Opportunity Information: Apply for EPA G2008 STAR W1
Apply for EPA G2008 STAR W1
- The Environmental Protection Agency in the environment sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Computational Toxicology Research Centers in vitro and in silico Models Of Developmental Toxicity Pathways" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 66.509 Science To Achieve Results (STAR) Research Program.
- This funding opportunity was created on Nov 18, 2008 and posted on Nov 5, 2008.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 29, 2009 Please refer to the full announcement, including Section IV for additional information on submission methods and due dates.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $3,200,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $3,200,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: County governments Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) City or township governments Public and State controlled institutions of higher education State governments Private institutions of higher education.
- See Section III of the announcement for additional eligiblity information.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued this funding opportunity through its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Research Program to support the creation of computational toxicology research capacity focused on developmental toxicity. The central goal is to fund a research center (or equivalent coordinated effort) that can build and validate in vitro (cell-based or biochemical) and in silico (computational) models that describe and predict how environmental pollutants and toxicants can disrupt biological pathways involved in normal development. The emphasis is on moving beyond isolated assay results toward models that connect measurable molecular and cellular responses to real developmental outcomes, ultimately improving the ability to anticipate risk from developmental exposures.
A key feature of the solicitation is integration: applicants are expected to combine in vitro biochemical and cellular response data with computational modeling approaches and theoretical or applied mathematics. The EPA frames this as research conducted in conjunction with in vivo data, meaning the project should not exist purely in a dish or purely in a computer. Instead, the intended direction is to use in vivo observations as an anchor for model development, calibration, and credibility, while leveraging in vitro systems to generate mechanistic, pathway-level evidence that can be translated into predictive frameworks. In practice, this implies building models that can bridge scales, for example connecting receptor binding or signaling pathway perturbations to downstream effects on patterning, morphogenesis, growth, or differentiation during development.
The scientific scope targets core developmental processes that are fundamental to how organisms form and mature, such as patterning (how body plans and spatial organization arise), morphogenesis (how tissues and structures take shape), selective growth, and cell differentiation. The opportunity highlights the value of understanding the biological pathways that regulate these processes, because developmental toxicity often emerges when critical pathways are perturbed at sensitive windows. By focusing on pathway-based modeling, the EPA is signaling interest in approaches that can generalize across chemicals and contexts, rather than only describing one-off effects. The long-term payoff described in the announcement is a stronger predictive capacity for estimating outcomes or risk associated with specific toxicity processes resulting from developmental exposure to environmental contaminants.
From a program and administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement or grant mechanism under CFDA 66.509 (STAR Research Program). The EPA anticipated making one award, with an estimated total funding amount of $3,200,000 and an award ceiling of $3,200,000, and it explicitly states there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. The opportunity was posted on November 5, 2008, with an original and current closing date of January 29, 2009, and an archive date of February 28, 2009, meaning it is a historical (archived) solicitation.
Eligibility is broad and includes state governments, local governments (including county and city or township governments), federally recognized tribal governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and eligible nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in that nonprofit category). The announcement also references an "Others" category with additional clarification in the full text, and it directs applicants to Section III for complete eligibility details. For access issues related to the full announcement, the listed contact is Deborah Segal at (202) 343-9797.
Overall, the opportunity is best understood as an EPA effort to accelerate modern developmental toxicology by funding a coordinated research program that can translate mechanistic in vitro signals into computational models capable of predicting developmental harm from environmental exposures. The focus on integrated data streams, mathematically grounded modeling, and pathway-level understanding reflects a push toward more efficient, scientifically interpretable, and potentially more broadly applicable methods for assessing developmental risks posed by pollutants and toxicants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What agency is offering this funding opportunity?
This opportunity was issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Research Program.
What is the purpose of this STAR Research Program funding opportunity?
The purpose is to support the creation of computational toxicology research capacity focused on developmental toxicity, with the central goal of funding a research center (or equivalent coordinated effort) to build and validate predictive models of how environmental pollutants and toxicants can disrupt biological pathways involved in normal development.
What type of project is EPA trying to fund?
EPA is aiming to fund a coordinated research center (or equivalent effort) that integrates experimental and computational work to develop and validate in vitro (cell-based or biochemical) and in silico (computational) models that can describe and predict developmental toxicity.
What scientific area does this opportunity focus on?
The focus is developmental toxicity, specifically understanding and predicting how environmental contaminants can interfere with biological pathways that drive normal development.
What does EPA mean by computational toxicology research capacity focused on developmental toxicity?
Based on the solicitation description, it means building a coordinated capability to produce and use computational models (supported by mathematical approaches) together with laboratory-generated mechanistic data to predict developmental outcomes resulting from exposures to environmental pollutants and toxicants.
What kinds of models are expected under this opportunity?
The solicitation emphasizes developing both in vitro and in silico models that move beyond isolated assay results and instead connect measurable molecular and cellular responses to real developmental outcomes.
What is the difference between in vitro and in silico approaches in this solicitation?
In vitro refers to cell-based or biochemical systems that measure molecular or cellular responses. In silico refers to computational models that use those measurements (and other data) to describe and predict developmental toxicity processes.
Is the project expected to use only cell-based assays or only computer modeling?
No. A key feature is integration. The project is framed as research conducted in conjunction with in vivo data, meaning it should not exist purely in a dish (in vitro only) or purely in a computer (in silico only). In vivo observations are intended to serve as an anchor for model development, calibration, and credibility.
How is in vivo data expected to be used in the project?
In vivo observations are described as an anchor for model development, calibration, and credibility. The intent is to align and validate computational and in vitro findings against in vivo observations rather than relying solely on isolated assay outputs.
What does the solicitation mean by moving beyond isolated assay results?
It indicates EPA is looking for approaches that do not stop at reporting single assay outcomes. Instead, the models should connect mechanistic responses (molecular/cellular changes) to meaningful developmental outcomes, improving predictive usefulness for developmental risk.
What kinds of biological processes are within the scientific scope?
The scope targets core developmental processes such as patterning (body plan and spatial organization), morphogenesis (formation of tissues and structures), selective growth, and cell differentiation.
Why is there an emphasis on pathways and pathway-level modeling?
The announcement highlights that developmental toxicity often arises when critical pathways are perturbed during sensitive windows. By focusing on pathway-based modeling, EPA is signaling interest in approaches that can generalize across chemicals and contexts, rather than describing one-off effects.
What is meant by bridging scales in model development?
The solicitation describes models that can connect different biological levels, for example linking receptor binding or signaling pathway perturbations to downstream developmental effects such as patterning, morphogenesis, growth, or differentiation.
What types of data integration are applicants expected to perform?
Applicants are expected to combine in vitro biochemical and cellular response data with computational modeling approaches and theoretical or applied mathematics, while conducting the work in conjunction with in vivo data.
What is the long-term outcome EPA is seeking from this research?
The long-term payoff described is stronger predictive capacity for estimating outcomes or risk associated with specific developmental toxicity processes resulting from developmental exposure to environmental contaminants.
What funding mechanism will EPA use for this opportunity?
The opportunity is described as a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement or grant mechanism under the STAR Research Program.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The CFDA is 66.509 (STAR Research Program).
How many awards did EPA anticipate making?
EPA anticipated making one award.
What is the estimated total funding amount?
The estimated total funding amount is $3,200,000.
What is the award ceiling?
The award ceiling is $3,200,000.
Is cost-sharing or matching required?
No. The announcement explicitly states there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.
When was the opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on November 5, 2008.
What was the closing date for applications?
The original and current closing date listed is January 29, 2009.
Is this opportunity still open?
No. The information provided indicates this is a historical (archived) solicitation, with an archive date of February 28, 2009.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes state governments; local governments (including county, city, and township governments); federally recognized tribal governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; and eligible nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in that nonprofit category). The announcement also references an "Others" category with additional clarification in the full text.
Are nonprofits eligible?
Yes, eligible nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status are included, with the noted exclusion of institutions of higher education within that nonprofit category.
Are colleges and universities eligible?
Yes. Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education are listed as eligible.
Are tribal governments eligible?
Yes. Federally recognized tribal governments are listed as eligible.
Are state and local governments eligible?
Yes. State governments and local governments (including county, city, and township governments) are listed as eligible.
Where can applicants find the complete eligibility details?
The announcement directs applicants to Section III for complete eligibility details.
Who should be contacted for access issues related to the full announcement?
The listed contact for access issues is Deborah Segal at (202) 343-9797.
What is the overall goal of the funded effort, in practical terms?
In practical terms, the goal is to accelerate modern developmental toxicology by funding an integrated research program that translates mechanistic in vitro signals into computational models, anchored by in vivo observations, to better predict developmental harm from environmental exposures.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Environment
Next opportunity: Fiscal Year 2009 Freight Rail Security Grant Program
Previous opportunity: Fiscal Year 2009 State Homeland Security Program Tribal (SHSP Tribal)
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for EPA G2008 STAR W1
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (EPA G2008 STAR W1) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Environmental Education Grants Solicitation Notice for 2009 Apply for EPA EE 09 02 Funding Number: EPA EE 09 02 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Region 1 Request for Initial Proposals for EPA/Regional Dedicated Water Quality Program Funding Apply for EPA R1 09 OEP WQB Funding Number: EPA R1 09 OEP WQB Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $90,000 |
| FWS ECON ACES 2008 Apply for ECON 09 01 Funding Number: ECON 09 01 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: $5,000 |
| DRAFT Sustainable Conservation Approaches in Priority EcosystemS (SCAPES) Apply for M OAA EGAT PEP 09 001 DRAFTPD Funding Number: M OAA EGAT PEP 09 001 DRAFTPD Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Environment Funding Amount: $6,000,000 |
| NM Jumping Mouse Conservation Recovery Apply for FWS112508 Funding Number: FWS112508 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: $136,558 |
| Smart Growth Network Website Apply for EPA OPEI DCED 09 01 Funding Number: EPA OPEI DCED 09 01 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY 2009 Technical Training Support Activities for the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Programs Apply for EPA OW OWM 09 01 Funding Number: EPA OW OWM 09 01 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $180,000 |
| Assess long term change in the acid base chemistry of Streams in the mountains of VA. Apply for H4506070713 01 Funding Number: H4506070713 01 Agency: National Park Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| FWS ECON AERE WORKSHOPS 2009 Apply for ECON 09 02 Funding Number: ECON 09 02 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Sustainability for the 7th Generation Initiative (SGI) Apply for EPA OAR OAQPS 09 01 Funding Number: EPA OAR OAQPS 09 01 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| West Coast Estuaries Initiative Apply for EPA R10 WEI1 2009 Funding Number: EPA R10 WEI1 2009 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Lake Erie Coordinated Science and Monitoring Apply for EPA R5 GL2009 1 Funding Number: EPA R5 GL2009 1 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| LGAC Support and Circuit Rider Program Apply for EPA R3CBP 09 05 Funding Number: EPA R3CBP 09 05 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Not for Profit AMD Reclamation Apply for DOI SM 253 10 Funding Number: DOI SM 253 10 Agency: Office of Surface Mining Category: Environment Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| fish benthic survey with apra harbor Apply for FWSPIE2 Funding Number: FWSPIE2 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: $65,000 |
| conduct marine benthic surveys within apra harbor Apply for FWSPIE3 Funding Number: FWSPIE3 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: $65,000 |
| conduct marine benthic surveys within apra harbor Apply for FWSPIE4 Funding Number: FWSPIE4 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: $65,000 |
| Strategic Agricultural Initiative Grant Program FY 2009 Request for Proposals Apply for EPA R3LCD 09 04 Funding Number: EPA R3LCD 09 04 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $55,000 |
| Forums for Lakewide Management Plan Implementation Apply for EPA R5 GL2009 2 Funding Number: EPA R5 GL2009 2 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| COMMUNITY ACTION FOR A RENEWED ENVIRONMENT (CARE) PROGRAM Apply for EPA OAR IO 09 02 Funding Number: EPA OAR IO 09 02 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "EPA G2008 STAR W1", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.