U-M Principal Investigator: Zhi Zhang, Natural Sciences, CASL
Project Title: Non-invasive Targeted Nanotherapy for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury
Sponsor: M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust via Washington State University
Award Amount: $20,000
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to a brain injury that is caused by an outside force, which often has long-lasting effects. However, most of the drugs cannot pass the blood brain barrier (BBB), a highly selective membrane that separates the blood from the brain, thus the treatment options for TBI are limited. In this project, Dr. Zhang, in collaboration with Washington State University, has created a non-invasive drug delivery system that can efficiently transport drugs across the BBB. This drug delivery system not only delivers the drugs to the injured brain region but also targets specific cells that are affected by TBI. The main objective of this proposed project is to evaluate the short-term and long-term effectiveness of this novel nanoplatform in TBI. This project holds immense promise for TBI research, offering innovative approaches to drug delivery, diagnosis, and treatment, potentially leading to more effective therapies and improved patient outcomes.
Principal Investigator: Shan Bao, Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering, CECS
Project Title: Evaluating the Applicability of Global AEB Testing Scenarios in the U.S. Context – Toward Global Harmonization
Sponsor: Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
Awarded Amount: $443,086
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) represents a critical advancement in vehicle safety technology, designed to prevent collisions by automatically engaging the brakes when potential impacts are detected. These systems employ an array of sensors, cameras, and radar technology to continuously monitor the vehicle's surroundings, capable of responding faster than human reflexes in critical moments. Particularly effective in common accident scenarios - such as sudden traffic slowdowns, pedestrian crossings, or instances of driver inattention - AEB has become a cornerstone of modern automotive safety systems. Dr. Bao will focus on conducting a comprehensive evaluation of international AEB testing procedures to assess their real-world applicability in order to bridge the gap between laboratory testing conditions and real-world driving demands, thereby enhancing AEB system effectiveness. This work will contribute directly to the development of more robust safety features, helping to create a transportation ecosystem where preventable accidents are significantly reduced. The insights gained may also inform the evolution of complementary advanced driver assistance systems, further advancing vehicle safety standards worldwide.
Principal Investigator: Xuan Zhou, Electrical & Computer Engineering, CECS
Project Title: Closing the Loop: Secondary Life Battery Energy Storage Systems for Grid Applications and Recycling
Sponsor: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Awarded Amount: $1,485,037
This project focuses on giving old electric vehicle (EV) batteries a second life by turning them into energy storage systems that can help power homes, businesses, and microgrids. Instead of throwing away used batteries, the team will carefully test, combine, and reuse them to create new, reliable energy systems. Later, when these reused batteries reach the end of their life, valuable materials like nickel, cobalt, and magnesium will be recovered and recycled to make new batteries. This helps reduce waste, saves important natural resources, and supports cleaner, more affordable energy for communities.
ORSP Updates and Guidance for Federally Sponsored Projects
The U-M Office of Research & Sponsored Projects has provided the following guidance for faculty and staff questions about the approach to proposals or new and existing awards:
New Federal Policy in Effect for Research Involving Certain Biological Agents and Toxins
A new policy on research with certain pathogens and biological toxins went into effect as of May 6, 2025, that may require additional information for new proposals being submitted.
The United States Government Policy for Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential (“USG DURC-PEPP policy”) requires assessment of life sciences research at the proposal submission stage to ensure that risk assessments and mitigation plans are completed and approved prior to funding for any work deemed subject to the policy.
All U-M Principal Investigators proposing work with or generating any replication-competent infectious agent or proposing to work with a toxin of any amount from the must assess whether their research is reasonably anticipated to be within the scope of research categorized under the USG DURC-PEPP Policy. The 51Ƶ-Dearborn Office of Research proposal staff will assist PIs with determining whether this assessment will be necessary for their proposals.
More information on the USG DURC-PEPP policy and the U-M implementation process is on , and in the . Contact [email protected] with any questions.
Updates from the 51Ƶ Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR)
As a reminder, OVPR continues to provide information, updates, and tracking of federal changes related to the university’s research enterprise on their . This includes information about to support units in managing uncertainty related to funding stoppages, mitigate impacts to staff, and reduce risk to health and safety with respect to critical research already underway. Bookmark and check back often!
Abstract/SOW Now Required for All Proposals
Due to a change in the Proposal Approval Form (PAF) in eResearch, an abstract or statement of work is now a requirement for all proposals. For 51Ƶ-Dearborn’s process, this will replace the three key terms we normally request for the PAF.
Research Events in May
Every month, the Office of Research features a resource and/or tool that is available for researchers. This month, we are featuring Reference Finder.
is a research tool provided by the National Academies Press (NAP) and can be used to help identify community reports supporting the need for proposed research. Copy and paste brief content from an article or your rough draft, then click "Find Relevant Reports". Reference Finder analyzes the text you provide and identifies the reports that are most likely to have content that might apply to your needs.
The Office of Research maintains a list of selected funding opportunities, organized by college on our website under Announcements. In addition, we encourage you to check out the Hanover Research subject area calendars with funding opportunities which we upload on a regular basis to our website.
Please refer to for more information and updates related to the Trump administration's changes to federal research funding.
Use the updated to look up internal (to U-M) funding opportunities and Limited Submission opportunities open to Dearborn researchers.
Contact the 51Ƶ-Dearborn Office of Research if you would like more information about submitting a proposal to any of the programs.
