The Egg Industry Center at Iowa State University is seeking pre-proposals to fund research related to the current avian influenza outbreak.

"Each year, the center releases a request for proposals for research related to the egg industry," said Hongwei Xin, director of the Egg Industry Center and Iowa State University distinguished professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and animal science. "Given the current status of the industry, this year the board felt the call needed to be focused specifically on research surrounding (avian influenza)."

Researchers can find submission information at www.eggindustrycenter.org. The deadline for pre-proposals is June 3. After a review of the pre-proposals, finalists will be notified to submit a full proposal for further consideration by the center board, which consists of producers, industry leaders and academic representatives from across the U.S. and Canada.

The research grant program is intended to focus research on the top concerns in the egg industry while providing a platform to explore other opportunities for the industry's future.

The Egg Industry Center was established at Iowa State University in 2008. Its mission is to add value to the egg industry by facilitating research and learning for egg producers, processors and consumers through national and international collaboration. To find more information on the center, visit www.eggindustrycenter.org.