University of Kentucky One Health Initiative accepting seed grant proposals

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 18, 2026) — University of Kentucky One Health Initiative (UKOHI) at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) is accepting seed grant proposals. Researchers and faculty from Kentucky universities and colleges along with professionals from Kentucky state agencies are invited to apply.

Part of The Bill Gatton Foundation gift, UKOHI plans to provide project funding to support the formation of new research teams and collection of preliminary data aimed at solving major problems in Kentucky through the application of One Health concepts.

Following its launch last year, UKOHI’s aim is to be a One Health hub for collaborative research, instruction and extension programs that promote and advance solutions to improve human, animal and environmental health in Kentucky.

“The UKOHI fosters collaborative partnerships among our faculty, staff and students, as well as members of state agencies and other Kentucky colleges and universities, to identify and resolve significant health threats to humans, animals and the environment,” said  S. Reddy Palli, Ph.D., Department of Entomology chair at Martin-Gatton CAFE, state entomologist and one of The Bill Gatton Foundation Distinguished Professors. “We are excited to review new proposals that can help us advance One Health concepts to create healthier communities in Kentucky.”

Request for proposals (RFP)

Project proposals must clearly identify a problem and how One Health principles will be applied in a designated research area, such as zoonotic diseases, antibiotic resistance, food safety or environmental health.

Eligibility requires that teams should be composed of researchers from two or more colleges or other agencies, or two or more disciplines. Additionally, the lead principal investigator must hold a full-time faculty or senior researcher position for their respective organization.

Grant recipients are expected to meet with the UKOHI committee to discuss progress, present project results at the annual One Health Symposium and submit a final report on grant activities.

Funding details, timeline and proposal requirements

Award amounts will vary depending on project needs and scope. The project duration is 12 months and the award is nonrenewable. Total project awards during this cycle will be up to $200,000, with a maximum of $50,000 for each award.

Submissions should include the following sections:

• Abstract with a summary of the project and its significance

• Project plan with specific aims, methodology and how this data fills a current gap for a larger bid

• Team synergy with a description of the roles of each investigator and why this team is uniquely qualified

• Plans that briefly describe future extramural funding, identify the specific external agencies, programs and deadlines for submission

• Budget and justification with a detailed breakdown of how the funds will be spent

• Biosketch in the style of the National Institutes of Health or similar Biosketches of up to two pages each for the principal and co-principal investigators

Proposals will be evaluated by a peer-review committee based on innovation, feasibility, team integration, impact and return on investment potential.  

The RFP application deadline is April 1. Award notifications will begin May 1, and the project start date is July 1.

Visit the funding tab on the One Health Initiative website for more details and to submit RFP applications. For additional questions, contact Gloria Gellin at ggell2@uky.edu.

Learn more about the One Health Initiative.