This
Academic Research Infrastructure
The Academic Research
Infrastructure (ARI) Program is designed to improve the condition of research
equipment and facilities in our Nation's academic institutions. The program
consists of two components:
For More Information
For further information, contact the Office of Science and Technology Infrastructure, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1040; by Internet: ari@nsf.gov.
Research Opportunity Awards
Through the Research Opportunity Awards
(ROA) component of the Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) Program, the
Foundation provides opportunities for faculty at institutions with limited
research opportunities to participate in research under the aegis of NSF
investigators at other institutions. Science teachers who teach middle and high
school levels and who have a keen interest in research may also take part. Most
teachers elect to participate during the summer months.
Faculty members and teachers make their own arrangements with NSF investigators at the universities or laboratories that have been awarded or are currently applying for a Foundation research project grant. Prospective investigators who wish to employ faculty under these arrangements should include the additional requirements in the proposal budget. In the case of ongoing awards, grantees should contact the cognizant NSF program officer and request supplemental funding to permit participation by a visiting ROA researcher. Each case is judged on its own merits, and grants are awarded at the discretion of the NSF program manager. The ROA visiting scientist becomes a temporary employee of the grantee institution where the principal investigator holds an appointment. Length of employment, the stipend, and other arrangements with respect to employment become matters of individual negotiation between the visiting scientist or engineer from the smaller institution and the principal investigator at the host institution.
For More Information
Further information about the ROA sub-program can be found in the publication Research in Undergraduate Institutions (NSF 94-79), or contact the cognizant Foundation program officer or the Senior Staff Associate for Cross-Directorate Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 805, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306- 1603.
Underrepresented Populations Activities
Numerous studies and reports
have documented that the United States is not attracting sufficient numbers of
its students into science and engineering careers and that women, minorities,
and persons with disabilities are presently underrepresented in all disciplines.
Therefore, NSF has instituted a number of activities directed specifically at
attracting these students to, and retaining them in, science and engineering and
at increasing the number of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who
are full participants in the mainstream of the Nation's research activities.
While some programs are centrally managed, many are distributed throughout the
disciplinary directorates and managed by the cognizant program officers, and
some divisions and directorates have special efforts that are described in their
respective chapters.
These activities are designed to
Because women are underrepresented in all disciplines, the Foundation has several activities that are directed specifically at increasing the number of women as full participants in the mainstream of the Nation's research enterprise.
Eligibility
Eligibility is limited to women who have doctorates or equivalent experience in an NSF- supported field; hold faculty or research related position--tenured or nontenured at a U.S. institution; are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; and have not served as principal or co-principal investigators on independent Federal research awards.
Award Size and Duration
Grants may be funded for up to 18 months and for a maximum of $18,000; they are not renewable.
Deadlines
The submission date varies depending on what discipline of science the proposed research is in.
For More Information
Further information about the RPGW Program can be found in the publication Research Planning Grants and Career Advancement Awards for Women Scientists and Engineers (NSF 93-130), or contact the cognizant program officer or the Senior Staff Associate for Cross- Directorate Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 805, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1603.
Eligibility
CAAW applicants should have some prior independent research experience as principal investigators or project leaders; have doctorates or equivalent experience in an NSF-supported field; hold faculty or research-related positions at a U.S. institution; and be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents. Tenure is not an eligibility factor.
Award Size and Duration
The maximum dollar amount for these awards is $50,000, with a possible addition of up to $10,000 for equipment if required, and is usually for a period of 12 months.
Deadlines
The submission date varies depending on what discipline of science the proposed research is in.
For More Information
Further information about the CAAW Program can be found in the publication Research Planning Grants and Career Advancement Awards for Women Scientists and Engineers (NSF 93-130), or contact the cognizant program officer or the Senior Staff Associate for Cross- Directorate Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 805, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1603.
The Foundation has a number of special programs targeted to members of minority groups that are underrepresented in science and engineering. These groups include Native Americans (American Indians and Alaskan Natives), Blacks (African Americans), Native Pacific Islanders (Polynesians or Micronesians), and Hispanics. Such efforts include programs for students, faculty, and institutions.
Eligibility
Participants must be members of underrepresented minority and citizens or nationals of the United States. Eligible students may be at the high school or undergraduate level. Faculty should be employed at a U.S. academic institution, should be working in an NSF-supported field, and should not have the resources to conduct the research at their own institution.
Award Size and Duration
Supplemental funding may be requested for each participant. Full-time summer stipends for high school students are expected to be at least $1,000, while those for undergraduates should be at least $2,000. Faculty summer support may not exceed two-ninths of the academic year salary. Indirect costs in the student-focused programs are limited to 25 percent of stipends. Support is available for a summer or, if funding is available--for part-time activities during the academic year.
Procedures for Requesting Support
A request for funding may be included in an initial proposal submission to NSF or by requesting a supplement to a current award. It should include a statement indicating the process by which participants will be selected and a brief description of their participation in the project.
Current NSF grantees are encouraged to request supplemental funding for their existing grants. The principal investigator at the host institution should contact the appropriate NSF program officer. Programs funded by NSF on the basis of the participants' level are as follows: for high school students, Research Assistantships for Minority High School Students; for undergraduate students, Research Experiences for Undergraduates; and for college faculty, Research Opportunity Awards.
For More Information
Further information on student-focused programs can be found in the publications Research Assistantships for Minority High School Students (NSF 89-39) and Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF 93-112). Research Opportunity Awards for faculty are described fully in Research in Undergraduate Institutions (NSF 94-79). Inquiries may be made to the cognizant program officer or to the Senior Staff Associate for Cross-Directorate Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 805, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1603.
Minority Research Planning Grants (MRPG) are one-time, limited awards for preliminary studies and other activities to facilitate the development of more competitive NSF research proposals. The awardee is expected to submit a research proposal to NSF's regular research program or to the Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program after completion of the planning grant.
Eligibility
Eligibility is limited to underrepresented minority scientists or engineers who are eligible for regular NSF research award in their respective disciplines; hold faculty or research related positions--tenured or nontenured--at a U.S. institution; be U.S. citizens or nationals; and have not served as a principal or co-principal investigators on an independent Federal research awards.
Award Size and Duration
Awards may be funded for as long as 18 months and for as much as $18,000; they are not renewable.
Deadlines
The MRPG target dates vary with each discipline. Proposals should be directed to the appropriate disciplinary program through standard institutional channels.
Minority Career Advancement Awards (MCAA) are geared toward expanding opportunities for minority researchers to advance their careers. They are particularly appropriate for independent investigators whose careers are still evolving and for experienced researchers who are changing research direction or who have had a significant research career interruption. For example, an investigator may wish to acquire new skills in an area that will expand his/her research capabilities, or to develop an innovative research method in collaboration with another investigator.
Eligibility
MCAA applicants should be members of an underrepresented minority with some prior independent research experience as principal investigators or project leaders; be eligible for regular NSF research awards in their respective disciplines; hold faculty or research-related positions at a U.S. institution; and be U.S. citizens or nationals. Tenure is not an eligibility factor.
Award Size and Duration
The maximum dollar amount of these awards is $50,000 for a period of 12 months. An additional $10,000 may be requested for equipment.
Deadlines
The MCAA target dates vary with each discipline. Proposals should be directed to the appropriate NSF disciplinary program through standard institutional channels.
For More Information
Contact the appropriate disciplinary program officer or the Senior Staff Associate for Cross- Directorate Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 805, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1603.
Eligibility
An applicant must be a member of an underrepresented minority group in science and engineering, and a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States. Fields of study supported by the Biological Sciences and Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Directorates are eligible. Travel awards are available to graduate students who are within 18 months of the date they expect to receive their doctoral degree. Fellowships may be awarded to persons who have held their doctorates no more than four years prior to the application deadline, or who will receive their degrees within the calendar year in which the fellowship is awarded. Fellowships will not be offered to those who will have had two full years of postdoctoral support prior to applying for the fellowship.
Award Size and Duration
Travel awards provide up to $3,000 for as many as three approved trips to institutions or meetings during the 12 months following the award. Fellowships may provide up to three years of support consisting of a $28,000 stipend, $4,600 of discretionary support, and a $2,400 institutional allowance annually.
Deadlines
Travel applications may be submitted to meet quarterly deadlines of January 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1. The annual deadline for the Postdoctoral Research Fellowships is December 1.
For More Information
Further information can be found in the publication Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and Minority Graduate Travel Awards (NSF 91-118), available from NSF Forms and Publications, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1130. Direct inquiries to the Minority Postdoctoral Fellowships Program, Division of Biological Instrumentation and Resources, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 615, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1470.
Support for Persons with Disabilities
NSF encourages persons with disabilities to participate fully in NSF-supported projects. In addition to support through the standard disciplinary programs, NSF provides the following:
NSF has Telephonic Device for the Deaf (TDD) and Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) capabilities that enable individuals with hearing impairment to communicate with the Foundation about NSF programs, employment, or general information. The number for TDD is (703) 306-0090; for FIRS, 1-800-877-8339. To speak with someone in the Division of Human Resource Management (HRM), which has a separate TDD number, call (703) 306- 0189.
Undergraduate Activities
Predominantly Undergraduate
Institutions--Research Support
The NSF encourages faculty research at predominantly undergraduate institutions for many reasons. For example, such research contributes to the knowledge base in science and engineering; enhances the scientific and technical training of students by strengthening the environment in academic departments that are geared primarily toward undergraduate instruction; and promotes the integration of research and education in these undergraduate institutions.
Predominantly undergraduate institutions include such schools as two-year, four-year, master's-level, and small doctoral institutions. Eligible institutions should
Faculty members from these institutions are encouraged to request support through standard NSF disciplinary programs, Research Opportunity Awards (ROA), and Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) for faculty in the nondoctoral departments. For more information, see the publication Research in Undergraduate Institutions (NSF 94-79).
Undergraduate Initiative
In addition to programs and activities described in previous chapters, NSF has expanded support for undergraduate science and engineering. This initiative is Foundation-wide with activities funded by the research directorates and by the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), which also plays a coordinating role through its Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) and its Division of Human Resource Development (HRD).
Under this initiative, the programs summarized below have been developed in the major areas of faculty, students, laboratories, and curriculum.
Faculty
Proposals for RUI are accepted in all research disciplines supported by the Foundation. They are evaluated and funded by the NSF program in which the proposed research falls. Within this context, RUI serves as a vehicle for eligible proposals and is fully integrated into the ongoing research activities of the Foundation.
Eligibility
Proposals may be submitted by faculty in departments that meet the following conditions: The submitting institution must be predominantly undergraduate as defined above, and the department of the principal investigator must offer courses in an NSF-supported field that qualify for bachelor's degree credit, and may offer master's degrees but may not award doctorates or offer doctoral courses and supervise doctoral research.
Nature of Support
Awards may support research at the home institution (including work in the field) and/or away from the home institution at a research university or a government or industrial laboratory. RUI also may be used to access the various disciplinary research equipment programs for acquisition of instrumentation essential for faculty research. The latter often requires multiple investigators and matching funds as specified by the disciplinary area.
Award Criteria
Eligible RUI proposals are evaluated on a competitive basis with all the other proposals submitted to the Foundation in the same area of research in accordance with the standard merit review procedure for that discipline. However, special RUI reviewer instructions are provided that emphasize the multifaceted RUI institution. NSF review criteria permit consideration of an RUI proposal in terms of its contribution to the infrastructure of science and engineering research, including training in the sponsoring department and institution. Thus reviewers are asked to especially consider the RUI impact (infrastructure) statement contained in the proposal as well as to recognize the potential impact of heavier teaching loads; the limited support personnel, facilities, and equipment; and possibly the smaller scale of the investigator's research.
Deadlines
Target and deadline dates vary by NSF program. RUI proposals should be submitted in accordance with these dates, which are published in the NSF Bulletin, a monthly publication produced by the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs.
For More Information
Further information can be found in the publication Research in Undergraduate Institutions (NSF 94-79). Applicants are urged to discuss proposed projects with the program officer in the appropriate discipline. General inquiries may be made to the Senior Staff Associate for Cross- Directorate Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 805, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1603.
Students
Eligibility
All U.S. institutions conducting research in disciplines normally supported by NSF are eligible to apply. Proposals will be accepted from colleges and universities, nonacademic research institutions such as governmental or industrial laboratories, or combinations thereof. There is no restriction on the number of proposals that may be submitted per institution. Student participants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States and its possessions and must be enrolled in a program leading to a bachelor's degree.
Deadlines and Additional Information
The annual deadline date for receipt of proposals for support of REU Sites is September 15. Award notifications will be made by late January. Proposals for REU Supplements will be accepted at any time but should be submitted as early in the fiscal year as possible and require two to three months to process after receipt by NSF.
More information on REU is available in the publication Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF 93-112) or direct inquiries to the relevant NSF research directorate.
Curriculum
For More Information
For further information, contact the Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306- 1670, or the appropriate research directorate. For information about the RUI and ROA Programs, contact the Senior Staff Associate for Cross-Directorate Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 805, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306- 1603.
Other Activities
Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement
The Foundation awards grants to improve the scientific quality of doctoral dissertation research. These awards are made to allow doctoral candidates the opportunity for greater creativity in the gathering and analysis of data than would otherwise be possible. Grants are intended to cover research-related expenses such as field equipment and supplies and travel to and from research sites. These awards are not fellowships, and no stipend is included. Support is not provided for everyday personal expenses of the doctoral student; however, the student may concurrently receive such support from other sources.
Dissertation proposals are judged on the basis of scientific content, importance, and originality. In addition, the doctoral candidate must show that the award will in fact improve the quality of the research.
Note: Dissertation improvement awards are available only in certain disciplines, including the social and behavioral sciences and certain biological sciences. No dissertation improvement awards are made in the mathematical and physical sciences, the geosciences, engineering, cellular and molecular biology, or physiology.
Eligibility/For More Information
Each division that administers these grants treats applications in a different way. Doctoral students who wish to apply for a dissertation improvement grant should write directly to the appropriate research division(s).
Small Grants for Exploratory Research
The Foundation funds small-scale exploratory work in all fields of science, engineering, and education supported by NSF through brief proposals without the usual external review. Such work includes preliminary research on untested and novel ideas; ventures into emerging research areas; research requiring urgent access to specialized data, facilities, or equipment; or similar exploratory efforts likely to catalyze innovative advances.
Programs may use up to 5 percent of their budgets for Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER) awards. SGER proposals are normally for one year and may not exceed $50,000, with the average amount depending on the particular program; they are not renewable. Only one copy of a brief proposal is required. NSF program officers are not required to seek advice from external reviewers before making their recommendations; therefore, principal investigators are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate program officer to see if the proposed research would be suitable for SGER support or if a fully reviewable proposal should be submitted.
For More Information
Further information can be found in the NSF Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) (NSF 95-27) available from NSF Forms and Publications, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1130. Direct further inquiries to the appropriate research division.
Information for Small Businesses
NSF programs are of interest mainly to small businesses with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or in science-based innovative technology. Competition for awards from NSF is intense, and only high-quality research proposals are supported.
Most NSF funds are obligated through grants to support unsolicited research proposals that are judged scientifically meritorious in merit review; note that these are grants, not procurements. Small firms may submit proposals under most of the programs identified in this Guide.
Although NSF programs mainly fund research in academic institutions, proposals from the commercial sector, including those from small research firms, are also supported.
Most NSF research awards to small businesses are made through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program (see chapter 4 for details). SBIR is conducted pursuant to the Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992, P.L. 102-564. Grant proposals under this program are solicited by a formal SBIR program solicitation issued annually.
When compared with those at other Federal departments and agencies, procurement or contract opportunities at NSF are quite limited. The Foundation generally does not maintain bidders' lists, and competitive procurement opportunities are normally publicized in the Commerce Business Daily. Opportunities for small companies exist in the subcontracting activities of the NSF's prime contractors that manage other major research facilities. Some of these facilities are identified elsewhere in this Guide.
NSF has two offices that provide information and serve as referral points for small businesses interested in the Foundation's research or procurement opportunities. These offices do not administer any individual grant, contract, or procurement program.
The Office of Small Business Research and Development offers information and guidance on NSF programs and research opportunities to research- and technology-based small firms.
The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization also provides information and guidance to small, minority-, and women-owned companies seeking procurement opportunities to provide NSF or its major contractors with goods or services.
For information on both of these offices, contact the Directorate for Engineering, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 505, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1390.
Presidential Faculty Fellowships
In order that the President of the United States may honor and reward some of the Nation's most outstanding young science and engineering faculty members, NSF offers Presidential Faculty Fellowships (PFF). Selection criteria include competence and leadership in research and teaching and the impact of the nominee on the nominating institution. Awards will carry a grant from NSF of $100,000 per year for five years, subject to the availability of funds. Up to 30 awards will be made in fiscal year 1996, half in the sciences and half in engineering.
Eligibility
U.S. institutions offering a baccalaureate, master's, or doctoral degree in a field supported by the Foundation may nominate two individuals per year. Nominees must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens.
Deadlines and Additional Information
For further information, see the publication Presidential Faculty Fellows (NSF 94-134). Copies are available from NSF Forms and Publications, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1130.
NSF Postdoctoral Fellowships
NSF sponsors 15 fellowship programs for
postdoctoral and senior postdoctoral research in science and engineering. These
fellowships are in specific disciplines and are sponsored by the appropriate NSF
organization. Contact the appropriate division listed below for more information
about these fellowships.
Fellowship Contact
Joint NSF/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Molecular Evolution Postdoctoral
Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Fellowships
Molecular Evolution Biological Instrumentation and
Resources
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 615
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1469
Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships BIO Minority Research Fellowships
in Biological, Social, Behavioral, and Biological Instrumentation and
Economic Sciences Resources
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 615
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1469
SBE Minority Research Fellowships
Cross-Directorate Activities
SBER, Room 995
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1733
Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Bio- Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biosciences
sciences Related to the Environment Related to the Environment
Biological Instrumentation and
Resources
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 615
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1469
CISE Postdoctoral Research Associates in Division of Advanced Scientific
Computational Science and Engineering Computing
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1970
CISE Postdoctoral Research Associates in Office of Cross-Disciplinary Activities
Experimental Science National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1980
NSF-NATO Postdoctoral Fellowships in NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
Science and Engineering Division of Graduate Education and
Research Development
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1630
Earth Sciences Postdoctoral Research Division of Earth Sciences
Fellowships National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1550
Ridge Interdisciplinary Global Experi- Division of Ocean Sciences
ments (RIDGE) Postdoctoral Fellowship National Science Foundation
Program 4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1586
Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Infrastructure Program
Fellowships (with Research Instructorship Division of Mathematical Sciences
option) National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1870
Internet: msprf@nsf.gov
Mathematical Sciences University/Industry Infrastructure Program
Postdoctoral Research Fellowships Division of Mathematical Sciences
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1870
Internet: msprf@nsf.gov
Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Division of Chemistry
Chemistry National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1840
International Research Fellow Awards Research Fellow Awards
Division of International Programs
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1706
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science JSPS Postdoctoral Awards
(JSPS) Postdoctoral Awards for U.S. Division of International Programs
Researchers National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1701
Internet: NSFJinfo@nsf.gov
Long- and Medium-Term Research Visits for Long- and Medium-Term Research
Scientists and Engineers at Foreign Centers Visits
of Excellence Division of International Programs
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1710
Science and Technology Agency of Japan STA Postdoctoral Awards
Postdoctoral Awards for U.S. Researchers Division of International Programs
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Tel: (703) 306-1701
Internet: NSFJinfo@nsf.gov
