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K-State Today

February 12, 2015

Reminder about Global Food Systems Innovation grants

Submitted by Global Food Systems Communications Team

A reminder that proposals for the Global Food Systems Innovation Grant program are due to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs by 5 p.m. CT Feb. 27.

The grant program announcement and request for applications are on the Global Food Systems website. 

The grant program is part of the university's Global Food Systems initiative and is funded by the state of Kansas. Proposed projects must involve multiple disciplines and colleges, assist with job creation and economic development in Kansas, and help Kansas remain a leader in food production.

Projects can focus on any aspect of the global food system, including food processing and manufacturing, food animal and plant genetics, natural resources, transportation, food labeling, retail, storage and loss prevention, food safety and food security, human nutrition, food policy, education and communication, etc.

Most grants will range between $20,000 to $50,000, and matching funds from industry or private collaborators are encouraged.  

Examples of interdisciplinary, Global Food Systems-related research projects:

  • Developing a new sorghum food aid product

A team is developing a nutritious, sorghum-based porridge food product for impoverished children in Tanzania.The project includes faculty in grain science and industry; the Sensory Analysis Center; human nutrition; agricultural economics; and K-State Research and Extension. See page 18 in this issue of Perspectives to read more about the project.

  • Forecasting the future of the Ogallala Aquifer

Several researchers are looking at the future water availability of the High Plains Aquifer, or the Ogallala Aquifer. The project includes faculty in civil engineering, clinical sciences and agronomy. Read more about the project.

  • Helping the Great Plains stay afloat

An interdisciplinary group of researchers is studying how climate variability, climate change, land use and human activity affect the Great Plains water systems. The project includes faculty in geography; sociology; agricultural economics; industrial and manufacturing systems engineering; biological and agricultural engineering; and the Division of Biology.Read more about the project.

The Global Food Systems initiative is a multidisciplinary effort between all of Kansas State University's colleges and four campuses. The initiative leverages the university's resources and capabilities in crop production and protection, animal health, food safety and food security, as well as the numerous current and planned global food systems facilities at the Manhattan, Olathe and Salina campuses and those in the region.