The Office of Research and Innovation (OR&I) is pleased to announce the Spring 2025 recipients for the Shared Research Infrastructure Program (SRIP) awards. SRIP supports one-time, non-recurring purchases or investments in specialized research infrastructure that will support and advance cutting-edge research at MSU, benefit a diverse range of researchers, and align with MSU’s strategic research priorities. This program is funded in part through the generosity of the Michigan State University Research Foundation.
Spring 2025 Awards
The awards support one-time, non-recurring purchases or investments in specialized research infrastructure that support and advance cutting-edge research at MSU. Three awards are to purchase equipment, and a fourth award supports a planning grant to write a research infrastructure grant. Each aims to increase scientific capability across campus:
- ThermoFisher Attune CytPix flow cytometer.
- X-ray goniometer for the SmartLab X-ray diffraction (XRD) system.
- Anesthesia system for the Center for Imaging and Image Guided Therapies.
- Planning Grant: High Temperature Wind Tunnel Test Center for Wildland and Structural Fire Science.
To advance our research infrastructure, we need to understand where investment opportunities are and the SRIP program allows us to do just that. We want to have the maximum impact for as many researchers and students as we can to continue advancing innovative research for the long term at MSU. From geography to health to engineering, this second round of SRIP awards will impact a broad range of researchers on campus.Kay Connelly, Associate VP for Research
Summaries of Selected Proposals
Proposals for this round of submissions were due on February 15, 2025, with a funding announcement in April.
MSU Flow Cytometry Core Benchtop Analyzer
PI: Matthew Bernard Associate Professor (Fixed-Term) Pharmacology and Toxicology and MSU Flow Cytometry Core Director
This award supports the acquisition of the ThermoFisher Attune CytPix flow cytometer for the MSU Flow Cytometry Core Facility (MFCCF). The MFCCF currently operates this instrument at near full capacity, necessitating an increase in flow cytometry analysis capabilities. To enhance its utility, the new instrument will be placed in a biosafety cabinet, funded by the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, enabling the analysis of BSL-2 specimens. Acquisition of the ThermoFisher Attune CytPix will significantly bolster MSU's research capabilities, particularly in using flow cytometry in a BSL-2 environment.
SmartLab X-ray Goniometer
PI: Qi Fan, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
This award will support a new X-ray goniometer to replace key components in the existing advanced SmartLab X-ray diffraction (XRD) system located in the Engineering Research Complex (ERC). The X-ray goniometer is the critical component driving the theta-d rotation in the XRD system. The SmartLab X-ray system is a high-use instrument essential for ongoing research. The system cannot be fully utilized without the X-ray goniometer. Once the upgrade is complete, resumed high-resolution mapping of rocking curves will enhance MSU's ability to advance research in the engineering field.
Integrated PET/MRI Life Support System for Animals
PI: Erik Shapiro, Associate Chair of Research and a professor in the Department of Radiology
This award supports the purchase of an integrated PET/MRI anesthesia system for animals at the Center for Imaging and Image Guided Therapies. The anesthesia system will enable advanced imaging of large animals, significantly expanding MSU’s research capabilities in the health sciences. The integration of the anesthesia system with PET/MRI will ensure seamless operation and utilization by NIH-federally funded researchers.
Wind Tunnel Test Center
PIs: Patton Allison, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering (ME), College of Engineering and Elisa Toulson, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering (ME), College of Engineering
This award is a planning grant to support the development of an external proposal for a fire-hardened Wind Tunnel Test Center designed to generate simulated high-temperature wind-driven airflows. The proposed Wind Tunnel Test Center will facilitate research at various scales, from micro-scale testing of materials and structures in engineering and pyrolysis chemistry to macro-scale studies of forest carbon dynamics, wildfire ecology, smoke transport, and ember dispersion in landscape settings. The proposed Wind Tunnel Test will be an integral resource for advancing research in wildfire behavior, structural fire science, and related fields.
The next SRIP deadline is October 15, 2025. Visit Shared Research Infrastructure Program webpage for more information and how to apply for funding[ for fall 2025. For inquiries, contact proposal@msu.edu.