Sponsor:
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Summary:
The National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) program seeks proposals that explore ways for graduate students in research-based master’s and doctoral degree programs to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to pursue a range of STEM careers. The program is dedicated to effective training of STEM graduate students in high priority interdisciplinary or convergent research areas, through a comprehensive traineeship model that is innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with changing workforce and research needs.
The NRT program addresses workforce development, emphasizing broad participation, and institutional capacity building needs in graduate education. The goals of the program are to:
- Catalyze and advance cutting-edge interdisciplinary or convergent research in high priority areas;
- Increase the capacity of U.S. graduate programs to produce diverse cohorts of interdisciplinary STEM professionals with technical and transferable professional skills for a range of research and research-related careers within and outside academia; and
- Develop innovative approaches and knowledge that will promote transformative improvements in graduate education.
Creation of sustainable programmatic capacity at institutions is an expected outcome. Consequently, all proposals should describe mechanisms to institutionalize effective training elements after award expiration and provide appropriate documentation of institutional support for such efforts. Further, the program encourages proposals that involve strategic collaborations with the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, national laboratories, field stations, teaching and learning centers, informal science centers, and academic partners.
For more information, view the full NSF Research Traineeship Program (NSF 21-536) solicitation.
Award:
The NRT program supports two (2) types of projects subject to availability of funds:
- NRT Track 1 Awards are expected to be up to five (5) years in duration with a total budget up to $3,000,000.
- NRT Track 2 Awards are expected to be up to five (5) years in duration with a total budget up to $2,000,000.
Limited Submission Requirements and Timeline:
Two (2) applications per institution are permitted as either a lead or collaborative non-lead (excluding evaluators).
Only proposals approved by the Division of Research and Economic Development may be submitted to this program. For such approval, PIs must first submit a one- to two-page white paper to limitedsubmissions@boisestate.edu by 4 pm on April 12, 2024.
Your white paper should include:
- The PI’s name, Project Title, and Program Track (1 or 2).
- The names of key personnel (e.g., Co-PIs) and collaborators, including funded and unfunded collaborators. Please note if Boise State will not be the lead institution.
- A project summary, which includes (1) the research area and theme, (2) the training plan, (3) the research-education integration, and (4) the potential impact of the project (i.e., benefits, outcomes).
White papers will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Clearly demonstrates the integration of the research and training components of the proposed program.
- Strong interdisciplinarity or convergence research and the potential for high impact synergies among the disciplines.
- The breadth and quality of the plan to provide NRT trainees with professional development training for a range of research and research-related career pathways, both within and outside academia.
- Robust recruiting and retention plans to broaden participation.
- Clear description of the potential societal impact of the training program.
Key Submission Dates:
- April 12, 2024 by 4 pm – White papers due to limitedsubmissions@boisestate.edu (we encourage you to cc your Dean for visibility as well)
- April 26, 2024 – Anticipated date applicants will be notified of approval
- August 30, 2024 – All final proposal documents due to OSP
- September 6, 2024 – Full proposal due to NSF
Important Note on Sponsor Requirements:
An individual may serve as PI or co-PI on only one (1) proposal submitted to the NRT program per annual competition.
NOTE: Please send all inquiries and submissions for Limited Submission opportunities to limitedsubmissions@boisestate.edu