Description
The Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grants (BRAG) program supports the generation of new information that will assist Federal regulatory agencies in making science-based decisions about the effects of introducing genetically engineered organisms into the environment. The program will support applied and/or fundamental research relevant to environmental risk assessment, including biological risk, and the Federal regulatory process. Key areas of research include management practices to minimize environmental risk, methods to monitor and understand the dispersal of genetically engineered organisms, and risk management research. The program is aligned with the USDA Strategic Goals, including ensuring efficient and effective program delivery, promoting American agriculture products and exports, and providing access to a safe, nutritious, and secure food supply.
• The program will support research on genetically engineered animals, plants, insects, and microorganisms.
• Research proposals can be applied and/or fundamental and must address one of the five program areas.
• The program encourages proposals seeking partnership with or involvement of international entities where appropriate and domestically beneficial.
• Research proposals must be of high quality and have merit based upon their relevance to the purpose of the BRAG program.
• The program is especially interested in research that is not already in well-developed areas of study.
• Exploratory research that relates specifically to federal regulatory needs is preferred.