The NIOSH Underground Mine Evacuation Technologies and Human Factors Research funding opportunity, administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), aims to support universities conducting research to improve underground mine evacuation technologies and address human factors related to mine emergencies. This opportunity, under the activity code U60 Research Cooperative Agreement, is a reissue of PAR-21-165. The goal is to advance the safety and health of mine workers in the United States in accordance with mandates established under the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006, known as the MINER Act.

The purpose of the funding opportunity is to solicit proposals from U.S. academic institutions with graduate programs in mining and explosives engineering. Research priorities include developing innovative wireless communication devices and methodologies, improving training and systems to facilitate miner self-escape, and advancing refuge alternative designs. Projects may also address safety and health issues associated with mine emergencies such as fires and explosions. Universities with unique facilities, such as operational underground mines or refuge chamber installations, are encouraged to leverage these resources to support research outcomes.

NIOSH intends to fund one award under this Notice of Funding Opportunity, with up to three million dollars annually in total costs, including both direct and indirect costs, for each 12-month budget period. The total funding commitment is approximately fifteen million dollars over five years, with an award floor of one million dollars per year. The cooperative agreement will involve substantial federal involvement, with NIOSH staff contributing guidance and participation in project activities. Future year funding is dependent on annual appropriations and satisfactory progress.

Eligible applicants include U.S. academic institutions offering an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) accredited undergraduate degree program in mining or mineral engineering, as well as graduate programs in both mining and explosives engineering. The principal investigator must hold a full-time academic position at the rank of assistant professor or higher. Institutions can submit only one application, identified by their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), which must be in place at the time of application submission. Foreign institutions, non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations, and clinical trials are not eligible under this funding opportunity.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and validated by the NIH eRA Commons system no later than 5:00 PM local time on the due dates. Key deadlines include a letter of intent due January 17, 2025, for the February 24, 2025, application deadline, with a subsequent application deadline of November 3, 2025. Scientific merit reviews are scheduled for April 30, 2025, and April 30, 2026, with advisory council reviews on May 30 of each respective year. The earliest project start dates are September 1, 2025, and September 1, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to address potential submission errors.

Proposed research should align with NIOSH’s Mining Strategic Goals, including reducing occupational illnesses, traumatic injuries, and fatalities among mine workers. Applicants must outline clear objectives and provide data on the occupational health and safety issues being addressed, including the size and risk profile of the affected populations. Research outputs may include publications, training materials, methods, tools, or guidelines, while outcomes should demonstrate measurable improvements in mine safety and survivability. Collaboration with NIOSH and relevant stakeholders, such as mine operators, equipment manufacturers, government agencies, and labor organizations, is encouraged to enhance the research’s effectiveness and translation into practice.

Applicants must include a translation plan to ensure research findings are disseminated to appropriate audiences, following NIOSH’s Research-to-Practice approach. This process emphasizes identifying research needs, designing and conducting studies, translating findings into workplace interventions, and evaluating their impact. Progress reporting, performance measurement, and adherence to CDC evaluation frameworks are required to assess the effectiveness of funded activities.