CERES Seed Fund

The agricultural industry has experienced significant loss and economic consequences from infectious disease outbreaks in animals and plants caused by a variety of pathogens. Although preparedness, detection and response to infectious disease outbreaks have improved, significant gaps still remain.

To address these gaps, the Coalition for Epi Response, Engagement, and Science (CERES) consortium of land-grant universities was established, bringing together: Colorado State University (CSU), Kansas State University (KSU), Iowa State University (ISU), Texas A&M University (TAMU), University of California – Davis (UCD), University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL), and University of Nebraska Medical Center. CERES will integrate and leverage the strengths and assets of these universities and other stakeholders, resulting in new opportunities, ideas, and practices, through collaborative engagement.

The CERES Seed Fund was designed to establish research collaborations between the CERES institutions for generation of preliminary data needed to pursue additional external funding opportunities. As such, proposals must involve faculty from at least two of the CERES institutions. These collaborations and projects should result in data or activities that are well positioned to be funded by external partners. CERES is specifically engaged in discussions regarding funding programs within USDA, DoD and DHS, and projects should be applicable to funding from these agencies.

CERES welcomes projects in research, education, and extension individually, as well as projects that integrate these components. Existing research centers are welcome to apply. Partnerships with industry are also encouraged, and voluntary cost-share is allowed.