Science Learning+ Partnership Grants

Within the National Science Foundation (NSF) context, Science Learning+ is a strand within project type 3, Research in Service to Practice, of the Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program (NSF 15-593).

Science Learning+ is an open call for proposals for Partnership Grants through an international partnership between the NSF and the Wellcome Trust with the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

The aims of Science Learning+ are to strengthen the research and knowledge base; bridge the practice and research gap; and/or share knowledge and experience in informal science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) experiences. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to support practice-based research which falls within or across the following priority areas: understanding learning; engagement in STEM; skills development; equity; diversity; access to informal learning settings; and measurement of outcomes.

Proposals must address at least one priority area and include: collaborations between at least one organization in the US and one in the UK/Republic of Ireland. In addition, the proposal should include a substantive research program, not solely a public engagement activity; genuine partnerships between researchers and practitioners of STEM engagement; experts from more than one STEM area; and more than one informal STEM learning location, platform, or environment. Proposers should submit a single, comprehensive proposal with two budget components, one for US activities and one for UK/Republic of Ireland activities, to NSF.