaching, and enhanced integration of rural campuses into a cohesive
biomedical community.
The BLaST grant allocates $300,000 for the purchase of equipment between Feb. 12,
2021, and May 1, 2021, and funds must be encumbered by May 1, 2021. This funding will
be awarded to one or more investigators to support equipment purchases that enhance
undergraduate student training opportunities. The amount requested for any equipment
purchase cannot exceed $300,000, and it is anticipated that multiple smaller awards
($5,000-$60,000) will be chosen. Proposals must include a detailed description of
the equipment requested and how the acquisition of the equipment will enhance the
engagement and mentoring of undergraduate students in biomedical research.
Please keep in mind that fabricated equipment must have a total acquisition cost of $5,000 or more, is free-standing, is complete in itself, does not lose its identity when affixed
to or installed in other property, and is expected to be used by the university for
more than one year, and our procurement office will not allow procurement of refurbished
equipment. Also, be sure to review the university's definition and criteria for a fabricated piece of equipment before you submit.
Funding priority will be assigned to equipment, locations, and investigators that
will have the greatest impact in engaging students in biomedical/One Health research
and in increasing student access to research opportunities. Based on this funding
priority, the following criteria will be used to evaluate proposals:
- Cost/benefit ratio;
- Potential to create research training opportunities;
- Potential to serve biomedical research needs;
- Applicant's mentoring experience;
- If the equipment will be used in a rural location.
BLaST staff can help with any questions about how to complete the required BLaST equipment budget template or application and can be reached at 474-5111 or uaf-blast@alaska.edu. See BLaST equipment funding announcement online.
Learn more about what is allowable and unallowable for an equipment proposal.
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