What is the MiSER Program at UConn CESE and Who Can Apply?

MiSER stands for Mini-Grants in Support of Environmental Research. It is a program run by the Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering (CESE) at the University of Connecticut that lowers the cost of CESE laboratory analyses for UConn faculty whose research projects do not currently have extramural or intramural funding. If you are a UConn faculty member with an unfunded project that needs environmental analysis, MiSER is the relevant entry point; if you already hold grant support for the work, the program is not aimed at your situation.

What MiSER actually provides

MiSER does not award cash that you spend wherever you like. It leverages the analytical capacity of CESE's laboratories to reduce what you pay for CESE services and analyses. In practical terms, the support shows up as discounted or reduced-cost access to the center's analytical testing rather than as a standalone research budget.

The analyses covered under the program are:

• Nutrients
• Metals
• Organics
• Emerging contaminants

These categories match the service areas described for the CESE Environmental Laboratories, which provide a full range of services in analytical method development and analytical testing supporting research by faculty as well as government and industry scientists.

Who can apply

The program is directed at UConn faculty members. The stated purpose is to assist faculty in developing research projects that do not currently enjoy extramural or intramural support. Two conditions follow from that description:

1. You are UConn faculty.
2. The project you want analyzed lacks current external or internal funding.

If your project already has a grant, the rationale for the mini-grant—bridging a gap in support—does not apply.

Why the program exists

CESE's broader mission is to support multidisciplinary research that bridges basic and applied sciences, strengthen scientific understanding of complex natural systems, monitor environmental quality, inform stewardship, and enlighten policy. MiSER fits that mission by removing a cost barrier that often stops early-stage or unfunded projects from generating the preliminary data they need to pursue larger funding.

How to move forward

The website describes MiSER's purpose and coverage but does not publish an application form, deadline, or award amount in the available material. To apply or confirm current terms, the practical next step is to contact CESE directly—its Business Office handles pre-award and post-award support for investigators and is the appropriate office for questions about program mechanics. You can also review the Environmental Laboratories pages to identify which analysis category your samples fall under before you inquire.

Quick reference