Facilities Seed Grant Program for New External Users
The Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience (NCMN) operates the Nebraska Nanoscale Facility (NNF), which serves as a hub for cutting-edge nanotechnology and materials science for the University of Nebraska and external academic and industrial users. To achieve the stated goals and further the mission, the NCMN and NNF have established a mechanism to channel nanotechnology resources, infrastructure, and expertise to the broader scientific community.
The Facilities Seed Grant Program is designed to provide resources to external users, including industries, manufacturers, technology companies, start-ups, and students from community colleges, undergraduate institutions, and regional universities. The program aims to facilitate the development of new nanotechnology-enabled products, research and development (R&D) projects, and proof-of-concept initiatives. This includes activities that involve characterization of nanomaterials, fabrication of devices, and testing that require access to advanced instrumentation facilities.
The seed grant program also enables the generation of preliminary data necessary to pursue other funding opportunities.
How to Apply
A brief proposal, including a cover page and one-page description of the proposed measurements and goals, can be emailed/submitted to:
Dr. Jacob John
jjohn7@unl.edu
(O): 402-472-6147, (M): 214-707-0026
Coordinator, Nebraska Nanoscale Facility
University of Nebraska
NANO Room N214A
855 North 16th St.
Lincoln, NE 68588-0298
Program Eligibility
Proposals for this program should be:
- Limited in scope
- Involve hands-on exploratory research -OR- high-risk, high-reward R&D activity with the potential to facilitate innovative technologies
Applicants should be new external users from:
- Academia: Students and educators at community colleges and colleges/universities that have limited access to facilities and/or research funding
- Industry: Industrial/company users who have start-up projects with highly innovative potential
Examples of proposed research and development activities include:
- Preliminary data collection, prototyping, or proof-of-concept studies with the potential to attract future external funding or investment
- Activity that expands the scope of the applicant’s existing research programs
- Specialized characterization or fabrication not currently funded within the scope of the applicant’s existing programs
Projects can be supported based on the quality of the proposal, a proven need for funding assistance, the impact the work will have on the project's future, and the extent to which the project aligns with the NNF/NCMN mission. Support can be provided only for facility instrumentation and staff fees. Grants will provide facility access, with user fees up to $1,000, for a maximum of six months from the selection date.