WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded two grants totaling $920,000 to Case Western Reserve University and the University of Akron to fund training opportunities in scientific research.

“Research in science and technology is critical to creating jobs and improving our economy. We unleash more American innovation when everyone is able to participate,” Brown said. “Case Western Reserve University and the University of Akron are two of Ohio’s great institutions of higher education. These awards will help continue Ohio’s long tradition of leadership in innovation and scientific research.”

Funding from NSF includes:

  • $500,000 grant to Case Western Reserve University to fund research training opportunities in molecular biophysics. The project aims to expand our understanding of RNA.
  • $420,000 grant to the University of Akron to fund research in mechanically active degradable polymers. Findings from this project have the potential to enable efficient recycling/upcycling of plastics and advance understanding of polymer mechanochemistry.

Brown has sponsored the Supporting Early Career Researchers Act to establish a two-year pilot program at NSF to award grants to highly qualified, early-career investigators at independent, higher education research institutions for up to two years. This will help prevent research talent loss due to job market disruptions caused by the pandemic.

NSF supports research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering.

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