New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announces the availability of approximately $13.8 million in incentives to encourage the installation of end-use wind energy systems for residential, commercial, institutional or government use. The incentives, of up to $100,000 per site/customer, will be paid to Eligible Installers who install new approved grid-connected wind energy systems using qualified equipment, in accordance with the eligibility requirements. An on-site wind energy system is connected on the customer’s side of the electric meter and electricity generated by the system offsets the customer’s electricity purchases.

National Science Foundation

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation (NSF) are now accepting nominations for the 2014 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). The NSF seeks nominations for individuals and organizations that have demonstrated at least five years of excellence in mentoring students, trainees, and/or early career scientists and engineers from groups that are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Groups that are underrepresented in STEM include women, people with disabilities, underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, as well as individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds and certain geographic regions (i.e. urban and rural).

• Eligibility: Any U.S. citizen, permanent resident or U.S. organization that has done exemplary, measurable mentoring in STEM is eligible, including state and federal employees and individuals or organizations in the private sector.

• Funding: $10,000 per award (up to $160,000 total)

• Deadline: June 5, 2013

• Contact: Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring
  Phone: (703) 292-8640
  Email: PAESMEM@nsf.gov
  Website: www.nsf.gov/PAESMEM

National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) announces the new solicitation for the Hydrologic Sciences Program which focuses on the fluxes of water in the environment that constitute the water cycle as well as the mass and energy transport function of the water cycle in the environment. The Program retains a strong focus on linking the fluxes of water and the components carried by water across the boundaries between various interacting components of the terrestrial system and the mechanisms by which these fluxes co-organize over a variety of timescales and/or alter the fundamentals of the interacting components. This context for the Hydrologic Sciences Program is based on the National Academy of Sciences (2012) report entitled “Challenges and Opportunities in the Hydrologic Sciences” as well as other documents including “Basic Research Opportunities in Earth Science” (NAS, 2001); and “Geovision Report (NSF, 2009). These documents identify multiple questions whose answers are central to the understanding of temporal and spatial variability of the water cycle across Earth’s landscapes. The NSF is committed to supporting the most meritorious research in the relevant areas, including interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research, as well as research involving international collaboration. A proposal should present the (1) objectives and scientific, engineering, or educational significance of the proposed work; (2) suitability of the methods to be employed; (3) qualifications of the investigator and the grantee organization; (4) effect of the activity on the infrastructure of science, engineering and education; and (5) amount of funding required. The Hydrologic Sciences program is not interested in case studies or applied studies that examine site specific problems where knowledge gained will have only limited transferable value.

• Eligibility: Accredited Universities, Colleges, and Academic Institutions located in the U.S.; State and Local Governments including state educational offices or organizations and local school districts; Non-profit, non-academic organizations including independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities; as well as For-profit organizations including U.S. commercial organizations, especially small businesses with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or education. NSF rarely provides support to foreign organizations or Federal agencies, however, proposals may be considered under certain circumstances. Please refer to the announcement for more information.

• Funding: Total funding for this program is $10,000,000. The expected number of recipients is 35, with funding awards between $30,000 and $1,000,000.

• Deadline: June 3, 2013

• Contact: Thomas Torgersen: ttorgers@nsf.gov
  Ni Bin Chang: nchang@nsf.gov
  Shemin Ge: sge@nsf.gov
  Phone: (703) 292-8549
  Website: www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13684