Meeting a big challenge with a big solution, such as impending climate disaster, by accelerating research, development and deployment of breakthrough and highly scalable carbon-negative technologies across massive industrial sectors. Or mitigating the risk of fire often associated with the batteries that power electric vehicles.
These are just a couple of the innovations that could result from a program that provides seed money to researchers to help them prepare to compete for large grants.
In its most recent round of awards, announced in April, the Kummer Institute invested $183,000 in six faculty-led research proposal development projects through the Kummer Ignition Grants for Research and Innovation initiative.
Ranging from $20,000 to $60,000 per project, the grants support researchers as they develop proposals for multi-million-dollar grants from federal agencies, foundations and corporations. To apply for the program, principal investigators are required to submit proposals for at least $500,000 to any government agency, foundation or private non-profit organization.
“S&T researchers are pursuing solutions to some of our greatest challenges,” says Kamal Khayat, vice chancellor for research and innovation. “By supporting the early stages of research, the Kummer Institute is making critical investment in research that will have a significant societal impact.”
Hongyan Ma, associate professor of civil engineering, received an Ignition Grant during the fall 2022 cycle to help avoid climate disaster by leveraging engineered systems that use converted CO2 to enhance carbon mineralization in concrete. Ma’s ultimate vision is economy-wide carbon negativity.
Guang Xu, associate professor of mining engineering, received an Ignition Grant during the fall 2021 cycle for research on the fire risks associated with batteries that power electric cars. In addition to being able to involve a student in the research, one of the key benefits of the grant is a deeper level of collaboration, according to Xu.
The support has made it possible for me to establish connections both on and off campus, fostering positive relationships with peers in my field.
Guang Xu, associate professor of mining engineering
“It’s been a catalyst for me to expand collaborations, enhance my research endeavors and ultimately succeed in the competitive landscape of large grant applications,” says Xu. “The support has made it possible for me to establish connections both on and off campus, fostering positive relationships with peers in my field. As a result, I’ve collaborated with researchers from a diverse range of disciplines, which contributes to larger and more impactful grant proposals.”