Research Fund (Artificial intelligence-assisted insecticide deployment modeling)

Research Fund (Artificial intelligence-assisted insecticide deployment modeling) is sponsored by American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA). The AMCA Research Fund invites pre-proposals for research on predictive modeling, exposure assessment, and mitigation strategies to evaluate risks of mosquito control.

Research Fund - American Mosquito Control Association The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) Research Fund is a vital initiative aimed at driving research in the field of mosquito control and related topics. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to public health enhancement through mosquito suppression, AMCA recognizes the critical role that research plays in developing innovative tools and strategies.

With the ultimate goal of protecting the public from mosquito-borne diseases and discomfort, the AMCA Research Fund invites new pre-proposals each year. The AMCA Research Fund is devoted to funding research that will lead to new tools and strategies for mosquito surveillance and control and ultimately protect the public from mosquito-borne disease and discomfort from mosquito bites.

Each year, AMCA publishes a Research Fund request for proposals including goals, priority areas, official timelines, criteria, funding details, and requirements.

The general timeline for each year is as follows: Annual RFP Published – Early April Pre-Proposals Due – Mid-June Notification for Full Proposal Requests – August Full Proposals Due – Mid-September Awardees Notified – December 1st Funding Awarded – By January 15th AMCA Research Fund 2027 Call for Pre-Proposals The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) Research Fund invites new pre-proposals for research on predictive modeling, exposure assessment, and mitigation strategies to evaluate the risks of various mosquito control approaches and provide guidance on minimizing those risks.

Funding is available for projects in the calendar year 2027. AMCA® is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing leadership, information, and education to enhance public health and quality of life through the suppression of mosquitoes. This year’s AMCA Research Fund will prioritize research funding related to the development and/or evaluation of new control tools.

This can be broadly defined as any tool (chemical, operational, formulations, etc.) that leads to increased efficacy and more targeted control in the field. Research projects that possess a semi-field or field component will be prioritized as they more readily demonstrate potential viability of the technology.

Development of novel experimental molecules – e.g. active ingredients Evaluation of novel chemistries with the intent of circumventing insecticide resistance in the field Novel insecticide synergists Research related to re-purposed agricultural insecticide chemistries that have yet to be optimized in the field of mosquito control (chlorfenapyr, pirimphos methyl, neonicotinoids, etc.) Novel means to apply chemical control formulations Development and evaluation of unmanned aerial and ground vehicle (UAV) application techniques Evaluation of potential synergism between different control approaches (chemical control applications paired with larval reduction strategies, mass deployment of traps paired with chemical application, biological control paired with chemical control) Artificial intelligence-assisted insecticide deployment modeling to reduce mosquito populations or reduce the likelihood of resistance development New Chemical Control Tools – Identification/development of new chemical control tools.

This may include experimental active ingredients (A. I. s), novel synergists, or unique formulation additives that improve mosquito control and circumvent current insecticide resistance.

Evaluating extant agricultural chemistries for mosquito control – the evaluation of other active ingredients or modes of action deployed in other pest control domains (agriculture, home pest control, etc.), as these previously registered chemistries may have a lower regulatory barrier for use in mosquito control Novel application tools/techniques – research related to the development and evaluation of unique chemical and non-chemical control applications that more effectively reduce mosquito populations and/or reduce non-target exposure, which may include UAV spray techniques or protocols Artificial intelligence-assisted chemical control application – machine-learning or computer modeling that aims to improve chemical control and reduce insecticide resistance in a specific geographic location.

Collaborative projects: proposals that involve partnerships with mosquito control districts, regulatory agencies, or industry stakeholders will be prioritized. Field applicability: studies should have a semi-field or field component to demonstrate real-world viability.

Innovation: research integrating artificial intelligence, remote sensing, novel chemical formulations, or other nontraditional approaches for improved risk management is encouraged. Pre-proposals must be submitted using the pre-proposal form found here . The deadline for submission is June 12 th , 2026 and procedures for full proposals (if selected for future submission) will be provided to select groups after review.

informationFor further information, please review the full infomration below as well as our FAQ page here , if you have additional questions please contact Natalie Perry , Rebecca Heinig , or Edmund Norris . We look forward to receiving innovative proposals that will advance our understanding of risk assessment and mitigation in mosquito control and contribute to safer, more effective practices for the industry.

The AMCA Research Fund will consider pre-proposals from public and private universities, mosquito abatement districts, federal and state research institutions, qualified private research institutions, independent researchers, and small companies .

Early career researchers including those at the Assistant Professor rank, Post Docs, PhD candidates, and researchers at local, county, state, and federal government institutions with fewer than 10 years on the job are especially encouraged to apply. Graduate students working to obtain a Master’s degree are also eligible to apply. No more than 2 pre-proposals per researcher per grant cycle will be accepted.

Principal Investigators and pre-proposals must be from or directly affiliated with institutions based within the United States; i.e., AMCARF funds can only be disbursed to US institutions. Members of the AMCA Board of Directors, the AMCA Science and Technology Committee Chair (Edmund Norris), and the AMCA Research Fund Subcommittee Chair (Rebecca Heinig) are ineligible to participate as principal or co-principal investigators.

We ask that you review your connection and working relationship with these individuals at the time of submitting your pre-proposal. A relationship will not preclude you from consideration. Should a relationship be indicated, the Director or Chair will be asked to verify that they are not involved in the proposed project.

For the purposes of this policy, a relationship includes previous or ongoing scientific collaborations that involve financial contributions; official mentor/mentee relationships; and employer/employee relationships. Pre-proposals will be evaluated on their scientific merit and relevance to the outlined priority areas.

Pre-proposals are reviewed by a committee appointed by the AMCA Board of Directors that will consist of at least three leaders in the mosquito and vector control industry, three district personnel, three university personnel, and three government (local, state, federal) public health personnel.

All pre-proposals must conform to local, state, and federal regulations including those governing the use of humans and non-human animals in scientific research and all environmental regulations. Pre-proposals will be reviewed from 12 June 2026 to 31 July 2026. Principal Investigators of proposals selected for a full proposal will be notified on 03 August 2026 .

Full proposals from selected pre-proposals will be due by 11 September 2026 with notification of award by 01 December 2026 . Principal Investigators for those projects selected for full proposals will be provided guidance on the requirements of a full proposal.

Funding will be provided to awardees by 12 January 2027 , and awardees will be publicly announced at the 2026 AMCA Annual Meeting in Portland, OR and published in the Annual Meeting Program. Funding awarded may be up to $55,000 per one year of a project; however, preference will be given to projects that request less than $55,000 .

Funds should be spent within 12 months of the award date; unspent funds will be revoked and replaced into the AMCARF pool for the next funding cycle. Requests for extension beyond 12 months must be submitted to the AMCARF no later than 1 month before the expiration date. AMCARF does not make multi-year funding commitments.

However, AMCARF will make a single-year commitment for a multi-year project. For multi-year projects, the year for which support is being requested must be indicated (e.g., “Year 2 of a 3-year project”). AMCARF is committed to funding small projects and cannot fund university or government overhead costs or administrative fees .

AMCARF awardees are expected to attend, actively participate in, and conduct an oral presentation at the AMCA Annual Meeting to promote the impact of their research and AMCARF’s role in that research. Depending on the number of AMCARF-funded projects, an AMCARF Research Symposium may be scheduled.

At a minimum, oral presentations of AMCARF-funded research will be slotted in the relevant sessions and specifically marked as AMCARF research in the AMCA Annual Meeting program. Specific details on funding for attending the AMCA Annual Meeting must be included in the budget. A Progress Report will be required to be submitted by 30 July 2027.

An Annual Report will be required to be submitted by 17 December 2027. More information on AMCARF Read the AMCARF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) here . AMCA Research Fund 2025 Awardee AMCA Research Fund 2026 Awardee Kelsey Lyberger , “Improving Mosquito Control Thresholds to Maximize impact across species” Arizona State University Find all AMCA Research Fund Awardees here and their annual reports here .

Contribute to the AMCA Research Fund 2027 AMCARF AWARDEES CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE AMCARF ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED! The AMCA Research Fund is currently accepting contributions for future research on mosquito control and related topics.

Contributions can be made online or by check payable to: One Capitol Mall, Suite 800 AMCA WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTORS (SINCE FEBRUARY 23, 2018): Animas Mosquito Control District Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District Michigan Mosquito Control Association Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District Schools First Federal Credit Union