Other Research Activities
This chapter contains a partial listing of cross-directorate
programs sponsored by NSF.
Activities not mentioned here may appear
elsewhere in this publication. Refer to the
appropriate directorate.
The Academic Research Infrastructure Program
is designed to improve the condition of
research equipment and facilities in our
Nation's academic institutions. The program
consists of two components: (1) Instrumentation,
which provides support for the acquisition or
development of major research equipment; and
(2) Facilities Modernization, which provides
support for the improvement of research and
research training facilities. The initiative
responds to needs identified by the academic
science and engineering community for research
instrumentation that is not routinely available
through other NSF programs and for improving
the Nation's research and research training
facilities.
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.
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 at which 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 program
can be found in the publication titled Research
in Undergraduate Institutions Program
Announcement (NSF 94-79), or contact either
the appropriate Foundation program officer or
the Senior Staff Associate for Cross-Directorate
Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201
Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230,
(703) 306-1603.
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, as well as 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 composed of multiple
efforts to
- attract women to science and
engineering careers as well as enhance
their participation in active research
programs;
- significantly improve the quality of
instruction and experience available in
science and engineering for minority
students at all educational levels;
- increase the numbers of students
attaining degrees in science and
engineering and pursuing careers in
these areas;
- strengthen the science and engineering
capability of institutions with significant
minority enrollments; and
- build effective coalitions and alliances
that employ the strengths of many
institutions and organizations to
accomplish these objectives.
WOMEN'S PROGRAMS
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.
- Research Planning Grants (RPG)--These
are one-time, limited awards for
preliminary studies and other activities
that help strengthen the investigator's
planning and proposal-writing
capabilities, thereby facilitating the
development of more competitive NSF
research proposals. The awardee is
expected to submit a research proposal
to NSF after completion of the planning
grant.
Eligibility
Eligibility is limited to women who have a
doctorate (or equivalent experience) in an NSF-
supported field; hold faculty or research-related
positions (tenured or nontenured) at U.S.
institutions; 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 and depends on the
disciplinary field in the proposed research area.
For More Information
Further information about the RPG Program
can be found in the publication titled Research
Planning Grants and Career Advancement
Awards for Women Scientists and Engineers
(NSF 93-130), or contact either the cognizant
program officer or the Senior Staff Associate
for Cross-Directorate Programs (for Women),
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703)
306-1603.
- Career Advancement Awards (CAA)--The
goal of the CAA effort is to expand
opportunities for women researchers to
advance their careers. It is 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 her
research capability, or to develop an
innovative research method in
collaboration with another investigator.
Eligibility
The CAA applicant should have some prior
independent research experience as a principal
investigator or project leader; have a doctorate
(or equivalent experience) in an NSF-supported
field; hold a faculty or research-related position
at a U.S. institution; and be a U.S. citizen,
national, or permanent resident. Tenure is not
an eligibility factor.
Award Size and Duration
Awards are limited to a maximum of $50,000,
with a possible addition of up to $10,000 for
equipment, if required, and are usually for 12
months.
Deadlines
Submission date varies with disciplinary field in
the proposed research area.
For More Information
Further information about the CAA Program
can be found in the publication titledResearch
Planning Grants and Career Advancement
Awards for Women Scientists and Engineers
(NSF 93-130), or contact either the cognizant
program officer or the Senior Staff Associate
for Cross-Directorate Programs (for women),
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703)
306-1603.
MINORITY PROGRAMS
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 or Alaska
Natives), Blacks, Native Pacific Islanders
(Polynesians or Micronesians), or Hispanics.
Such efforts include programs for students,
faculty, and institutions.
- Research Opportunities for Minority
Students and College Faculty--
Encouraging talented and promising
minority students and college faculty to
participate in ongoing research is one
means of fostering the full participation
of members of underrepresented
minority groups in science and
engineering. The program utilizes
existing supplemental programs to
encourage principal investigators with
NSF awards to include these persons in
their projects as research assistants.
Interested parties make their own
arrangements; there is no central referral
source. Most awards are for summer
support, but arrangements may
sometimes be made for the academic
year.
Eligibility
Participants must be underrepresented
minorities who are 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, working in an NSF-supported field,
and 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 are limited to 25 percent
of the 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. 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 can be found in the
program announcements titled Research
Assistantships for Minority High School Students
(NSF 89-39) and Research Experiences for
Undergraduates (NSF 93-112). 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, Arlington, Virginia 22230,
(703) 306-1603.
- Minority Research Planning Grants and
Career Advancement Awards--This
program is part of the Foundation's
overall effort to give members of
minority groups that are
underrepresented in science and
engineering greater access to scientific
research support. The goal of this
initiative is to increase the number of
minority faculty in mainstream research.
It does this through support of Minority
Research Planning Grants and Minority
Career Advancement Awards. (The
Faculty Early Career Development
(CAREER) Program now contains all
NSF research initiation activities.)
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 and engineers who are
eligible for regular NSF research awards in
their respective disciplines; hold faculty or
research-related positions (tenured or
nontenured) at U.S. institutions; are U.S.
citizens or nationals; and have not served as
principal or co-principal investigators on
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. It
is particularly appropriate for independent
investigators whose careers are still evolving, or
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
capability, or to develop an innovative research
method in collaboration with another
investigator.
Eligibility
The MCAA applicant should have some prior
independent research experience as a principal
investigator or project leader; be eligible for a
regular NSF research award in his/her
discipline; hold a faculty or research-related
position at a U.S. institution; be an
underrepresented minority; and be a U.S.
citizen or national. Tenure is not an eligibility
factor.
Award Size and Duration
Awards are limited to a maximum of $50,000
for a period of 12 months. In addition, up to
$10,000 for equipment may be requested.
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, Arlington,
Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1603.
- Minority Postdoctoral Research
Fellowships and Graduate Student
Travel Awards in the Biological, Social,
Behavioral, and Economic Sciences--
These fellowships and travel awards are
available one time only, to recent Ph.D.s
or those about to earn a doctoral degree
in the eligible fields. Travel awards
facilitate a visit to the potential host
institution to discuss details of a
postdoctoral appointment with the
proposed mentor. Fellowships are
portable and provide stipend and other
support for up to three years of
additional research training at the U.S.
or foreign institution chosen by the
fellow.
Eligibility
An applicant must be a member of a minority
group that is underrepresented in science and
engineering, as well as a citizen, national, or
permanent resident of the United States. Fields
of study supported by the Directorate for
Biological Sciences or those in the Social,
Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Directorate
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 doctorate no more than
four years prior to the application deadline, or
who will receive their degree 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 a total of $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
$28,000 stipend, $4,600 discretionary support,
and $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 titled Minority Postdoctoral Research
Fellowships and Minority Graduate Travel
Awards Program Announcement (NSF 91-118),
available from the Forms and Publications
Office, 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, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703)
306-1470.
Model Institutions for Excellence (MIE)
The MIE Program is intended to enhance
materially the capabilities of a small number of
minority institutions (historically Black colleges
and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions,
and Native American-serving institutions) that
are poised to make a substantial contribution to
the Nation's goal of increasing the number of
minorities who earn natural science, computer
science, engineering, and mathematics degrees
and go on to enter graduate-level science,
engineering, and mathematics (SEM) degree
programs.
Eligibility
Eligible historically Black colleges and
universities and Hispanic-serving institutions
should satisfy the following selection criteria:
- have awarded at least 20 percent of their
baccalaureate degrees to Blacks or
Hispanics in the SEM fields (1985-1990);
and
- have awarded an average of at least 40
baccalaureate degrees per year
(1985-1990) to Blacks or Hispanics in
the SEM fields.
Eligible Native American-serving institutions
should satisfy the following selection criteria:
- have awarded an average of at least 15
baccalaureate degrees per year
(1985-1990) to Native Americans in the
SEM fields; or
- have enrolled at least 500 Native
American undergraduate students in
1992.
Award Size and Duration
Implementation awards may be up to
$2,500,000 per year for 5 years, and renewable
for a maximum of 11 years, subject to the
availability of funds.
Procedures for Requesting Support
MIE-eligible institutions have been notified of
their eligibility and the procedures for
requesting support.
For More Information
For further information, contact the Senior
Staff Associate for Institution Development,
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703)
306-1604.
SUPPORT FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
NSF encourages persons with disabilities to
participate fully in NSF-supported projects. In
addition to support through the standard NSF
disciplinary programs, the Foundation provides
the following:
- Facilitation Awards for Persons with
Disabilities--This program provides
funding for special assistance or
equipment to enable persons with
physical disabilities (investigators and
other staff, including student research
assistants) to work on an NSF project.
See the program description in the
Chapter "Education and Human
Resources."
The Foundation also has Telephonic Device for
the Deaf (TDD) capability, which enables
individuals with hearing impairment to
communicate with the Division of Human
Resource Management (HRM) about NSF
programs, employment, or general information.
This number is (703) 306-0189.
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; it enhances the scientific and
technical training of students by strengthening
the environment in academic departments that
are oriented primarily toward undergraduate
instruction; and it 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 (1) grant
baccalaureate degrees in NSF-supported fields
or provide instructional programs for students
pursuing such degrees with institutional
transfers; (2) have an undergraduate enrollment
exceeding that at the graduate level; and (3)
have awarded no more than 20 Ph.D.s or
D.Sci.s in all NSF-supported disciplines during
the two previous academic years.
Faculty members from these institutions are
encouraged to request support through the
standard NSF disciplinary programs, the
Research Opportunity Awards (ROA) and the
Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI)
Program for faculty in the nondoctoral
departments.
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
- The Undergraduate Faculty
Enhancement Program (UFE)--The UFE
Program provides support for workshops
and short courses that enable faculty
members who teach undergraduates to
gain experience with recent advances
suitable for incorporation into
undergraduate instruction. (See the
Chapter "Education and Human
Resources" for a description.)
- Research in Undergraduate Institutions
(RUI)-The RUI Program provides
support for research and research
equipment for faculty located in
nondoctoral departments in
predominantly undergraduate
institutions. In addition to fulfilling the
usual NSF requirements, RUI proposals
must also describe the expected impact
of the proposed research on the research
and training environment of the
department. This impact statement is
considered in the proposal evaluation.
Proposals for RUI are accepted in all
disciplinary research fields supported by the
Foundation. They are evaluated and funded by
the NSF programs in the disciplinary areas of
the proposed research. 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 that qualify for bachelor's
degree credit in an NSF-supported field, 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 in
competition with all 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 role of research in an 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
RUI proposals are submitted to the
Foundation's disciplinary programs in
accordance with target dates or deadlines of
those programs. These dates are published in
the NSF Bulletin.
For More Information
Further information can be found in the
publication titled Research in Undergraduate
Institutions Program Announcement (NSF 94-
79). Applicants are urged to discuss proposed
projects with the NSF program officers in their
disciplines. General inquiries may be made to
the Senior Staff Associate for Cross-Directorate
Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201
Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230,
(703) 306-1603.
- Collaborative Research at
Undergraduate Institutions (C-RUI)--
This is a new initiative of the Biological
Sciences (BIO) and the Mathematical
and Physical Sciences (MPS)
Directorates. This program is designed
to support multidisciplinary,
collaborative research groups at
primarily undergraduate institutions.
These groups are composed of three
faculty members representing at least
two disciplinary areas, and up to ten
undergraduates who will work on a
primarily biological and/or mathematical
and physical sciences project that
requires a cross-disciplinary approach.
Further information can be found in
Collaborative Research at Undergraduate
Institutions Program Announcement (NSF
94-90).
STUDENTS
- Research Experiences for
Undergraduates (REU)--REU is
supported by all of the Foundation's
disciplinary research programs. It
provides opportunities for undergraduate
students to experience hands-on
participation in research or related
scholarly activity in the sciences,
mathematics, and engineering. The
Foundation supports researchers who
involve students in either ongoing
research (REU Supplements) or special
programs (REU Sites).
Eligibility
All U.S. institutions conducting research in the
disciplines normally supported by NSF are
eligible to apply. Thus, proposals will be
accepted from colleges and universities, from
nonacademic research institutions such as
governmental or industrial laboratories, or from
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. REU Supplements require two to
three months' processing time after receipt by
NSF.
More information is available in the Research
Experiences for Undergraduates Program
Announcement (NSF 93-112). Inquiries about
REU may be directed to the relevant NSF
research directorate.
LABORATORIES
- Instrumentation and Laboratory
Improvement-Through matching grants
for the purchase of undergraduate
laboratory equipment, this program
supports the development of new and
improved laboratory courses or
experiments in science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology. (See the
Chapter "Education and Human
Resources" for a description.)
CURRICULUM
- Undergraduate Course and Curriculum
Development in Engineering,
Mathematics, and the Sciences--This
program supports the development of
new or improved courses, curricula,
delivery systems, and nationally
disseminated products for the
revitalization of the content, conduct,
and quality of undergraduate education
in science, mathematics, engineering, and
technology. (See the Chapter "Education
and Human Resources" for a
description.)
- Advanced Technological Education--This
program supports the improvement in
quality of the technical workforce
through projects and a few centers.
Leadership is from associate degree-
granting colleges in partnership with
four-year colleges, universities, secondary
schools, industry, business, and
government. (See the Chapter
"Education and Human Resources" for a
description.)
- NSF Collaboratives for Excellence in
Teacher Preparation--This program
provides major support for
comprehensive change in the
undergraduate education of future
teachers and supports cooperative,
multiyear efforts to increase substantially
the quality and number of teachers well
prepared in science and mathematics,
especially members of underrepresented
groups. (See the Chapter "Education and
Human Resources" for a description.)
For More Information
For further information, contact the Division of
Undergraduate Education, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, 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, Arlington,
Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1603.
DOCTORAL DISSERTATION RESEARCH IMPROVEMENT
The Foundation awards grants to improve the
scientific quality of doctoral dissertation
research. Awards are made to allow doctoral
candidates opportunities for greater creativity in
the gathering and analysis of data than would
otherwise be possible. Grants are intended to
cover research-related expenses. These include
expenses for field equipment and supplies as
well as 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. These
include 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 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; thus, 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 94-2). Order
from Forms and Publications, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington,
Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1130. For additional
information, contact 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 those grants made through the Small
Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program,
described in the Chapter "Engineering." 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 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. Note that 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.
The address for both these offices is the
Directorate for Engineering, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, 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 will offer 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. Of the
30 awards to be offered in fiscal year 1994, 15
will be in the sciences and 15 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;
have a Ph.D. or equivalent awarded between
January 1, 1986, and November 9, 1993; and
have begun their first tenure-track or equivalent
position at an eligible institution after January
1, 1990.
Deadlines and Additional Information
Nominations must be received at NSF by
November 9, 1993. Eligibility and deadline
dates for this program are the latest expected
dates. Please consult the program
announcement for the final dates. For the
program announcement, contact Forms and
Publications, National Science Foundation, 4201
Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230,
(703) 306-1130.
Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program.
The NSF encourages the early development of
academic faculty as both educators and
researchers. The Faculty Early Career
Development (CAREER) Program is a
Foundation-wide activity for the support of
junior faculty within the context of their overall
career development. It combines in a single
program the support of quality research and
education and the full participation of those
who are traditionally underrepresented in
science and engineering.
Eligibility
CAREER applicants must be in their initial
full-time tenure-track or equivalent academic
appointment; be within the first four years of
that appointment; not hold or have held tenure
on or before the program application deadline;
and be employed at a U.S. institution that
awards a baccalaureate or advanced degree in a
field supported by NSF. Current or former
recipients of the Presidential Young
Investigator Award or Presidential Faculty
Fellowships are not eligible.
Award Size and Duration
The duration of awards is at least three but no
more than five years. The funding level is
consistent with the scope of the project and
NSF directorate and disciplinary practice. The
intent is to provide stable support at a sufficient
level and duration to enable awardees to
achieve a balance between the education and
research career development objectives of the
program.
Deadlines and Additional Information
CAREER proposals must be submitted in
accordance with the target dates or deadlines of
the appropriate disciplinary program, with the
exception of those submitted to the CISE
Directorate, the EHR Directorate, the ENG
Directorate, and the MPS Directorate, all of
which have a set deadline of October 17, 1994,
for fiscal year 1995. Please consult the
disciplinary program contacts given in the
publication Faculty Early Career Development
(CAREER) Program Announcement (NSF 94-
101) for definitive deadlines and for specific
information regarding award size and duration.
For general information about each
Directorate's participation in the CAREER
program, a supplemental publication titled
Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER)
Program: Program Characteristics, FY 1995 (NSF
94-135 A-G) is available. For a copy of either
publication, contact Forms and Publications,
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703)
306-1130.
NSF sponsors 14 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.
- Joint NSF/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Molecular Evolution
- Molecular Evolution Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Biological Instrumentation and Resources
- National Science Foundation
- 4201 Wilson Boulevard
- Arlington, VA 22230
- Tel: (703) 306-1469
- Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biological/Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences
- BIO Minority Research Fellowships
- Biological Instrumentation and Resources
- National Science Foundation
- 4201 Wilson Boulevard
- 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 Biosciences Related to the Environment
- Biosciences Postdoctoral Fellowships in
- Biological Sciences Related to the Environment
- Biological Instrumentation and Resources
- National Science Foundation
- 4201 Wilson Boulevard
- Arlington, VA 22230
- Tel: (703) 306-1469
- CISE Postdoctoral Research Associates in Computational Science and Engineering
- Division of Advanced Scientific Computing
- National Science Foundation
- 4201 Wilson Boulevard
- Arlington, VA 22230
- Tel: (703) 306-1970
- CISE Postdoctoral Research Associates in Experimental Science
- Office of Cross-Disciplinary Activities
- National Science Foundation
- 4201 Wilson Boulevard
- Arlington, VA 22230
- Tel: (703) 306-1980
- NSF-NATO Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science and Engineering
- NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
- Division of Graduate Education and
- Research Development
- National Science Foundation
- 4201 Wilson Boulevard
- Arlington, VA 22230
- Tel: (703) 306-1630
- Earth Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
- Division of Earth Sciences
- National Science Foundation
- 4201 Wilson Boulevard
- Arlington, VA 22230
- Tel: (703) 306-1550
- Ridge Interdisciplinary Global Experiments (RIDGE) Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
- Division of Ocean Sciences
- National Science Foundation
- 4201 Wilson Boulevard
- Arlington, VA 22230
- Tel: (703) 306-1586
- Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (with Research Instructorship Option)
- Infrastructure Program
- Division of Mathematical Sciences
- National Science Foundation
- 4201 Wilson Boulevard
- Arlington, VA 22230
- Tel: (703) 306-1870
- Internet: msprf@nsf.gov
- Mathematical Sciences University-Industry Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
- Infrastructure Program
- 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 Chemistry
- Division of Chemistry
- National Science Foundation
- 4201 Wilson Boulevard
- Arlington, VA 22230
- Tel: (703) 306-1840
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Postdoctoral Awards
- JSPS Postdoctoral Awards
- Division of International Programs
- National Science Foundation
- 4201 Wilson Boulevard
- Arlington, VA 22230
- Tel: (703) 306-1701
- Internet: NSFJinfo@nsf.gov
- Long- and Medium-Term Research Visits for Scientists and Engineers at Foreign Centers of Excellence
- Long- and Medium-Term Research Visits
- Division of International Programs
- National Science Foundation
- 4201 Wilson Boulevard
- Arlington, VA 22230
- Tel: (703) 306-1710
- Science and Technology Agency of Japan Postdoctoral Awards for U.S. Researchers
- STA Postdoctoral Awards
- Division of International Programs
- National Science Foundation
- 4201 Wilson Boulevard
- Arlington, VA 22230
- Tel: (703) 306-1701
- Internet: NSFJinfo@nsf.gov