D.C. Days

Program Overview

The CFAES Office for Research and Graduate Education and the Grant Development Support Unit (GDSU) are pleased to announce D.C. Days 2025.

This program provides an opportunity for faculty researchers from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) to become more competitive by visiting federal program officers and federal funding agencies in Washington D.C. It enables researchers to determine if their basic research concepts align with the sponsor’s mission, seek advice concerning project design and appropriate funding tracks, and better understand the peer review process.

“We deal with federal funding matters frequently. Being there and putting a face to the place/names is very appreciated and provided a sense of belonging. We all play pivotal roles in a large ecosystem (staff, faculty, students, admin, stakeholders, etc.)” - 2024 D.C. Days Participant

Participants will be chosen through a competitive application process to attend the 3-day trip. Applications are accepted from any interested faculty member; however, priority is given to those with the rank of Assistant Professor (pre-tenure), especially those who have grant writing experience.

Deadline

Applications are due on January 8, 2025. 

Potential Sponsors

• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR)
• OSU Government Affairs Office
• United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
• United States Department of Energy (DOE)

Tentative Schedule

Monday, May 5:  Arrive in D.C.
Tuesday, May 6  - Wednesday, May 7: GDSU organized agency visits.  
Thursday, May 8:  Additional visits to sponsors on your own (optional) and return home. 

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Past D.C. Days Visits