Program ObjectiveMaterials found in nature combine many inspiring properties such as multifunctionality, self-assembly and hierarchical organization, tolerance, resilience and adaptability. Biological molecules are also interesting to explore for their exquisite sensitivity, selectivity, and energy efficiency. The vision of this program is to elucidate and use biological design principles and biological material for building novel functional materials to support AF’s future missions. For example, multifunctional materials that can sense and respond while providing structural/thermal support, cell-based manufacturing platforms for on-demand material synthesis with locally-sourced starting materials.
Biological design principles may enable us to build lighter, tougher materials for extreme loading conditions or dynamically-responsive materials. The intent of this program is to study/understand the mechanism of existing natural systems, to utilize existing biological materials, or to add new capabilities to current systems and/or materials. The research will encompass four general areas: biomaterials (non-medical only), biomolecular engineering, bio-interfacial sciences, and engineering biology for materials.
Basic Research Objectives can be found in this program’s section of the BAA.You are highly encouraged to contact our Program Officer prior to developing a full proposal to briefly discuss the current state-of-the-art, how your research would advance it, the approximate cost for a three (3) to five (5) year effort, and whether there are any specific submission target dates.
SolicitationBAA
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Contact InformationDr. Bennett IbeyAFOSR/RTB-2Email:afosr.nature@us.af.mil