The American Society of Safety Engineers Foundation will award a three-year, $300,000 grant in 2015 to a researcher who best describes how a proposed study will mitigate the risks of injury and illness in the workplace. The grant represents the largest award given in the Foundation’s 24-year history.

The next wave of critical thinking in safety

“It’s been the longstanding goal of the ASSE Foundation to fund research that advances the safety profession,” said ASSE Foundation Board Chairman Alexi Carli. “We view this as the next phase for us; being a catalyst that sparks the next wave of critical thinking in safety.”

The white papers will be evaluated on scientific merit, efficacy of the research design and impact of the outcome. Each proposal will be evaluated by the ASSE Foundation Research Committee. The primary goal of this research program is to support the development of knowledge and/or innovative methods, systems and other appropriate interventions for advancing safety and health in the workplace. The secondary goal is to help develop and grow research talent in the safety and health field.

NORA topics, Oct. 1 deadline

Research white papers and subsequent selected full proposal focus areas will be based on the safety-related topics of the NIOSH-National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). White papers and then subsequent selected research proposals that address the needs identified by this recognized national research agenda will be accepted and given funding consideration. Individuals submitting proposals have the complete freedom to determine from this agenda the topic they wish to address in their proposal. The Foundation Research Committee will determine whether an individual white paper and then subsequent proposal (upon white paper’s selection for full proposal) responds to a NIOSH-NORA need. If a proposal does not address a NORA-defined need, it can still be considered based on perceived contribution to science and the safety and health field after significant discussion among the research committee and ASSEF Board of Trustees.
The $300,000 award will be funded at $100,000 a year over the next three years beginning in 2015. White Papers will be due at or before midnight October 1, 2014 and will only be accepted electronically. Please make submissions to Brenda Kay Zylstra at bzylstra@asse.org.

Click here for more information on the grant.

Founded in 1911, the Des Plaines-based ASSE is the oldest professional safety organization and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Its more than 36,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members lead, manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor, health care and education. For more information please go to www.asse.org.