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NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

PROJECT SUMMARY The 2026 Genetic Biocontrol Gordon Research Conference (GBGRC) will explore cutting edge research in the field of genetic biocontrol, an approach for controlling or eliminating specific organisms that threaten public health and food security. Robust transgenic and genome editing technologies are fueling rapid research and development of genetic platforms and systems for combating pathogen and parasite-transmitting mosquitoes, other insect vectors of human disease-causing pathogens, and insects that reduce food security. The safe implementation of genetic biocontrol approaches requires a comprehensive understanding of interdisciplinary science involving molecular biology, ecology, genomics, bioinformatics, modeling, regulatory science, and scientific communication for effective stakeholder engagement. A key aim of this conference is to allow scientists working in these various disciplines, who do frequently come in contact with each other, to converge under the common blanket of genetic biocontrol. The conference, which will include a new discussion session on developing elevator talks followed by a lightening round during the main conference program in which the talks can be delivered to all attendees, will promote the cross-fertilization of ideas between fields and foster collaborations that will help build our understanding of new innovative technologies that can be used to improve human health and well-being. Another major aim of the meeting is to unite scientists from all career stages and, in particular, early career scientists, as well as trainees who will also have the opportunity to present their work in the Genetic Biocontrol Gordon Research Seminar (GBGRS), which is run by and for trainees and held in conjunction with the main meeting. The friendly and interactive culture of the GBGRC, which embraces participation from scientists at all career stages, will help foster early career researchers. Implementation of novel genetic/biological control strategies requires interdisciplinary collaborations. Thus community and collaboration for network building is another key aim of this conference. To achieve this goal, ample time for discussion occurs throughout the program, a feature of GRC meetings. New interactions facilitated by the wide range of scientific backgrounds represented will cultivate interdisciplinary collaborations. The GBGRC and GBGRS will thus promote exchange of the latest ideas and techniques in the broad field of genetic engineering and genetic biocontrol to encourage cross-field collaborations while enhancing and promoting the careers of the next generation of scientists in this dynamic and exciting field. Support from NIAID for this conference will help us achieve these goals and advance the understanding and treatment of many of the world’s widespread infectious diseases.

Adventist Development and Relief Agency

Implements community development and disaster response in 118+ countries. Focus on food security, economic development, primary health, and education.

Food and Drug Administration

The purpose of this FOA is to assist State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) retail food regulatory programs with achieving conformance with the Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards (VNRFRPS), helping to fulfill training needs, tracking inspector standardization, and other projects to provide jurisdictions resources to reduce the retail foodborne illness risk factors. The grantee may provide financial assistance to SLTT retail food regulatory programs to pursue projects that will advance conformance with the VNRFRPS. The VNRFRPS define what constitutes a highly effective and responsive program for the regulation of foodservice and retail food establishments. According to the CDC, 2014, more than half of foodborne illness outbreaks that occur each year are associated with food from restaurants. The VNRFRPS represent an important component of a comprehensive strategic approach to help ensure the safety and security of the food supply at the retail level.

Health and Human Services Department

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the Agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal Agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on approved organizations involved in the licensure and inspection process for wholesale drug distributors ("wholesale distributors") and third-party logistics providers ("3PLs"), as directed by the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA).

Food and Drug Administration

<p>The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to solicit applications for inclusion as Animal and Veterinary Innovation Centers, which are intended to form long-term partnerships to address priority areas for FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). This includes CVM developing cooperative agreement(s) with academic research institutions (public and private) to:&nbsp;</p> <p><br></p> <p>1. Drive research that supports the development of interventions to prevent, control, or eliminate Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus in animals, or interventions that reduce the circulation of the virus in the ecosystem.&nbsp;Work may also include other emerging zoonotic disease threats or One Health issues in future years.&nbsp;</p> <p><br></p> <p>2. Drive research that supports the development of intentional genomic alternations in animals and the advancement of regulatory science in this field, with a focus on intentional genomic alternations that support agricultural resilience, food security, animal health, or public health.&nbsp;</p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="color: black;">3. Drive research that supports the development of products for minor species, minor uses in major species (dogs, cats, horses, cattle, pigs, chickens, and turkeys) and other unmet veterinary medical needs in major species that create a significant animal or public health burden.</span></p>

Food and Drug Administration

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to solicit applications for inclusion as Animal and Veterinary Innovation Centers, which are intended to form long-term partnerships to address priority areas for FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). This includes CVM developing cooperative agreement(s) with academic research institutions (public and private) to: 1. Drive research that supports the development of interventions to prevent, control, or eliminate Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus in animals, or interventions that reduce the circulation of the virus in the ecosystem. Work may also include other emerging zoonotic disease threats or One Health issues in future years. 2. Drive research that supports the development of intentional genomic alternations in animals and the advancement of regulatory science in this field, with a focus on intentional genomic alternations that support agricultural resilience, food security, animal health, or public health. 3. Drive research that supports the development of products for minor species, minor uses in major species (dogs, cats, horses, cattle, pigs, chickens, and turkeys) and other unmet veterinary medical needs in major species that create a significant animal or public health burden.

NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Project Summary This project aims to harmonize and share data about immigrants who are without permanent residence (IWPR). Few national surveys include questionnaire items on immigrants’ permanent residence, and when available, these surveys are often met with skepticism due to their questionable validity. And while some organizations use indirect demographic methods to produce estimates of IWPR sub-populations, it is difficult for researchers to obtain information about detailed groups of interest. This is an important shortcoming given that the IWPR population makes up one-third of all adults and children born abroad. In addition, nearly 80 percent of children of the IWPR population are U.S.-born citizens. In this project we harmonize data across existing data sets (American Community Survey, Department of Homeland Security admission data, and demographic estimates of mortality, emigration, and ACS survey coverage rates) that together provide a detailed demographic estimates and projections of the IWPR population and its children. We will deposit the harmonized data and documentation in Data Sharing for Demographic Research archive (DSDR). Specifically, the project has three aims. First, it will harmonize data in order to produce detailed estimates of the size of the IWPR population and its children ages 0-17. These estimates will be produced by harmonizing and layering pre-existing public data and using long-standing residual methods based on an innovative, transparent, peer-reviewed methodology. The estimates will be available by year, age, sex, year of arrival, age at arrival, duration of U.S. residence, and visa classification. The project will also produce estimates of the population’s dynamics, such as annual in-flows, out-flows, and net growth. Second, the project will project the IWPR population and its children 10 years into the future under various scenarios. These scenarios will vary both demographic conditions (e.g., high versus low levels of inflows) and potential program changes (e.g., eligibility rules for SNAP). Third, the project will deposit the data from Aims 1 and 2 into DSDR for dissemination to researchers, along with accessible and comprehensive documentation. The confidentiality of human subjects will be protected by collapsing these data and providing all data at the national level. Understanding the changing size and characteristics of the IWPR population is important to assess this group’s public health and services delivery needs, especially given they comprise nearly one-third of the adult and child population born abroad generally. Compared with other individuals born abroad, IWPR individuals and their children have high rates of poverty and food insecurity, and they also have low access to health care and health insurance. By providing accessible data on the IWPR population and its children, this project can help planners, service providers, and researchers better evaluate child health and well-being.

European Commission - HORIZON

Balancing food security, bioeconomy, climate and biodiversity objectives to unlock sustainable value chains. Call: Call 01 - single stage (2026). Programme: HORIZON. Keywords: Accounting, Agricultural economics, Bioeconomy, Business models, Natural resources and environmental economics, Nature. Open call from the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Bezos Earth Fund

Funds innovations in sustainable agriculture and food systems to reduce emissions and improve food security.

U.S. National Science Foundation

The Biosensing program is part of the Engineering Biology and Health cluster, which also includes 1) the Biophotonics program; 2) the Cellular and Biochemical Engineering program; 3) the Disability and Rehabilitation Engineering program; and 4) the Engineering of Biomedical Systems program. The Biosensing program supports fundamental engineering research in the monitoring, identification and/or quantification of biological analytes and phenomena using innovations that exist at the intersection of engineering, life sciences, and information technology. Projects submitted to the program must advance both engineering and life sciences. <p class="Default">The Biosensing program encourages proposals that, in addition to advancing biosensing technology, address critical sensor needs in biomedical research, public health, food safety, agriculture, forensics, environmental protection, and homeland security. <p class="Default">Proposals are especially encouraged in areas of critical need: sensing technologies that can enable monitoring and surveillance of the environment and/or individuals for novel infectious agents; platform technologies that can readily be modified as soon as new agents are detected, sequenced, and/or otherwise characterized to enable rapid deployment of sensors in clinics and the environment; and adaptive and/or multiplex sensing technologies that can help the nation prevent the spread of the next global pandemic. Major areas of interest for the program include: <ul> <li style="text-align: left;">Novel signal transduction principles and mechanisms that enable sensitive and specific biosensors, suitable for measurements in multiple areas;</li> <li>Design of novel biorecognition elements and appropriately designed transducing systems to enable adaptable and/or reconfigurable operating parameters in response to environmental changes or application needs at levels of device, system, or data analysis;</li> <li>Development of adaptive and/or evolvable biosensing systems for detection of novel target analytes or analytes under novel conditions;</li> <li>Novel synthetic biology approaches for the development of cell-free and cell-based biosensors; and</li> <li>Combining biosensors with artificial intelligence (AI) methods to improve sensor specificity and response time.</li> </ul> Innovative ideas outside of the above specific interest areas may be considered. However, prior to submission, it is recommended that the PI contact the program director to avoid the possibility of the proposal being returned without review. The Biosensors program does not encourage proposals addressing circuit design for signal processing and amplification, computational modeling, and microfluidics for sample separation and filtration. Medical imaging-based measurements are outside of the scope of the program interests. Proposals that rely heavily on descriptive approaches are given lower priority. Proposals for optimizing and/or utilizing established methods for specific applications should be directed to programs focused on the application of sensor technology. NOTE: Projects related to water and/or soil quality may be jointly supported with the Environmental Engineering program (CBET 1440). Photonic devices with medical imaging and/or optogenetics should be submitted to the Biophotonics program (CBET 7236). Applications of devices for tissue engineering or organ-on-chip systems should be submitted to the Engineering of Biomedical Systems program (CBET 5345). Basic chemical/biochemical sensing mechanisms should be submitted to the Chemical Measurement and Imaging program (CMI 6880) in the Division of Chemistry. Proposals for dynamic biosensing systems, including circuit design for signal/data processing and amplification, and sensing systems through communication and machine learning should be submitted to the Communications, Circuits, and Sensing-Systems program (CCSS 7564) in the Division of Electrical, Communications, and Cyber Systems. INFORMATION COMMON TO MOST CBET PROGRAMS Proposals should address the novelty and/or<a href="http://www.nsf.gov/about/transformative_research/faq.jsp">potentially transformative nature</a>of the proposed work compared to previous work in the field.Also, it is important to address why the proposed work is important in terms of engineering science, as well as to also project the potential impact on society and/or industry of success in the research.The novelty or potentially transformative nature of the research should be included, as a minimum, in the Project Summary of each proposal. The duration of unsolicited proposal awards in CBET is generally up to three years. Single-investigator award budgets typically include support for one graduate student (or equivalent) and up to one month of PI time per year(awards for multiple investigator projects are typically larger). Proposal budgets that are much larger than typical should be discussed with the program director prior to submission. Proposers can view budget amounts and other information from recent awards made by this program via the ?What Has Been Funded (Recent Awards Made Through This Program, with Abstracts)? link towards the bottom of this page. Faculty Early Career Development(CAREER)program proposals are strongly encouraged.Award duration is five years.The submission deadline for Engineering CAREER proposals is in July every year. Learn more in the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/career">CAREER program description</a>. Proposals for Conferences, Workshops, and Supplements: PIs are strongly encouraged to discuss their requests with the program director before submission of the proposal. Grants forRapid Response Research(RAPID)andEArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research(EAGER)are also considered when appropriate. Please note that proposals of these types must be discussed with the program director before submission. Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI)proposals that integrate fundamental research with translational results and are consistent with the application areas of interest to each program are also encouraged. Please note that RAPID, EAGER, and GOALI proposals can be submitted anytime during the year. Details about RAPID, EAGER, and GOALI are available in the Proposal &amp; Award Policies &amp; Procedures Guide(PAPPG), Part 1, Chapter II, Section E: Types of Proposals. Compliance: Proposals that are not compliant with the<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg" target="_blank">Proposal &amp; Award Policies &amp; Procedures Guide (PAPPG)</a>will be returned without review.

U.S. National Science Foundation

The Biosensing Program supports innovative, transformative, and insightful investigations of fundamental problems with broad long term impact and applications that require novel use of bio-inspired engineering principles and sophisticated devices to meet the engineering and technology needs of the nation. The program is targeting research in the area of the monitoring, identification, and/or quantification of biological phenomena and will support potential technological breakthroughs that exist at the intersection of engineering, life science, and information technology. Projects submitted to the Program must advance both engineering and life sciences. Projects in the program may range from single investigator to multi-investigator collaborative research efforts. The development of these novel principles and devices will require highly collaborative interactions between engineers, life scientists, and experts in nanotechnology, biomaterials, bioinformatics, and the chemical and physical sciences. The program recognizes the important role of education and workforce development specifically relevant to the multidisciplinary nature of the area of biosensing. Interdisciplinary teams are essential and must be fostered from discovery to application. Specific Objectives The Biosensing program primarily supports innovative fundamental and applied research with applications to the biomedical, food safety, energy, environmental, and security needs: New paradigms in the identification and detection of existing or emerging pathogenic micro-organisms, unknown toxins, and viral threat agents Highly sensitive and discriminative biosensing New approaches in integrated sensor systems, probe development, and actuators Novel robust and easy to operate sensor systems with a highly selective response to multiple analytes under variable conditions, with significantly reduced false positives and false negative responses and increased sensitivity Original ideas in the development of novel target recognition strategies, including but not limited to: nanoscale structures with variable selectivity, engineered proteins, signaling aptamers, ionophores, natural and artificial ion-channels, bio-designed and molecular-imprinted polymers Smart field deployable molecular sentinels for the monitoring of food, water and air quality, environment, community, industrial, and commercial structures Cell and tissue-based sensors to monitor environmental, physiological, and genetic responses Development of fundamental knowledge for better understanding and processing of multifunctional materials for biosensing applications, with predefined physical, chemical or biological characteristics Bio-compatible and Stimuli-responsive materials demonstrating biosensing capabilities Novel bio-based cyber approaches Examples of innovative research in biosensing technologies: Fundamental understanding and study of bio-macromolecules (proteins, peptides, etc.) confinement and orientation at the micro- and nano-interfaces for high-throughput biosensing applications Plasmonic nanostructures Sensors based on artificial recognition elements and synthetic peptides; new biorecognition strategies and elements New molecular sensors capable of monitoring biological structures interaction (protein-protein interactions, cell-to-cell talk, etc.) New approaches that allow for highly selective and reversible recognition events (i.e. methods for triggering dissociation of analytes from antibodies) for extending continuous monitoring technologies Molecular beacon aptamer probes and quantum-dots for intracellular protein monitoring with improved delivery methods Combining of different sensing platforms (electrochemical/optical/mass sensitive, etc.) for enhanced data acquisition in biosensing applications mRNA monitoring using molecular beacon DNA probes that bridge biochemical assays and in vivo analyses Biocomputing based on bioanalytical processes Other novel approaches are welcome as well.The duration of unsolicited awards is generally one to three years. The typical award size for the program is $100,000 for individual investigators or $200,000 for multiple investigators per year (including indirect cost). Small equipment proposals of less than $100,000 will also be considered and may be submitted during these windows. Any proposal received outside the announced dates will be returned without review.The duration of CAREER awards is five years. The submission deadline for Engineering CAREER proposals is in July every year. Please see the following URL for more information: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08051/nsf08051.jsp.Proposals for Conferences, Workshops, and Supplements may be submitted at any time, but must be discussed with the program director before submission.Grants for Rapid Response Research (RAPID) and EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) replace the SGER program. Please note that proposals of these types must be discussed with the program director before submission. Further details are available in the PAPPG download, available below. Please refer to the Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG), January 2009, (NSF 09-1) when you prepare your proposal. The PAPPG is available for download at: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf0929.

European Commission - HORIZON

Boosting agrobiodiversity for food security and sustainable competitiveness. Call: Call 01 - single stage (2026). Programme: HORIZON. Keywords: Agricultural economics, Agrobiodiversity, Agronomy, Biodiversity conservation, Environmental sciences, Other agricultural sciences. Open call from the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Cargill Foundation

Funds food security, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and community development worldwide.

Cedars-Sinai

Invests in community health programs in Los Angeles, focusing on health equity, chronic disease, behavioral health, and food security.

U.S. National Science Foundation

Society relies on chemical processes to turn raw materials into useful products. The Chemical Process Systems (CPS) program invests in fundamental research on chemical and biochemical processes to make them more efficient, sustainable, and resilient. New CPS technologies for manufacturing, biotechnology, critical minerals, energy, food, and other national priorities will help make the U.S. more competitive and secure. Research supported by the CPS program covers the full breadth of chemical and biochemical process innovation. It spans reaction engineering and molecular thermodynamics; reactor design; catalysis; electrochemical systems; separations; and process design. The program encourages proposals that connect the molecular scale to process and plant scales. The CPS program explores active-site structure and function, reaction mechanisms, in situ and operando characterization, durability, and device-level integration. Microreactors, membrane and catalytic reactors, atmospheric plasmas, and other novel configurations are of interest. The program supports research in catalysis and electrochemical systems to produce, use, and store energy, to reduce waste, to process polymers, and to synthesize fuels and chemicals. This includes process and materials innovation to support the nuclear fuel cycle. The CPS program also targets chemical and biological separations that are efficient and scalable. Research includes the design of membranes, sorbents, and specialized interfaces. Advances can be used in gas separations, the recovery of critical minerals, bioprocessing, and protein and water purification. The program supports research in process design and optimization that uses tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and uncertainty quantification. CPS research also explores quantum information science and engineering; quantum simulation and sensing, for example, may accelerate the discovery of materials and improve process models. Partnerships: To speed discovery and innovation, NSF partners with federal agencies, industry, international groups, and others. Current opportunities are at NSF ENG Partnerships.

U.S. National Science Foundation

Society relies on chemical processes to turn raw materials into useful products. The Chemical Process Systems (CPS) program invests in fundamental research on chemical and biochemical processes to make them more efficient, sustainable, and resilient. New CPS technologies for manufacturing, biotechnology, critical minerals, energy, food, and other national priorities will help make the U.S. more competitive and secure. Research supported by the CPS program covers the full breadth of chemical and biochemical process innovation. It spans reaction engineering and molecular thermodynamics; reactor design; catalysis; electrochemical systems; separations; and process design. The program encourages proposals that connect the molecular scale to process and plant scales. The CPS program explores active-site structure and function, reaction mechanisms, in situ and operando characterization, durability, and device-level integration. Microreactors, membrane and catalytic reactors, atmospheric plasmas, and other novel configurations are of interest. The program supports research in catalysis and electrochemical systems to produce, use, and store energy, to reduce waste, to process polymers, and to synthesize fuels and chemicals. This includes process and materials innovation to support the nuclear fuel cycle. The CPS program also targets chemical and biological separations that are efficient and scalable. Research includes the design of membranes, sorbents, and specialized interfaces. Advances can be used in gas separations, the recovery of critical minerals, bioprocessing, and protein and water purification. The program supports research in process design and optimization that uses tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and uncertainty quantification. CPS research also explores quantum information science and engineering; quantum simulation and sensing, for example, may accelerate the discovery of materials and improve process models. Partnerships: To speed discovery and innovation, NSF partners with federal agencies, industry, international groups, and others. Current opportunities are at <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/eng/partnerships">NSF ENG Partnerships.</a>

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

The CFPCGP projects are to be designed to require a one-time contribution of Federal assistance to become self-reliant and meet short- and long-term goals. Applicants are required to address at least one short-term and one long-term CFPCGP goals that best fit the plan or project being proposed to ensure a comprehensive and enduring approach to resolving food and nutrition security and hunger.

West Bank, Gaza USAID-West Bank

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) West Bank and Gaza Mission (WBG) is inviting all interested Implementing Partners to apply for FY14 Disability Funding to: Increase the participation of people with disabilities in USAID programs/activities; and Strengthen the capacity and services of civil society organizations run by and for people with disabilities; herein referred to as Disabled People s Organizations (DPOs). Up to $5 Million in funding is available to support programs and activities to increase the participation of people with disabilities within the strategies and portfolios of USAID and to strengthen the capacity and services of DPOs. Program areas could include, but are not limited to: agriculture and food security; democracy, human rights &amp; governance; economic growth and trade; education; environment and global climate change; sports; gender equality and women s empowerment; health; and science, technology and innovation, among others. Capacity building programs for DPOs may include organizational capacity, advocacy efforts, cross-disability coalition building, coordination, and leadership and training. All awards (grants or cooperative agreements) under this request for concept papers will be administered through and managed by USAID. Subject to the availability of funds, the total estimated level of funding available for awards under this worldwide request is up to $5,000,000 as follows: 1. Small fund programs: ranging from $20,000 to $300,000 (the total amount of all small fund awards shall not exceed $3.8 million worldwide) 2. Large fund programs: ranging from $300,000 - $600,000 (the total amount of all large fund awards shall not exceed $1.2 million worldwide)

Agency for International Development

This draft Request for Applications (RFA) provides information on funding opportunities for multi-year development food assistance programs in Burundi, Madagascar, and Malawi. Food security is the cornerstone of the Title II program because "...enhancing food security in the developing world through the use of agricultural commodities..." is a policy of the United States as stated in the Food for Peace Act, which authorizes Title II food aid. Thus, FFP's goal must target the vulnerability of food insecure individuals, households, and communities directly. Note that assistance made available pursuant to this RFA may be used to meet emergency/exceptional circumstances as provided in accordance with the terms of those awards and 22 C.F.R. 211.5(o).

Elevance Health Foundation

Formerly Anthem Foundation, invests in maternal and child health, food security, and behavioral health programs in communities served by Elevance Health.

NIH

Significance to VA: Identifying and assisting Veterans with unmet social needs, like food insecurity and housing instability, is critical to achieve health equity. Recognizing its importance, the Joint Commission recently listed assessment of patients’ social needs and provision of information about resources and support services as a National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG.16.01.01). Effective efforts to assess and assist Veterans with unmet social needs largely do not exist in many VHA clinics. Only a fraction of Veterans experiencing food and/or housing insecurity are being identified. Additionally, Veterans who are identified and provided with a list of resources still struggle to connect with services. A potential solution could exist with nurses. Nurses comprise the largest healthcare workforce in the VA and could be a major force multiplier in reducing gaps in service and care with respect to identifying and assisting Veterans with unmet needs. The proposed study aligns with the updated VA HSR research priorities by: (1) contributing to efforts to address health disparities through development of an intervention to identify and assist Veterans with unmet social needs, (2) employing engagement science, a HSR foundational learning health systems method, through application of human- centered design, (3) engaging Veterans and frontline primary care staff to facilitate study design and intervention development, and (4) responding to the need for research on nursing workforce and practice, specifically the role of nursing to address social drivers of health to improve health equity. Innovation and Impact The proposed research will use human-centered design to empower frontline primary care staff, including nurses- who have been largely overlooked in research- and Veterans to co-design clinical application of pathways to identify and assist Veterans with unmet social needs. Specific Aims are to: 1. Discover the current state of how Veterans with unmet social needs are identified and assisted in VA primary care settings. 2. Co-design and test an intervention to identify and assist Veterans with unmet social needs. Methodology: Aim 1 will use a combination of methods including direct field observations (n=30) of current clinical care as it related to identifying and assisting Veterans with unmet social needs across three primary care clinics. We will also interview Veterans (n=30) whose clinical care we observe to learn their experiences. We will then survey all primary care staff affiliated with the Houston VA and interview 30 to 45 frontline primary care staff (i.e., RNs, LVNs, and MSAs) to learn what supports and hinders their ability to identify and assist Veterans with unmet social needs. In Aim 2, a design team of Veterans (n=6) and primary care staff (n=10-15) will co-design an intervention to identify and assist Veterans with unmet social needs. The co-designed intervention will include education and workflow processes. We will then pilot the intervention at two primary care clinics sequentially to allow for rapid refinement using feedback from focus groups (n=2 per site) with primary care staff/providers and interviews with Veterans (n=15 per site). Path to Translation/Implementation: Products from this research will be shared with the VHA Offices of Health Equity, Nursing Services, and Food Security. Post pilot, the intervention will continue process improvements with operational partners via quality improvement / quality assessment projects. Simultaneously, the research team will prepare for a larger pragmatic trial to evaluate the intervention for effectiveness in identifying and assisting Veterans with unmet social needs in effort to ultimately reduce health inequities.

NHLBI - National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

Chronic diseases—including cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and diabetes—are leading causes of death and disability in the United States, accounting for over $3.6 trillion in annual healthcare costs. Despite decades of public health efforts, most Americans fail to meet dietary and physical activity guidelines, underscoring the need for scalable, community-based solutions. Community Intermediary Organizations (CIOs) have emerged as promising models for delivering evidence-based policies and programs (EBPPs) by fostering multisectoral collaboration, providing technical assistance, and aligning resources with local priorities. In Rhode Island, the Health Zones (HEZ) initiative operationalizes the CIO model across 14 communities, each led by a backbone organization that autonomously implements EBPPs tailored to local needs. While HEZ has demonstrated success in reducing social vulnerability, its impact on health behaviors and outcomes remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness (Aim 1), implementation (Aim 2), and the interaction between implementation and effectiveness (Aim 3) of the HEZ model in improving diet quality, physical activity, and CVD outcomes. Using a retrospective stepped-wedge trial design and the RE-AIM framework, this project will assess: (1a) changes in diet quality, food security, and physical activity; (1b) improvements in CVD risk factors and outcomes; (2a) the reach, adoption, and maintenance of HEZ interventions; and (3) how implementation fidelity and network strength influence health outcomes. Findings will provide critical insights into the scalability and sustainability of community-based interventions for chronic disease prevention.

Administration for Community Living

This grant is funded under the Projects of National Significance (PNS) authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. Its purpose is to increase awareness, access, and use of ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts so that individuals with disabilities have the resources needed to better support their health and economic well-being and improve their economic security and mobility. Since 2015, the ABLE Act has authorized states and territories to establish tax-advantaged programs—ABLE accounts—that allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest money. These accounts may be used for qualified disability expenses, including education, food, housing, transportation, employment training, assistive technology, and health care. Beginning in January 2026, ABLE eligibility requirements were expanded to include individuals with an age of disability onset up to 46, increased from the previous limit of 26. As a result, an estimated 14 million people will be eligible for ABLE accounts, including approximately 1.2 million veterans. This expansion presents a significant opportunity to broaden outreach to individuals receiving Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as well as individuals with disabilities who are not enrolled in disability benefit programs, to help overcome barriers to achieving good health and meaningful employment. To advance these goals, the grant will support strategies such as coordinated marketing efforts at the national, state, and community levels; population-specific approaches implemented through partnerships with ACL grantees and community stakeholders; and a strengthened systems approach at the state level. ACL recognizes that ABLE-related supports can play a critical role in increasing economic security and mobility for individuals with disabilities.

Administration for Community Living

This grant is funded under the Projects of National Significance (PNS) authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. Its purpose is to increase awareness, access, and use of ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts so that individuals with disabilities have the resources needed to better support their health and economic well-being and improve their economic security and mobility. Since 2015, the ABLE Act has authorized states and territories to establish tax-advantaged programs ABLE accounts that allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest money. These accounts may be used for qualified disability expenses, including education, food, housing, transportation, employment training, assistive technology, and health care. Beginning in January 2026, ABLE eligibility requirements were expanded to include individuals with an age of disability onset up to 46, increased from the previous limit of 26. As a result, an estimated 14 million people will be eligible for ABLE accounts, including approximately 1.2 million veterans. This expansion presents a significant opportunity to broaden outreach to individuals receiving Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as well as individuals with disabilities who are not enrolled in disability benefit programs, to help overcome barriers to achieving good health and meaningful employment. To advance these goals, the grant will support strategies such as coordinated marketing efforts at the national, state, and community levels; population-specific approaches implemented through partnerships with ACL grantees and community stakeholders; and a strengthened systems approach at the state level. ACL recognizes that ABLE-related supports can play a critical role in increasing economic security and mobility for individuals with disabilities.