Dear Computational Neuro Owner,

 

My name is Janice Zawaski and I am the Space Radiation Deputy Element Scientist within the NASA Human Research Program (HRP). HRP funds research with the goal of buying down the risks associated with spaceflight such as the effects of space radiation on the CNS. Currently, the NASA Human Research Program has an active solicitation, Appendix E Topic 2, that is focused on utilizing computational brain models to characterize the effects of space radiation exposure. Due to the limited time, Step-1s (1 page LOI) due April 30^th,  would it be possible for an administrator to send the information below to the Computation Neuroscience Mailing list? I have also included information about our omnibus opportunity Appendix F that is released three times a year.

The NASA Human Research Program has released two funding opportunities for research relevant to the Space Radiation Element.

 

Appendix E Flagship Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HERO20-HHP

Space Radiation Topics: Topic 2. Computational Brain Modeling to Characterize the Effects of Space Radiation Exposure

 

Specific Research Focus Area

This topic seeks proposals that focus on identifying, based on historical data / prior research, biophysical parameters and structural features that are altered after radiation exposure and to substitute these into computational brain models in patterns reflecting radiation exposure. The model can then be used to interrogate how network activity is altered and its implications on information processing and network stability – i.e. a perturbation analysis. Network firing statistics, ability to maintain oscillations, etc. would represent some of the potential outcome measures.

Due to high complexity of the research required, we encourage cross-discipline collaboration and multi-disciplinary teams, including but not limited to radiation biologists, radiation physicists, computational modelers, neuroscientists, etc.

 

Research Platform

Ground-based analogs, Computational. Proposers should discuss radiation parameters with the Space Radiation Element prior to proposal submission. Research proposing in vitro and/or in vivo irradiation experiments will be considered non-responsive.

 

Required Deliverables

Development of a computational 3D brain model of the hippocampus and/or prefrontal cortex able to characterize and quantify space radiation effects.

Quantification, using the developed model, of space radiation exposure including:

 Dose/Fluence Response Characterization

 Effect of single ions and/or mixed fields (i.e. Proton and HZE)

 

Desired Deliverable

Identification of thresholds for failure modes.

Validation of the in silico model based on the comparison to historical experimental behavioral results.

 

 

 

Appendix F Omnibus Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HERO20-OMNIBUS3

Three different categories

• Applied Investigations
• New Investigator Opportunity (**NEW**)
• Early Career Investigator Opportunity (**NEW**)

The goal of the Omnibus is to expedite progress in various research areas in a short period of time, NASA is requesting proposals for short-term investigations or technology development projects that provide innovative approaches to any of the risks and associated knowledge gaps contained in the Human Research Program (HRP) Integrated Research Plan (IRP).

 

We strongly encourage researchers from all career stages to participate as part of our ongoing efforts to broaden the expertise of our research community. Additionally, please distribute to any colleagues that might be interested in responding.  Step-1 proposals are due April 30 thru the NASA NSPIRES system (NSPIRES - NASA Research Opportunities Online (nasaprs.com)) which requires registration. The Element is limited in the specific feedback we can provide regarding proposals but please do not hesitate to contact us with questions. Note that eligibility is limited to USA institutions.

 

Thank you!

The Space Radiation Element Team

 

jsc-hrp-space-radiation-element@mail.nasa.gov

 

 

 

 

Thank you,

 

Janice

 

Janice Zawaski, Ph.D.

Deputy Element Scientist

Space Radiation – Human Research Program

JSC B21/2147  |  Houston, TX 77058