Office of Naval Research

Last week, we were pleased to host two program officers from the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The ONR is one of multiple branches of the US Department of Defense that sponsors research related to their mission. More specifically, ONR interests include mathematics, computer science, electronics, machine learning/intelligence, sensors, communications, ocean engineering and acoustics, materials research (including biomaterials), non-destructive evaluation, cognition, biometrics, computational neuroscience, decisionmaking, gut microbiology, microbial fuel cells, force health protection, stress physiology, aviation technology, unmanned air systems, turbine engine technology, and many more.

Linda Chrisey, one of the program officers who visited both the Denver and Anschutz Medical Campuses is responsible for the following research areas at ONR:

Synthetic Biology (for sensing/information processing, electrobiosynthesis).  She funds work in microbes and 1-2 projects in plants and fungi.  Typically non-biomedical, except for syn bio as applied to gut microbiota (below)

Gut Microbiology (Gut-Brain-Axis, role in behavior/cognitive performance, effects of stressors such as circadian rhythm or sleep disruption, environmental changes such as altitude/O2 levels, rapid cycling of brown fat, synthetic biology manipulation of gut microbiota).

Microbial Fuel Cells (non-biomedical applications. Microbial fuel cells for powering of devices in remote locations (undersea, riverine); microbial electrochemical systems for shipboard waste treatment)

Marine biofouling and its control (interkingdom signaling that influences biofouling community development; mechanisms involved with bioadhesion/settlement by macrofoulers.)

Although it is generally a good idea to talk with a program officer before submitting a grant application to the funding agency, this is especially important at the ONR. Dr. Chrisey encouraged new researchers to call her (or the appropriate PO) or send a brief (one or two paragraphs) description of their project before moving into the proposal development process.

The ONR's proposal development process:
1) PI determines suitability of proposed project to ONR mission, programs, and specific topic areas
2) PI contacts program officer for assistance and questions about applying for funding
3) Program officer requests white paper
4) PI receives informal feedback from program officer, encouraging or discouraging full proposal
5) PI submits proposal
6) ONR Evaluation Panel reviews proposal
7) ONR scientific community makes final funding recommendations
8) Recommendations are forwarded to ONR Contracts/Grants Office for negotiation/award
9) PI’s institution receives award notice

Resources:
Know Your Agency Brief: Office of Naval Research
ONR Grant Proposals