The US Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced $15 million for fundamental research or early-stage technology development of new bioimaging or sensing approaches that use quantum phenomena.
Supported efforts will advance research on plant and microbial systems relevant to bioenergy and environmental research. Projects will explore quantum science concepts that promise to enhance image resolution and provide new ways for repetitive imaging to detect fragile samples without damaging them, produce cleaner pictures, and use light beyond the visible range to see unknown features of biological shape and movement.
The total planned funding is up to $15 million, with $5 million in Fiscal Year 2022 dollars and outyear funding contingent on congressional appropriations.
Proposals
Proposals will not only develop new techniques but also demonstrate the utility of the new imaging concepts with fully characterized biological samples relevant to bioenergy and environmental research. This FOA (Funding Opportunity Announcement) does not solicit late-stage optimization, after initial prototype development, or research use of current or newly acquired resources, capabilities, or equipment.
Applications
Applications could address either:
- Evaluation of novel, untested concepts and theoretical models;
- Innovative prototype development of instruments and methods that include biological validation.
Applications are open to universities, industry, and nonprofit research institutions as the lead institution. Collaborators at DOE national laboratories and other federal agencies can be considered but are not required.
Announcement
For more information, consult the Funding Opportunity Announcement sponsored by the Office of Biological and Environmental Research within the DOE Office of Science.