The Kansas Bioscience Authority’s board of directors approved funding requests for two new investments on Tuesday and delayed a decision on naming new leadership for the board.

One of the funded projects is a grant for more than $868,000 to support new research at Kansas State University on the Schmallenberg virus, which is an emerging threat to livestock in Europe. Another project involves a $750,000 grant in support of Bayer HealthCare, of Shawnee, supporting the expansion of the company’s North American headquarters.

Though the board was scheduled to name new officers, its members opted to delay that decision, giving new members a chance to become more familiar with the board. Dan Watkins, a Lawrence attorney, will continue in his position as board chairman until the board’s meeting in October.