Well, it hasn't even been a full month since the announcement of the launch of Research & Educational Fund, and we have already received several requests. These cover the gamet of water chemistry and its effects on mead production, cask ale production research, a cider experiment and a proposal involving hop cultivation.
Each proposal is being spearheaded by a specific coach. Coaches are members of the R&EF sub-committee (
http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/pages/membership/aha-governing-committee), and they are responsible for communicating with the applicant from start to finish. Coaches will ensure that requests employ good scientific methodology, answer any questions and provide appropriate feedback.
The initial proposals are creating the opportunity for the sub-committee team to build and structure a better mousetrap as we go along. Some of the early proposals are very broad, and part of the coaches responsibilities include helping members narrow down proposals focus to ensure the greatest possibility of successful outcomes.
These are exciting times for the AHA, and the R&EF is a terrific member benefit. As these proposals grow into outcomes, the results will be shared with AHA members through the Forum, at conferences and possibly even in Zymurgy. We hope to see many more well thought out requests and sharing the results when they come in!
