This document has been archived and replaced by NSF 10-566
(http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf10566).


Title: Dear Colleague Letter: Incubator Proposal Opportunity for Research
        Coordination Networks - Undergraduate Biology Education
Date: 06/29/09




NSF 09-057

Dear Colleague Letter: Incubator Proposal Opportunity for Research
Coordination Networks - Undergraduate Biology Education

Dear Colleague:

We call your attention to an additional mechanism to support
collaborations aimed at injecting new ideas and approaches into
undergraduate biology curricula. As part of our effort to stimulate
positive changes in biology education, we will accept proposals that
request support for the initial development of networks that will
catalyze positive changes in biology undergraduate education.

The Undergraduate Biology Education track in the Research
Coordination Network program (RCN-UBE) considers proposals that will
enhance communication and coordination among scientists and
educators who are exploring new approaches to enhance undergraduate
biology education. The proposed networking activities should have a
theme as a focus of its collaboration. The focus could be on a broad
research question, a specific group of organisms, or particular
technologies or approaches. For details of the RCN program see:
http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=11691&org=BIO

To aid in the development of innovative RCN-UBE proposals, and in
particular to assist initial networking efforts of scientists and
educators who are developing proposals for the RCN-UBE track, we
will accept proposals for up to $50,000 for one year. NSF will
provide additional assistance to scientists and educators who are
seeking to identify potential network participants by establishing a
web site (Wiki) where individuals can post and review statements of
interest in specific topics that may be the focus of an incubator or
full RCN-UBE proposal.

Investigators who wish to have a project considered under the
guidelines of this Dear Colleague Letter should submit a proposal to
the RCN program in compliance with normal target dates and/or
deadlines. The title of the project must include the prefix
"RCN UBE-Incubator:", and the project description should
not exceed eight pages. Descriptions of the RCN management plan, the
RCN coordination plan, and the RCN information and material sharing,
which are all required for a full RCN-UBE proposal, are not required
for these proposals.

Proposals will be reviewed by standard review practices.

Proposers should review the RCN Program Solicitation to ensure that
eligibility requirements are met. Investigators with an interest in
the RCN-UBE track, and in these incubator proposals, are strongly
encouraged to send a brief e-mail note of inquiry to RCN-UBE@nsf.gov
to initiate discussion of potential proposal topics with an
appropriate NSF program officer.

We look forward to receiving your proposals.

Sincerely,
James P. Collins
Assistant Director, National Science Foundation
Biological Sciences

Wanda E. Ward
Acting Assistant Director, National Science Foundation
Education and Human Resources