2026 – 2027 Request for Proposals

The Center for Healthy and Durable Transportation (CHDT) is soliciting proposals for projects to be funded in the 2026 – 2027 funding cycle between 6/1/2026 and 5/31/2027.  CHDT is a Tier 1 University Transportation Centers (UTC) funded by the US DOT. Proposed research projects should address partially or completely at least one of the center’s research focus areas described below:

1. The primary research focus area of CHDT is enhancing the durability and service life of transportation infrastructure using innovative construction materials and techniques. Central to this effort is the integration of recycled and repurposed waste materials, which not only diverts significant waste from landfills but also contributes to more resilient infrastructure components. By evaluating the performance and long-term benefits of these sustainable materials, our research aims to develop cost-effective and low impact construction solutions.
2. Our second research area focuses on modeling and mitigating the health impacts of transportation systems to reduce their negative effects on human populations. Our work involves analyzing how transportation influences air, soil, and water quality, with a particular emphasis on watershed systems, to provide data-driven insights for more informed decision-making. These models not only guide policymakers but also support the development of advanced, AI-based decision-making tools that can dynamically assess and respond to transportation-related health risks. 

In addition to research proposals, Workforce Development (Education) and Technology Transfer proposals related to listed research areas will be considered for funding.  More detailed information on CHDT and currently funded research projects can be found at transportation.umkc.edu. 

Find the Requirements and Templates here:

Eligibility

Only faculty affiliated with one of the five CHDT consortium member universities is eligible to be the PI on a project. Consortium members are University of Missouri – Kansas City, Washington State University, University of Louisville, Texas State University, and Tennessee State University.

Due Date and Submission

Proposals must be submitted on March 6th, by 5 PM CST as a pdf file to chdt@umkc.edu.  If awarded, PIs will be requested to sign the award notification letter detailing the reporting requirements provided in the Appendix A. For workforce development and technology transfer proposals, please follow the same research proposal outline provided and mark the sections that are not applicable with “N/A”