UCR is eligible to submit Track 1 proposals only. Focus On Recruiting Emerging Climate and Adaptation Scientists and Transformers (FORECAST) seeks to facilitate the transition from status quo graduate career preparation to a student-centered model with a particular emphasis on building entrepreneurial and innovation capacity at emerging research institutions (ERIs). Transformers are scientists ready to tackle the challenges the nation and world are facing due to climate change. Track 1 (1 award; Coordination Hub): There will be one award to a managing hub organization (the coordination hub). The coordination hub will oversee the Track 1 undergraduate senior program and assist with coordination of the Track 2 projects. Track 1 proposals may request a total budget (up to five years in duration) of up to $7.5 million. The hub organization will develop, design, and deliver professional development for Track 1 participants. The participants will start the program, Phase 1, during their senior year and could continue to participate if they transition to a graduate program, Phase 2. Professional development should include attention to training and building skills necessary for making connections between basic science and translation to societal benefits. These skills include management, having vision, communications, and knowing how to organize science (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 2022). The professional development for the cohort should include entrepreneurial and innovative approaches to community and/or campus resilience, as well as an introduction to government processes related to climate resilience. Participants will have the opportunity to develop transdisciplinary projects while engaging communities in setting up research goals. Track 1 Phase 1: The coordination hub will be expected to use the Education and Training Application Portal (ETAP) to solicit and review participant applications. Each national cohort of senior undergraduate student participants should be comprised of at least 25 students. Facilitated by the coordination hub, participants enrolled in the last year of their undergraduate program will hone skills on translational research, engaged research, and innovation. The undergraduate student participants will design research projects that they could implement as graduate students or develop business plans in support of the goals and interests of companies or communities. Track 1 Phase 2: Following their undergraduate education, Track 1 participants may continue to be supported during the first two years of a graduate program (Master's or PhD) at a school of their choice. In Phase 2, graduate student participants will become FORECAST Associates and will continue to receive professional development and support as they implement the research projects designed during Phase 1. The hub will manage funding for all Track 1 participants. Receiving a living wage while engaged in activities is crucial to facilitate participation of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 2023). Undergraduate participants (Phase 1) will receive a stipend to be paid for time spent preparing for, traveling to/from, and participating in professional development activities. Undergraduate student participants who become graduate student FORECAST Associates (Phase 2) will receive an educational allowance for up to two years. Phase 2 FORECAST Associates may accept fellowships, tuition assistance, etc. in addition to the educational allowance provided by FORECAST. Anticipated funding and award period: The average total award size is expected to be l $7.5M for the Track 1 award. The duration of the Track 1 award will be a maximum of 60 months.?Anticipated funding amount, number of awards, and average award size and duration are contingent upon the availability of funds. Cost sharing: Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited.
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