BLaST equipment funding opportunity

May 29, 2018

University Relations

Proposals for the purchase of biomedical equipment for the 2018-2019 fiscal year at UAF (all campuses), the UAS (all campuses), Iḷisaġvik College, Alaska Pacific University, Salish Kootenai College, Diné College and Fort Lewis College are encouraged to submit proposals. Proposals of minimum of $5,000 from investigators are due June 1, 2018, and must be encumbered by May 1, 2019.

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 $350,000 for the purchase of equipment between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019, (must be encumbered by May 1, 2019). 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 $350,000, 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.

Funding priority will be assigned to equipment, locations and investigators that will have the greatest impact in engaging students in biomedical or 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;


• and if the equipment will be used in a rural location.

Proposals must be submitted by June 1, 2018.

• Application link: BLaST Equipment Purchase Proposal


• Evaluation: BLaST Equipment Purchase Evaluation


• BLaST equipment budget template as an Excel spreadsheet

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.

To learn more about what is an allowable and unallowable for an equipment proposal go to www.uaf.edu/ogca/resources/regulations/fabricated-equipment/.

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