Call Proposals: Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center; MAISRC

Call for Proposals:
Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC)

Organization/Grantor:Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC)

Position/Title/Fund:Request for Proposals 2026

Description:

MAISRC is seeking proposals for research studies to advance early detection and prevention of the establishment aquatic invasive species (AIS), create and improve options for AIS control, and assess risk and species impacts to prioritize management actions in Minnesota. Through this competitive Request for Proposals (RFP), MAISRC will administer an estimated $2,300,000 to fund high-priority research needs focused on both new lines of research and continuation of existing projects.

MAISRC conducted a comprehensive research needs assessment in 2025, which included input from AIS managers, researchers, and the public, to identify and prioritize research needs that will advance science-based solutions for AIS in Minnesota. The 20 research priorities listed below were identified as part of this needs assessment and are focused on new lines of research.

Anticipated funding availability is January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028. There is no budget limit for each proposal or a set number of proposals that will be funded.

Proposals are invited from investigators at any Minnesota-based academic, governmental (federal, tribal, state, local), or non-profit research institution or organization with demonstrated capacity to conduct rigorous scientific research. Proposed work should build capacity within and benefit the state of Minnesota. Multi-disciplinary and multi-investigator projects bringing together diverse skillsets are strongly encouraged. Research teams may include expertise from outside of Minnesota, but please note that some restrictions apply to out-of-state spending of grant funds.

Projects are expected to use state-of the art techniques and approaches and should produce both peer-reviewed publications and translation to broader audiences. Dedicated research space and other resources in the MAISRC Containment Laboratory may be available for use by funded projects. In addition, MAISRC staff can assist with the development and implementation of stakeholder engagement activities, as well as data management and visualization.

To discuss opportunities for collaboration and networking, stakeholder engagement, or use of the MAISRC Containment Laboratory, please contact MAISRC staff at maisrc .