Research Revealed: Task Force on Convergent Research, Funding Opportunities, and More
Spotlight
BU Task Force Issues Recommendations to Strengthen Research Impact
After a year of fact-finding, the BU Task Force on Convergent Research and Education has released a report outlining recommendations the University can follow to embrace convergent research. The report, which will now be reviewed by University leaders, aims to help create a more resilient and ambitious research enterprise while building on its strong foundation of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Mapping Health Over Generations
The Framingham Heart Study, a landmark longitudinal study, has transformed our understanding of cardiovascular disease over decades of research. At an upcoming Research on Tap on Thursday, April 9, BU researchers will explore how this population-based study has led to breakthroughs not only in heart disease and stroke, but also in dementia, osteoporosis, arthritis, obesity, cancer, and kidney and lung health. The conversation will highlight how the study has grown into a collaborative network of more than 15,000 participants and continues to drive interdisciplinary discoveries. Faculty and students interested in the broad impacts of long-term health research are invited to join and form new collaborations.
Mark Your Calendar
Trainings & How-to
Seminars & Events
- 3/31: Three Minute Thesis
- 4/2: Human Capital & Development – Resources for Students and the BU Community
- 4/9: The Photonics Center 27th Annual Symposium: “Photonics in Space”
- 4/9: Research on Tap: The Framingham Heart Study
- 4/10: Medical AI Hackathon
- 4/13: Center on Forced Displacement Annual Conference
Research Funding
DOE Genesis Mission (AI for Science) – Rapid Funding Opportunity
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a new funding opportunity — Genesis Mission: Transforming Science and Energy with AI — focused on using artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific discovery and energy innovation. DOE is looking for:
- Projects that clearly demonstrate an “AI advantage” in a scientific or technical workflow
- Interdisciplinary teams spanning at least two of the following:
- Universities
- National laboratories
- Industry
- Ideas that can deliver meaningful results within 6–9 months
BU may serve as the lead on only one proposal per focus area, but may participate as collaborators on an unlimited number of proposals.
If you are considering leading a proposal, see the Office of Research website to learn more and coordinate early with Research Development to avoid duplication within focus areas. Internal expressions of interest are due on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Boston University Global Development Policy Center – Summer in the Field Fellowship
The Global Development Policy (GDP) Center’s Summer in the Field Fellowship Program provides stipends of $6,000-8,000 to a select group of qualified BU Master’s and PhD students to participate in unpaid summer internships or conduct field research for dissertation projects on topics related to the work of the GDP Center. Learn more and apply by April 6 on the GDP Center website.
More Funding OpportunitiesGrant Management
Preparing Competitive Proposals Under Updated NSF and NIH Review Protocols
Recent updates to National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) review protocols highlight a major shift in how funding decisions are made. With streamlined review processes, fewer external reviewers, and greater discretion at the agency level, program officers are playing an increasingly central role. Building and maintaining strong relationships with them is no longer optional, but essential for researchers preparing competitive proposals under updated NSF and NIH review protocols. Explore strategies for engaging program officers on the Office of Research website.
Research Administration Training for Department Administrators
On Tuesday, May 5, Sponsored Programs will host a Research Administration Intensive for BU department and grant administrators covering the entire grant project lifecycle. This one-day, in-person training for department administrators is designed for anyone who is new to sponsored research at BU with grant management responsibilities, or for those who would like a refresher. Learn more and RSVP on the Office of Research website.
NIH Policy Updates
The NIH has released important updates on several key topics, including promoting fairness and originality in research applications, updated guidance for foreign subawards on active projects, requirements for inclusion of women and minorities in clinical research, and new flexibilities for registering and reporting prospective basic experimental studies with human participants.
More Grant ManagementEthics & Compliance
Research Security Federal Research Policy Updates
Federal agencies have issued new notices affecting research security and administrative requirements for proposals and awards. These updates align with NSPM-33 and the CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen protections for U.S. research and streamline compliance for federally funded projects. Visit the Office of Research website for the latest notices from NIH and NSF, along with BU-specific guidance.
New Streamlined Process for CRC Student Collaboration on BMC/BUMC Human Subjects Research
Boston University’s Institutional Review Boards (IRB) announce a new, streamlined process for Charles River Campus students collaborating on human subjects research at Boston University Medical Campus and/or Boston Medical Center. See the Office of Research website for more details on the policy.
Revised BU Biosafety Manual
The Biological Safety Manual has been updated as of January 2026. This manual outlines the biological safety policies and procedures governing research operations at Boston University and Boston Medical Center.
The updated policies are designed to protect personnel and the environment from biologically hazardous materials and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Researchers are encouraged to review the latest version on the Office of Research website to stay informed of current requirements.
More Research ComplianceCollaboration and Impact
Strategic Communications: Building a Positive Media Presence
Looking to develop the skills to clearly communicate the significance and impact of your research to both the media and the public? Join Kevin Anselmo from Experiential Communications for a 1-hour session on April 16 designed to help participants feel more confident, prepared and effective when speaking with journalists. Register on the Office of Research website.
A Global Conversation on Forced Displacement
On April 13-14, the Center on Forced Displacement (CFD) Annual Conference will bring together interdisciplinary scholars, researchers, artists, practitioners, students, and engaged community members from around the world. Together, they will discuss and debate borders and border policies, as well as the many challenges faced by forcibly displaced communities. Building on these conversations, participants will also explore ethical, practical, evidence-based, and rigorous approaches to addressing these challenges. Register on the CFD website.
Transform Precision Medicine with AI
Join Boston University’s two-day Medical AI Hackathon and tackle real biomedical challenges using machine learning on de-identified clinical datasets—including imaging, EHR, and genomics. With $10,000 in prizes, GPU access, and expert mentorship, this is your chance to turn code into real-world health impact. Learn more and register by April 3.
More Collaboration and ImpactNotes & News
The Boston University Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BU BIRCWH) program has named three 2025 Scholars: Assistant Professors Cristina Gago, Community Health Sciences (SPH), Rebecca Rudel, Infectious Diseases (Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine), and Destiny Tolliver, Pediatrics (Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine). They have also selected six 2025 Associate Scholars, who, along with the Scholars, will participate in a two-year internal K career development program to advance women’s health research. Learn more about BU BIRCWH and the 2025 Scholars and Associate Scholars on the BU BIRCWH program page.
Professor David Bishop, Electrical and Computer Engineering (ENG), was awarded the Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Physics Prize by the American Physical Society. The award recognizes and encourages outstanding theoretical or experimental contributions to condensed matter physics.
Moustakas Chair Professor in Optoelectronics and Photonics Ji-Xin Cheng, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering (ENG) has been elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, one of the highest honors for academic inventors.
Assistant Professor Brian DePasquale, Biomedical Engineering (ENG), and Assistant Professor Michael Economo, Biomedical Engineering (ENG), won 2026 Sloan Research Fellowships for cutting-edge biomedical research that promises hope and benefits for patients.
Lecturer and Clinical Instructor Shira Diner (LAW), was named a Lawyer of the Year by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
Instructor Shilpi Joshi, General Dentistry (SDM), has been named the 2026 recipient of the Lucy Hobbs Project Humanitarian Award, recognizing her commitment to improving oral health access for underserved communities.
“Motivational Interviewing Across Cultures,” a book written by Professor Christina Lee, Clinical Practice (SSW), was awarded first place at the American Journal of Nursing’s annual book awards – one of the most respected honors in nursing and healthcare publishing.
Assistant Professor Jeffrey Marlow, Biology (CAS), was named to The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s New Voices cohort, which brings together outstanding mid-career researchers to address national and global challenges.
Professor Benjamin Sovacool, Earth & Environment (CAS) and director of the Institute on Global Sustainability, was selected by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to help lead a major new report on climate change. Sovacool will be a coordinating lead author for the panel’s Seventh Assessment Report.
Professor Glenn Stevens, Mathematics & Statistics (CAS), has been awarded the 2026 American Mathematical Society Award for Impact on the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics “for his transformative contributions to math education at both pre-college and college levels.”
Professor Robert Vinci, Pediatrics (Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine) has been named the recipient of the 2026 FOPO Joseph W. St. Geme, Jr. Leadership Award by the Federation of Pediatric Organizations.
Sylvia Earl Professor Beth Warren, Language & Literacy Education, has been elected to the National Academy of Education, an honorific society that advances high-quality education research to improve educational practice and policy.
Edward Avedisian Professor and Chair Venetia Zachariou, Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics (Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine), has been named a Class of 2025 Fellow of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Fellows are recognized for their meritorious efforts to advance pharmacology, through their scientific achievements, mentorship and service to the society.