AMES, Iowa – The Iowa Water Center and Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University will jointly fund research to explore the linkages between water quality and social well-being for Iowa communities.
The research focus for this request for proposals is social justice and equity issues surrounding populations impacted by water pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus. By seeking to understand downstream impacts and social well-being in relation to nutrient issues, the RFP will address the wellbeing of all members of society within the larger agroecosystem of the Mississippi River Basin.
Potential topics include:
- Assessment of nutrient impacts on tourism/recreation,
- Water quality impacts on rural communities and water utility associations,
- Management and monitoring strategies by downstream communities,
- Assessment of community and watershed coalition activities to address nutrient management issues.
Studies focused on human-health impacts do not qualify for this RFP.
“Water is a critical, though too-often overlooked, aspect of quality of life,” said Iowa Water Center Director Rick Cruse. “Potable water is vulnerable to the presence of excess nutrients. This can lead to disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities. We want to encourage new research on the social aspects of nutrient pollution, which is vitally needed as we seek to improve Iowa’s water quality for all our citizens.”
Projects must be led by Iowa State University, the University of Iowa or the University of Northern Iowa. Priority will be given to proposals that engage early career faculty or engage graduate and undergraduate students. Also, projects that include the U.S. Geological Survey as a partner will receive extra attention. Other research partners can include local communities, utilities, agencies, businesses and landowners.
The full 2020 request for proposals with more detail and application instructions can be found on the Iowa Water Center website. Applicants must submit a proposal intention by Oct. 23, 2020, 5 p.m. CDT, with full proposals due Oct. 30, 5 p.m. CDT. Funded projects may start as early as December 2020 and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2021.
The total amount available is $40,000 to support one or multiple projects. Funding for this grant opportunity comes from the Iowa Nutrient Research Center and the Iowa Water Center. Matching funds are not required for this grant competition.
Questions about the request for proposals should be directed to Hanna Bates, Iowa Water Center acting assistant director, at hbates@iastate.edu or 515-294-5650.
About the Iowa Water Center
The Iowa Water Center is a federally funded organization, part of the National Institutes of Water Resources. Located on the Iowa State University campus, it is one of 54 institutes located throughout the United States and U.S territories. The purpose of the Iowa Water Center is to identify water-related research needs, provide outreach and education opportunities, and disseminate information about Iowa’s water resources to the public to form better policies and everyday practices. IWC is administered through a partnership between Iowa State University and the U.S. Geological Survey.
About the Iowa Nutrient Research Center
Established in 2013, the Iowa Nutrient Research Center selects promising proposals every year to fund research to help meet the goals identified in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Since its inception, the center has committed $10 million to fund 92 projects in four general categories: edge-of-field practices, land management, nutrient management, and multi-objective research. Ongoing and past projects are available at https://www.cals.iastate.edu/nutrientcenter/project.