Mid- to large-scale infrastructure projects require significant institutional effort and commitment along with coordination across College and University leadership, Campus Operations, and the Division of Research and Economic Development. With this in mind, the Division of Research and Economic Development, in partnership with University leadership, has established a framework for identifying, supporting, and developing mid- to large-scale infrastructure proposals. The process (described in more detail below) is designed to ensure that investigators have the space, resources, and institutional support needed to put forward a competitive proposal. It involves a collaborative approach, spearheaded by Nancy Glenn, John Buckwalter, and Alicia Estey, who will serve as the Research Infrastructure Committee (RIC). This committee is tasked with making the final decision on which proposed infrastructure projects are encouraged to move forward. The RIC will mobilize institutional resources in support of PI(s) encouraged to move forward. Resources dedicated to this effort will include project management, proposal development, and campus operations support.
This white paper call is in anticipation of the next National Science Foundation (NSF) Mid-scale RI-1 Program solicitation, which we expect to be released later this fall. The Mid-scale RI-1 Program supports the design and implementation of research infrastructure — including equipment, cyberinfrastructure, large-scale datasets and personnel whose total project costs exceed NSF’s Major Research Instrumentation program but are under $20 million. The goal of Mid-scale RI-1 is the fulfillment of a research community-defined need that enables current and next-generation U.S. researchers to be competitive in a global research environment.
- White Papers: Interested PIs are encouraged to submit a one-page white paper describing the proposed infrastructure, the necessity of the infrastructure in meeting a research community identified national priority, the potential of the infrastructure to advance knowledge, and space and resource requirements over the lifetime of the infrastructure. Submit white papers by April 8, 2024 to crca@boisestate.edu with the subject line Midscale RI-1 [PI Name].
- Invited Presentations: Based on the merit of the white papers and institutional capacity, the RIC will invite select PIs to present their concept to the RIC and university/college leadership. The presentations will be held on April 22, 2024 via Zoom.
- Selection: PIs will be notified of encouraged/discouraged decisions by the end of May 2024.
For questions or inquiries, please contact Chad Watson (chadwatson1@boisestate.edu).