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AFOSR Broad Agency Announcement 2013

AIR FORCE OFFICE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

TITLE:  AFOSR Research Interests, BAA 2013
BAA-AFOSR-2013-0001

URL:  http://www.wpafb.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=8127      (tedious way through grants.gov)

DUE:  This BAA is open, best time for proposal submission is in the January/February time frame.  White paper submission highly recommended

AWARD:  TBD

SCOPE:  AFOSR seeks to fund innovative basic research that will lead to technological breakthroughs that support various Air Force needs.  Many of the priorities outlined here remain from previous years as DOD continues to emphasize the seven research thrusts identified by former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Zach Lemnios.

DOD continues to face budgetary uncertainties with automatic spending cuts (sequestration) looming in the coming months.  If Congress cannot avert sequestration, the department likely faces $45 billion in cuts for the remainder of FY 2013.  Despite these budgetary challenges, basic research remains a DOD priority, and AFOSR in particular will remain a research priority for the department due to the heavy emphasis on air power in the Administration’s 2012 defense Strategic Guidance plan.

Like previous AFOSR BAAs, this announcement is organized around broad research themes, with various sub-focus areas included in each.  However, this year’s BAA is reorganized around five multidisciplinary themes, reflecting an increasingly interdisciplinary approach the Air Force is taking to funding research:

Dynamical Systems and Control (RTA)

• Computational Mathematics
• Dynamics and Control
• Flow Interactions and Control
• Multi-Scale Structural Mechanics and Prognosis
• Optimization and Discrete Mathematics
• Sensory Information Systems
• Test and Evaluation
• Turbulence and Transition

Quantum and Non-Equilibrium Processes (RTB)

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Electromagnetics
• Laser and Optical Physics
• Plasma and Electro-Energetic Physics
• Remote Sensing and Imaging Physics
• Space Sciences
• Ultrashort Pulse Laser-Matter Interactions

Information, Decision and Complex Networks (RTC)

• Complex Networks
• Computational and Machine Intelligence
• Dynamic Data Driven Applications Systems
• Foundations of Information Systems
• Information Operations and Security
• Mathematical and Computational Cognition
• Robust Decision Making in Human-System Interface
• Science of Information, Computation and Fusion
• Sensing, Surveillance and Navigation
• Systems and Software
• Trust and Influence

Complex Materials and Devices (RTD)

• Adaptive Multimode Sensing
• Aerospace Materials for Extreme Environments
• GHz-THz Electronics
• Low Density Materials
• Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Microsystems
• Natural Materials and Systems
• Optoelectronics and Photonics
• Organic Materials Chemistry
• Quantum Electronic Solids

Energy, Power and Propulsion (RTE)

• Aerothermodynamics and Turbulence
• Energy Conversion and Combustion Sciences
• Human Performance and Biosystems
• Molecular Dynamics and Theoretical Chemistry
• Space Power and Propulsion

In addition to these areas, the BAA highlights several cross-cutting, multidisciplinary topics under AFOSR’s Basic Research Initiative that will be priorities this year.  These are new research areas of interest to AFOSR and include nanotechnology and novel materials, socio-design influence, laser physics, and understanding psychological effects of advanced weaponry.  Full details on these areas as well as the areas listed above are included in the BAA.   Also, the rules for the AFOSR Young Investigator award can be found there.

CONTACTS:
For names and contact information see individual research area descriptions in the BAA