Research and Graduate Studies @ KU

Energy and climate proposal workshop prepares researchers for NSF initiatives

Kansas NSF EPSCoR is hosting a workshop in Topeka designed to help university researchers and collaborators submit successful energy and climate-related grant proposals as part of an NSF initiative in 2008.

“Energy, Climate and the Future: The Role of Kansas,” will be held Wednesday, October 10, from 12:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Topeka Capitol Plaza Hotel, 1717 S.W. Topeka Blvd. Advance registration is complimentary but required, and includes a wrap-up reception and dinner. The workshop is presented in partnership with the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation (KTEC).

“The workshop will focus on grant preparation in two areas of special interest nationally,” said Kristin Bowman-James, a distinguished professor of chemistry at the University of Kansas and director of Kansas NSF EPSCoR. “Next fall, NSF will ask for a proposal from Kansas which, if successful, could result in a $9 million grant. Holding a workshop now increases the chance a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional grant from our state will be funded.”

Highlights of the workshop include an address on “The Global Energy Challenge” by George Crabtree, director of the Materials Science Division of Argonne National Laboratory, a presentation on “Climate Challenges” by Charles Rice, professor of soil microbiology at Kansas State University, and closing remarks by Robert J. Noun, executive director of external affairs for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. In addition, participants will work in breakout sessions during the afternoon to help identify colleagues and institutions interested in collaborating on next year’s NSF initiatives.