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The objective of this topic area is to promote the use of biofuels and non-food biobased products by developing new or improved technologies that will lead to increased production of industrial products from agricultural materials. This research will lead to new opportunities to diversify agriculture and enhance agriculture’s role as a reliable supplier of raw materials to industry. This topic area supports the NIFA Sustainable Bioenergy Societal Challenge Area and the Climate Change Societal Challenge Area.

The Small and Mid-Size Farms topic area aims to promote and improve the sustainability and profitability of small and mid-size farms and ranches (where annual sales of agricultural products are less than $250,000 for small farms and $500,000 for mid-size farms - hereafter referred to as small farms). The vast majority of farms in this country are small and they play an important role in the agricultural sector. The viability and sustainability of small farms is important to the Nation’s economy and to the stewardship of our biological and natural resources.

The objective of this topic area is to examine means of enhance crop production by reducing the impact of harmful agents and developing effective crop production systems that are economically and environmentally sound. Projects that promote energy conservation or efficiency are strongly encouraged. Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Research Objectives Proteomics continues to be a rapidly expanding field. A broad range of technologies is evolving rapidly to meet the needs of the field. However, despite explosive growth in both academic and commercial efforts, concrete technical capabilities are far from adequate to realize this promise. Proteomics technologies and methods in the three broad, interacting domains of biolo ...

1. Research Objectives Proteomics continues to be a rapidly expanding field. However, despite explosive growth in both academic and commercial efforts, concrete technical capabilities are far from adequate to realize this promise. Proteomics technologies and methods in the three broad, interacting domains of biology, analytical chemistry, and informatics are still largely inadequate to address ...

OBJECTIVE: Develop and commercialize neutron detector with matured technology to replace existing 3He-based thermal or fast neutron detectors for portable (hand-held and backpack) radioisotope identification devices, and active interrogation systems. DESCRIPTION: The Department of Homeland Security Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) is developing new materials and technology for thermal and ...

OBJECTIVE: Develop a radiation sensor to support search operations that has a variable or flexible form factor than current systems. The device(s) should be more sensitive, lower-cost, more be specific than current COTS approaches. DESCRIPTION: Certain scenarios involving the search or surveillance for nuclear or radiological materials of concern are best accomplished with a radiation monitoring d ...

OBJECTIVE: Growth and characterization of single crystals of selected new scintillator materials which have been identified, through prior R&D program efforts, as being promising advanced materials with potential of high energy resolution, high efficiency, ease of growth of large size crystals, and low cost. Objective of this effort is to grow large enough crystals to enable characterization of en ...

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE: The public health infrastructure is being overwhelmed by problems related to over-eating and under-exercising, and it has become clear that many, perhaps most, people have difficulty assimilating and implementing information on optimal diet and physical activity. Furthermore, the emotional, cognitive, and logistical complexities of diabetes management have resulted in ...

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE: The public health infrastructure is being overwhelmed by problems related to over-eating and under-exercising, and it has become clear that many, perhaps most, people have difficulty assimilating and implementing information on optimal diet and physical activity. Furthermore, the emotional, cognitive, and logistical complexities of diabetes management have resulted in ...