Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) Releases AO for International Research Participation on ISS Kibo Module

The Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) has released an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) to fund experiments to be conducted aboard the Japanese Experiment Module, Kibo, on the International Space Station in FY2014 or later. JAXA is recruiting proposals that “make full use of the Kibo’s unique environment that will have major impacts on science, technology, industry and society” according to the JAXA Press Release.

Prioritized research proposals for 3 or 5 years in the fields of Life Sciences, Space Medicine or Physical Sciences will be accepted by research teams led by a Principal Investigator who belongs to an organization in Japan. Research teams may include non-Japanese investigators, however, there will be no transfer of funds to non-Japanese organizations. Physical sciences research includes investigations in materials science, protein crystal growth, fluid physics, and combustion science.

Although NASA is encouraging U.S. investigators to participate on international research teams, NASA does not guarantee that funds will be available to successful U.S. Investigators.

* The tentative acceptance period is April 10 (Tue), 2012 to June 8 (Fri), 2012
* The formal acceptance period is April 10 (Tue), 2012 to June 29 (Fri), 2012

Applications must be postmarked on or before June 29, 2012. Application by email or hand delivery must arrive no later than 5:00 PM on June 29, 2012. For more information on the Kibo AO, please go to

http://kibo.jaxa.jp/en/experiment/news/120417_research_themes.html

For additional information concerning potential Life Sciences investigations, contact Dr. David Tomko (dtomko@nasa.gov)

For additional information concerning potential Physical Sciences investigations, contact Dr. Francis Chiaramonte (francis.p.chiaramonte@nasa.gov )