<html>
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=Windows-1252">
<style type="text/css" style="display:none;"> P {margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;} </style>
</head>
<body dir="ltr">
<div id="divRplyFwdMsg">
<div class="elementToProof" style="direction: ltr;"> <span style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><img size="1153795" style="max-width: 852px;" data-outlook-trace="F:3|T:3" src="cid:5a1ae43e-7c38-49e8-90ae-a2c1b4430ab7"></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Dear Colleagues,</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
In this issue, you will find interview details for the four finalists for the position of Executive Director of ORED’s Sponsored Projects Office and Contracts and Grants Administration. The interviews will take place on campus in early December. There is an
excellent opportunity for you to engage directly with the candidates for this important strategic hire.</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
You will also find a selection of current funding opportunities, information about the next ORED Research Lunch, and a related New Alternative Methodologies survey, as well as guidance on how UC Merced’s winter curtailment period will affect ORED business operations.
Please pay particular attention to the adjusted proposal routing deadlines.</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and relaxing Thanksgiving break.</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Gillian</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b>Executive Director of Sponsored Projects & Contracts & Grants - Finalist Interviews</b></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
You are invited to participate in on-campus interviews with the finalists for ORED’s Executive Director of Sponsored Projects Office & Contracts & Grants Administration. Details are below:</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; margin: 1em 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
UC Merced Faculty</div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0in;">
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Candidate 1</u>: </b>1:30 pm – 2:20 pm| 12/02/25| Admin 354</p>
</li><ul style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0in; padding-left: 0px;">
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 1in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Zoom:</u></b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212);"><u><a style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" data-auth="NotApplicable" title="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/88510444434" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWA3eb166ab-65d2-e6ff-b767-82dd75003236" href="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/88510444434">https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/88510444434</a></u></span></p>
</li></ul>
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Candidate 2:</u> </b>1:30 pm – 2:20 pm | 12/10/25| GRNT 115</p>
</li><ul style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0in; padding-left: 0px;">
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 1in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Zoom:</u></b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212);"><u><a style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" data-auth="NotApplicable" title="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/88261813764" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWA6043527e-b973-1f4e-7fe1-f8626a7978e0" href="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/88261813764">https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/88261813764</a></u></span></p>
</li></ul>
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Candidate 3:</u> </b>1:30 pm – 2:20 pm | 12/08/25| Admin 255</p>
</li><ul style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0in; padding-left: 0px;">
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 1in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Zoom:</u></b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212);"><u><a style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" data-auth="NotApplicable" title="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/82817789368" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWA67505f0e-e86b-c555-003c-c739c8b53560" href="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/82817789368">https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/82817789368</a></u></span></p>
</li></ul>
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Candidate 4:</u> </b>1:30 pm – 2:20 pm | 12/09/25| Admin 362</p>
</li><ul style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0in; padding-left: 0px;">
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 1in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Zoom:</u></b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212);"><u><a style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" data-auth="NotApplicable" title="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/82054798924" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWAce994783-b5db-8256-8607-71bd03343cea" href="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/82054798924">https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/82054798924</a></u></span></p>
</li></ul>
</ul>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
All Administrative Stakeholders</div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0in;">
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Candidate 1:</u> </b>3:00 pm – 3:50 pm |12/02/25| Admin 354</p>
</li><ul style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0in; padding-left: 0px;">
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 1in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Zoom:</u></b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212);"><u><a style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" data-auth="NotApplicable" title="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/81300282850" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWAdd212d60-4c8f-fad0-6742-a9304dfb92dd" href="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/81300282850">https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/81300282850</a></u></span></p>
</li></ul>
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Candidate 2:</u> </b>3:00 pm – 3:50 pm | 12/10/25| Admin 365</p>
</li><ul style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0in; padding-left: 0px;">
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 1in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Zoom:</u></b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212);"><u><a style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" data-auth="NotApplicable" title="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/87327461713" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWAa0ec425f-e75f-cf37-1723-2bcf579624e0" href="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/87327461713">https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/87327461713</a></u></span></p>
</li></ul>
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Candidate 3:</u> </b>3:00 pm – 3:50 pm | 12/08/25| Admin 264</p>
</li><ul style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0in; padding-left: 0px;">
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 1in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Zoom: </u></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212);"><u><a style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" data-auth="NotApplicable" title="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/89032868920" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWA3dff1000-c0b7-d67b-994d-8cc13ce4bf9b" href="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/89032868920">https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/89032868920</a></u></span></p>
</li></ul>
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Candidate 4: </u></b>3:00 pm – 3:50 pm | 12/09/25| Admin 350</p>
</li><ul style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0in; padding-left: 0px;">
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 1in;">
<p style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 8pt;" role="presentation">
<b><u>Zoom:</u></b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212);"><u><a style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" data-auth="NotApplicable" title="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/85841798886" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWAd36f84a7-2dee-c498-5ba6-a00a010bfd35" href="https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/85841798886">https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/85841798886</a></u></span></p>
</li></ul>
</ul>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; margin: 1em 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To review the Job Description, click </span><span style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);"><u><a style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);" data-auth="NotApplicable" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWAc9f5ac37-7f5f-f5aa-e384-e6df0b6b31ba" href="https://ucmerced.box.com/s/7szbhhl4g7dd19oa9yka0difhq8a4rba">here</a></u></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.
For Cover Letter and Resume for each candidate, click here: </span><span style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);"><u><a style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);" data-auth="NotApplicable" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWAc051110d-fa9f-6a51-7d81-dd03c5e46dee" href="https://ucmerced.box.com/s/dkhqgjlsvy1j57p3658wungklap0fs2z">Candidate
1</a></u></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, </span><span style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);"><u><a style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);" data-auth="NotApplicable" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWAc49e28a5-a93c-0414-3137-0b55524026d6" href="https://ucmerced.box.com/s/0yqsngx6mnfzz9oaizz6i50qd9mfdxkd">Candidate
2</a></u></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, </span><span style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);"><u><a style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);" data-auth="NotApplicable" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWAd519b834-a1a6-2bb2-a7b3-6868b081016e" href="https://ucmerced.box.com/s/oxthf2e2xwq309i6bhbbqa63un6msijs">Candidate
3</a></u></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, </span><span style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);"><u><a style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);" data-auth="NotApplicable" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWA75ee617e-2a4c-803d-bf2c-56ad409a1bd9" href="https://ucmerced.box.com/s/z89x66cxblg3nkutkm8564n4cexqzyoo">Candidate
4</a></u></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(12, 100, 192);">
<b>Funding Opportunities </b></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b>USDA – National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA): Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AF</b><span style="color: black;"><b><u><a style="color: black;" data-auth="NotApplicable" title="https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-foundational-applied-science-program" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWAa0f1be2f-e4b2-f30e-cb58-8ba33e601978" href="https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-foundational-applied-science-program">RI)
Foundational and Applied Science Program </a><a style="color: black;" data-auth="NotApplicable" title="https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-foundational-applied-science-program" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWA08a03309-e476-5e5a-21d5-905e7cbc6d42" href="https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-foundational-applied-science-program">Extended
Deadline</a></u></b></span><b>s</b></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, USDA NIFA Agricultural and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) has extended deadlines for several programs. The original RFA has been modified from the original announcement to reflect changes to deadlines and other relevant changes.
$300,000,000 USD will be allocated to supporting AFRI research programs. The FY26 seeks to support research in 6 priority areas: (1) Plant Health and Production and Plant Products, (2) Animal Health and Production and Animal Products, (3) Food Safety, Nutrition,
and Health, (4) Bioenergy, Natural Resources, and Environment, (5) Agriculture Systems and Technology, (6) and Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities. </div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b>Application Deadline:</b> Deadlines have been extended to December </div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b>For more information and to apply, visit: </b><span style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);"><u><a style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);" data-auth="NotApplicable" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWA33b5a5b6-098f-b664-e29a-ddd59026cc12" href="https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-foundational-applied-science-program">National
Institute of Food and Agriculture</a></u></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b>Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) - Packaging Innovation Program</b></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is accepting applications for its Packaging Innovation Program to advance packaging innovations for U.S. producers and specialty crop exporters. The program seeks research applications that focus on novel
sustainable packaging or packaging alternatives that can replace single-use packaging while offering at least some of the same functions economically. There are 3 distinct tracks: (1) Applied R&D track: seeks proposals aimed at bringing laboratory stage solutions
for specialty crop exports but shows high promise to be implemented in pilot-scale manufacturing with minimal further effort; (2) Technology Accelerator track: seeks proposals aimed at scaling innovations in sustainable packaging to meet requirements of foreign
markets, and (3) Scale-up and Pilot track: seeks proposals to run pilot-scale manufacturing projects aimed at commercializing a packaging solution for specialty crop exports. Award amount is between $50,000 USD to $250,000 USD for 12 months. </div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b>Application Deadline:</b> December 17, 2025, @ 5 PM ET</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b>For more information and to apply, visit: </b><span style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);"><u><a style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);" data-auth="NotApplicable" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWAcc20f68e-9b0f-ca57-d74e-40daf54b9625" href="https://foundationfar.org/grants-funding/opportunities/packaging-innovation-program/">Foundation
for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR)</a></u></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b>PCORI Funding Announcement </b><br>
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) invites applications for projects that generate evidence to help patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders make informed healthcare decisions. Research may include observational studies, pragmatic
clinical trials, and other comparative effectiveness approaches focused on real-world health outcomes. Projects should address patient-centered questions and aim to improve decision-making and care.</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b>Application Deadline:</b> January 6, 2026 <br>
<b>For more information and to apply, visit: </b><span style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);"><u><a style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);" data-auth="NotApplicable" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWAf207eb6c-6e52-0383-ae75-997eec197034" href="https://www.pcori.org/funding-opportunities/announcement/improving-health-decision-making-observational-comparative-clinical-effectiveness-research">PCORI
Funding</a></u></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b>NIH – MIRA for Early Stage Investigators (R35)</b><br>
The NIH Maximizing Investigators Research Award (MIRA) supports early-stage investigators pursuing research aligned with the
<span style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);"><u><a style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);" data-auth="NotApplicable" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWAf0f72f8d-8b53-c0eb-bfcf-050f915088e4" href="https://www.nigms.nih.gov/about/overview/Pages/Overview">NIGMS mission</a></u></span>,
including basic science, select translational/clinical areas, and technology or computational tool development. The award offers flexibility to pursue new research directions within NIGMS priorities. Additional details, including slides and FAQs, are available
on the MIRA program page. <i>Note: Investigators with prior disqualifying awards (e.g., R01, RM1, SC1, DP1, DP2) are not eligible.</i></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b>Application Deadline:</b> February 3, 2026</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b>For more information and to apply, visit: </b><span style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);"><u><a style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);" data-auth="NotApplicable" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWA981ae5b9-4fba-da00-245c-f54fa3a6d046" href="https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-23-145.html">NIH
Maximizing Investigators Research Award</a></u></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(12, 100, 192);">
<b>Upcoming Events </b></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b>ORED Research Lunch Series: New Alternative Methodologies (NAMs)</b></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The next ORED Research Lunch will be held on Tuesday, December 16, at noon, and will highlight the
</span><span style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);"><u><a style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);" data-auth="NotApplicable" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWA34c8c588-86f5-699b-df11-092cb6959be4" href="https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-prioritize-human-based-research-technologies">NIH
initiative</a></u></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to expand human-based research technologies and reduce reliance on animal studies. Professor and CoR Chair Ramen Saha (Molecular & Cell Biology), and Danielle Benziger (Executive Director of Research
Compliance & Integrity), will share an initial overview of NAM survey findings and facilitate a discussion about the potential implications of this initiative for UC Merced’s research community.</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Lunch will be provided, space is limited to 10 attendees, and advance registration is required.
<span style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);"><b><u><a style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);" data-auth="NotApplicable" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWAf7c9478a-07ff-f520-300f-f4a3bd4e9c9d" href="https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=o-nf9HjKmEm3p-bQaS6s5g28RQ4BlCRPj91Z5IQALQ9URThUMDVRRU8yNjlLVUQ3RTRRN0JJRzBJQi4u">Register
HERE</a></u></b></span><b>.</b></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b>New Alternative Methodologies (NAMs) Survey</b></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
The Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED) and the Senate Committee on Research (CoR) invite you to participate in a brief 15-minute survey on
<b>New Alternative Methodologies (NAMs)</b> that is open to all <b>principal investigators</b>. The survey aims to: assess investigators’ needs for developing and using NAMs, inventory current NAM-related capabilities across campus, and identify opportunities
for collaboration, training, and infrastructure development. Your input will help shape UC Merced’s strategy for supporting NAM-focused research and future NIH initiatives. </div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
The survey will be open until December 3rd. <span style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);">
<b><u><a style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);" data-auth="NotApplicable" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWA69251206-35a2-7de3-5178-c462077a44bc" href="https://ucmerced.pdx1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/previewId/d3efcfb1-3a22-4cf2-8880-cd3744b17b46/SV_40fVicG1NR1iAL4?Q_CHL=preview&Q_SurveyVersionID=current">Take
the SURVEY</a></u></b></span>.</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Please contact CoR Chair <span style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><u><a style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);" title="mailto:rsaha3@ucmerced.edu%20?subject=NAM%20Survey" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWA77e59def-8a97-e515-d1e7-aa1e1e32321e" href="mailto:rsaha3@ucmerced.edu%20?subject=NAM%20Survey">Ramen
Saha</a></u></span> or AVC for Research <span style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">
<u><a style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);" title="mailto:lteixeira@ucmerced.edu%20?subject=NAM%20Survey" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWA7685d50f-81e4-5bd0-cc14-376a47f1e958" href="mailto:lteixeira@ucmerced.edu%20?subject=NAM%20Survey">Leslie Teixeira-Porto</a></u></span> with
any questions.</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b>Winter Curtailment Schedule </b></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
UC Merced will close for winter break from Wednesday, December 24, through Thursday, January 1, 2026, and will reopen on Friday, January 2, 2026. </div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
</div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
<li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); direction: ltr; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span role="presentation" style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);"><b><u><a style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);" data-auth="NotApplicable" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWAf8077c8e-f5a0-6981-2ee4-f44b86f8bb89" href="https://ucmerced.app.box.com/s/dwwtb4x15nidomr4p7kmflowridzbt2o">Sponsored
Projects Office & Contracts and Grants Administration</a></u></b></span><b><br>
<br>
</b></li><li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); direction: ltr; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span role="presentation" style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);"><b><u><a style="color: rgb(150, 96, 125);" data-auth="NotApplicable" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" id="OWAa5b8d25f-b29d-5fe5-fcd6-aac8c26f925d" href="https://rci.ucmerced.edu/news/2025/2025-26-curtailment-schedule">Research
Compliance and Integrity</a></u></b></span></li></ul>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<br>
</div>
</body>
</html>