The purpose of this collaboration is to develop a low cost, scalable, automated biosensing system for real-time (

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a cooperative agreement totaling $1,999,994 to The Washington University on February 2, 2026, to develop a low-cost, scalable, automated biosensing system for real-time detection. The award falls under CFDA 10.025 (Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care), which supports efforts to protect U.S. agriculture from economically injurious plant and animal diseases and pests.

Washington University's Office of Sponsored Research Services, headquartered in University City, Missouri, is the recipient. Performance takes place in Missouri. The period of performance runs through January 31, 2029, with $1,999,994 obligated at award.

The federal grant program supports eligible recipients—including nonprofit institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations—in conducting research to eradicate, control, or assess the status of injurious plant and animal diseases and pests threatening regional or national agriculture, as well as related demonstration projects.