January 18, 2013
This joint EPA/NSF solicitation will create Networks for Characterizing Chemical Life Cycle (NCCLCs) that will address major research challenges related to developing systems and molecular-level understandings of the life cycles of important synthetic chemicals and materials (including nanomaterials) as they are altered by use and interaction with both built and natural environments. These Networks will provide methods and tools for characterizing and predicting environmental and health implications of chemical manufacture and use across the life cycle.
It is envisioned that successful Networks under this solicitation will examine the life cycle of application-based subsets of existing chemicals and materials in the context of intended use within society as well as known negative impacts on health and the environment. These Networks will employ a combination of systems- and molecular-based approaches to identify key aspects of the chemical/material life cycle associated with unintended consequences to human health and the environment and then to predict potential human and environmental exposures and impacts for proposed or emerging chemicals/materials based on generalizable mechanistic insights. NCCLCs will develop approaches for collecting the most useful, reliably- and efficiently-generated data required to anticipate consequences, manage risks, and minimize (or eliminate) potentially harmful impacts - including those for vulnerable populations.
NCCLC teams are expected to be trans-disciplinary, representing the chemical sciences, material science, geosciences, engineering, and public health areas.
Two to four awards will be made. Proposals may be up to $1.25 million per year for up to 4 years. Total costs may not exceed $5 million including direct and indirect costs.
The number of proposals UW-Madison may submit is limited to one, therefore, this opportunity is subject to an internal competition administered by the UW-Madison Graduate School.