AMERICAN SEED RESEARCH FOUNDATION ASRF The Official Publication of ASRF Join ASRF SRF Home Page Procedure For Submitting Research Proposal To ASRF 225 Reinekers Lane Suite 650 Alexandria, VA 22314

TO: Potential Researchers

SUBJECT: Offer of ASRF Supplemental Funding for "Basic Seed Research" 
and Solicitation of Project Proposals for these Grants.

DATE: February 2, 2001

The American Seed Research Foundation (ASRF) was established in January 1959 as a scientific, benevolent and educational corporation. The organization is supported by dues from its membership of some sixty seed companies.

The purpose of the Foundation is to support research on seeds. The primary objective is to encourage research which explores the basic principles underlying why seeds behave as they do. Projects are funded over a three-year period.

Over 600 proposals have been reviewed over the years with 50 projects completed with the help of ASRF. funding. There are presently 3 projects in their third year of funding which were granted on a three-year basis. The total investment by ASRF in support of basic seed research now totals $580,238. These funds have had a stimulating effect on participating groups with an estimated 3 to 1 multiplier effect or another $1,742,214 of matching funds provided by other cooperating organizations. 

The ASRF is again inviting interested scientists to submit "Seed Research" project proposals for the three-year period beginning September 2001.

These proposals will be reviewed and rated by the Scientific Advisory Council listed on the left side of this letterhead. Those ten projects receiving the highest rating will be recommended to the ASRF Board of Directors for support. The Board of Directors will select, from this group, three to five projects for funding. Grants will be announced in July 2001. 

Scientists submitting project proposals should keep in mind the following:

1. ASRF funding is supplemental to conventional sources. Grants are limited to $15,000 per year over the three-year life of the project. It is anticipated that ASRF selection of the projects for funding will be a significant factor in assisting the scientists to obtain additional support from other sources.

2. ASRF funds are granted strictly for operational costs. Institutional administrative costs will not be paid with these funds.


ASRF POLICY ON FUNDING OF RESEARCH PROJECTS AND AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH FINDINGS:

"Since the ASRF is supported by a broad base of seed industry members and the
primary objective is to encourage research on basic principles of seed behavior, it is therefore the intent of the ASRF to fund research projects in which the findings will be made available to all. Research supported ASRF Grants are intended for the benefit of the public good. "If patentable information results from this research, the University has the option to seek patent protection; however, the licensing of such patents will be on a nonexclusive basis."

Thirty (30) copies of each project proposal, prepared in accordance with the enclosed outline, should be in the hands of the undersigned on or before April 5, 2001 at the following
address:

SUZANNE NICOLAS
American Seed Research Foundation
601 13th Street n.w.; Suite 570 South
Washington, D.C. 20005
202-638-3128

We ask that you make this information available to those scientists in your institution involved with fundamental research on seeds.


Sincerely yours,


John E. Cross, Chairman
Scientific Advisory Council