The Dynamical Systems program in the Directorate of Engineering and the Applied Mathematics Program in the directorate of Mathematical and Physical Sciences Sciences, of the National Science Foundation, have just published a joint "Dear Colleague Letter", expressing interest in special topics in Dynamical Systems.  The letter encourages unsolicited proposals on the following topics:

• Fundamentals of complex systems
• Model reduction
• Long-term behavior
• Infinite-dimensional systems
• Discrete dynamical systems
• Uncertainty

For the 2009 solicitation, we will consider proposals that aim to investigate emerging frontiers in the following two specific research areas:

1. BioSensing & BioActuation: Interface of Living and Engineered Systems (BSBA)
2. Hydrocarbons from Biomass (HyBi)

Due dates

• Letter of Intent Deadline Date:  October 14, 2008
• Preliminary Proposal Deadline Date:  December 2, 2008
• Full Proposal Deadline Date:  April 30, 2009

ASTRA is delighted to report that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking proposals for high-risk research projects to develop innovative technologies for inspecting, monitoring and evaluating critical components of the nation's roadways, bridges, and drinking and wastewater systems. The competition for cost-shared research and development (R&D) support released today is the first to be announced by NIST's newly established Technology Innovation Program (TIP).

TIP was established by the 2007 America COMPETES Act to support, promote, and accelerate innovation in the United States through high-risk, high-reward research in areas of critical national need.

Plans are underway to issue a solicitation for the Science and Technology Centers Program in July 2008. Please visit the STC website for updates: http://www.nsf.gov/od/oia/programs/stc/index.jsp

Subject: NSF Proposal Writing Workshop ( August 22-23, 2007 - Alaska)

Sponsored by NSF, a Proposal Writing Workshop will be held on August 22-23, 2007, at University of Alaska-Fairbanks. The workshop mainly aims to provide future proposal submitters (in all disciplines funded by NSF) with knowledge and tools to write good proposals, proposal review experience, and it will enable interactions with NSF program directors and recent NSF awardees. The event is targeted at an EPSCoR state, Alaska. However, the workshop is open to participants from other states as space permits.

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

4201 WILSON BOULEVARD ARLINGTON, VA 22230

Title: Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI)

If you understand the power of visual communication to explain, explore, and extend our knowledge of the world around us, then you are invited to enter the 2007 Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge, co-sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Science, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Entry deadline: 31 May 2007.

The Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI) of NSF and the DOE Office of Freedom CAR and Vehicle Technologies intend to co-sponsor proposals addressing fundamental research issues in advanced high strength steels (AHSS). Specifically, proposals focused on

1. AHSS materials development and characterization,
2. predictive modeling that integrates AHSS material structure and product performance, and
3. fundamental research in the area of processing and manufacturing of AHSS, are of interest. This collaborative effort is a direct outcome of the Advanced High Strength Steel Workshop.

Interested PIs should consider submitting an unsolicited proposal to the core programs of the CMMI Division namely, (1) Materials Processing & Manufacturing (MPM), (2) Materials Design & Surface Engineering (MDSE), (3) Applications & Structural Mechanics, or (4) Mechanics & Structures of Materials (MSM), during the January 15, 2007 to February 15, 2007 submission window. Unsolicited proposals in response to this letter should have titles beginning with "AHSS:".  Proposals from the March-April 2007 panel review will be eligible for co-funding, pending availability of funds.

The nomination of colleagues for awards is one of the most important and gratifying aspects of participating in the scientific community. Help celebrate the contributions of your colleagues by submitting a nomination for The National Medal of Science.