MRA Seed Grant:

Seed Grants are designed to strengthen competitiveness of the state’s researchers in all thematic areas within the NSF’s purview. Applicants are also encouraged to contact MRA personnel to discuss the proposed research prior to submission. The grants are targeted to less experienced investigators though researchers at any stage of their career may apply. Priority will be given to PI’s who are not recipients of extramural funding. Although the budget can remain entirely at a single institution, grants promoting multi-university collaborations and activities that involve facilities affiliated with the MRA are encouraged; collaborations, especially those that involve researchers at ERIs, are given priority. 

During the current phase of the MRA (2024-2028), a total of $720,000 has been allocated to provide seed grants. Total project costs may not exceed $75,000 for an 18-month project period inclusive of direct and indirect costs (i.e. $75,000 total cost). Proposers should use the appropriate F&A rate of their institution. Receipt of funds is contingent on faculty being given access to adequate research space to conduct the project.

Additional funding is available for projects that align with current Mississippi NSF EPSCoR E-RISE programs.

E-RISE RII: MS Nano-bio and ImmunoEngineering Consortium (NIEC) Seed Grants We invite proposals that align with the Mississippi Nano-bio and ImmunoEngineering Consortium (NIEC) by addressing one of the three key scientific research focus areas: RFA1, which emphasizes Biomimetic Materials to Modulate Nano-Immuno Interactions via Protein Corona Engineering; RFA2, which targets Polymer Nanocarrier Design for Efficient Nucleic Acid Complexation and Release; or RFA3, focusing on Pathogen Resilient Bioinspired Polymeric Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration. Alternatively, proposals that explore emerging research directions complementary to NIEC initiatives are welcome, particularly those that foster collaborative research and expand the state’s nanobio expertise. We encourage applicants to engage with the PI, Science Director, or co-leaders of the RFAs for preliminary discussions to ensure that their proposals are well-aligned with our strategic objectives prior to submission. 

• PI: Dr. Thomas Werfel, tawerfek@olemiss.edu 
• Science Director: Dr. Tristan Clemons, Tristan.clemons@usm.edu 
• RFA 1 Lead: Dr. Eden Tanner, eetanner@olemiss.edu  
• RFA 2 Lead: Dr. Alex Flynt, asflynt@olemiss.edu 
• RFA 3: Lead: Dr. Lauren Priddy, lbpriddy@abe.msstate.edu  

MRA Contacts:

• Dr. Victor Bii, victor.bii@mvsu.edu
• Dr. Tristan Clemons, Tristan.clemons@usm.edu
• Dr. Alex Flynt, asflynt@olemiss.edu

Proposal Deadline: 

Friday, October 23rd, 2026

Proposal Instructions:

Seed Grant applications should be prepared with the following specifications: 

Page Size:  8 ½ x 11 inches, Spacing: Single, Font: Times New Roman or Helvetica, 11 point, Margins: 1”. 

1. Cover Page

1. Proposal Title 
2. Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator(s) (Full name, Title, Primary Affiliation, Phone Numbers, Fax Number, E-mail Address) 
3. Type of Proposal:  Regular or Linked 

2. Abstract (Maximum of 200 words) – Note this is separate to the proposal’s 5-page limit below 

3. Proposal (Maximum of 5 pages) 

1. Overview, objectives and significance (~0.5 page)  
2. Background and review of relevant literature (~0.5 page).  
3. Research plan—include a description of the nature of the proposed work and a publication plan (~2 pages).  
4. Expected results (~0.5 page) 
5. Potential for generating competitive funding (~0.5 page) 
6. Describe integration into the research ecosystem supported by the MRA. (~0.5 page) 

4. Appendices 

1. Literature cited  
2. AOR letter- A signed letter from your Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) stating they have reviewed and approved the proposal as submitted and approve any institutional commitment. 
3. Budget including cost share (NSF format, 1 page)
4. Budget justification (1 page) 
5. Curriculum vitae of all investigators (NSF biosketch format, 2 pages maximum for each investigator) 
6. Current and Pending support document 
7. Statement agreeing to provide a final report and to present the research results at a MRA supported Meeting. 
8. Up to three suggested reviewers (optional)