Limited Submisions - NSF

National Science Foundation - Academic Research Infrastructure Program:  Recovery and Reinvestment (ARI-R2)

The purpose of this program is to enhance the Nation's existing research facilities where sponsored and/or unsponsored research activities and research training take place to enable next-generation research infrastructure that integrates shared resources across user communities. Consistent with NSF's mission to strengthen the U.S. science and engineering enterprise, the ARI-R² program will:

• Update existing research facilities at institutions of higher education (including graduate and undergraduate institutions, among which are includedcommunity colleges) and other non-profit research organizations (e.g., independent research museums, independent research laboratories, and research consortia) in order to support researchthat can address the challenges of the 21st century.
• Enable academic departments, disciplinary and cross-disciplinary units, or multi-organization consortia to renovate research facilities through the addition or augmentation of cyberinfrastructure, other than general-purpose computing systems or data storage systems, to create environments that enhance research and integrate research with education.
• Improve access to and increase use of next-generation research facilities for researchers, educators and students.
• Assist research organizations, including those that have historically received limited Federal research and development funds, to improve their science and engineering research environments.

Estimated Number of Awards:  100 to 120; approximately 100 awards ranging from a total of $250,000 to $2,000,000; approximately 6 - 10 awards ranging from a total of over $2 million to $5 million; approximately 3 - 5 awards ranging from a total of over $5 million to $10 million. The award duration for ARI-R² grants up to $2 million is up to three years; award duration for grants over $2 million up to $10 million is up to four years.

Link to Program Page and Solicitation: 

NSF 09-562 http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503380

Cost Sharing: not required

Deadlines:

Required Letter of Intent: July 1, 2009

Full Proposal: August 24, 2009

Most recent internal deadline: June 10, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: August 24, 2009.

NSF Active Nanostructures and Nanosystems

The National Science Foundation (NSF) announces a program on collaborative research and education in the area of active nanostructures, nanosystems, and on the long-term societal change associated with these innovations. Active nanostructures change or evolve their structure, property, or function during their operation. The goal of this program is to support fundamental research and catalyze synergistic science and engineering research and education in several emerging areas of nanoscale science and engineering, including:

Active nanostructures;
Nanosystems with improved functionality and new architectures;
Hierarchical nanomanufacturing; and
Long-term societal and educational implications of scientific and technological advances on the nanoscale.

This solicitation provides support for Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Teams (NIRT) and Nanoscale Exploratory Research (NER).

Details of this program can be found at: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf06595

Internal Selection Process

NSF limits the number of proposals that may be submitted by any institution to 2 NIRT proposals (each with 3-5 PIs and Co-Investigators/Co-PIs) and 2 NER proposals. An exception is made for an additional NER proposal in “Societal and Educational Issues Associated with Long-term Research Science and Engineering Advances.” At least one of the NER proposals must have a PI or Co-I/Co-PI at the level of assistant professor.

Most recent internal deadline: October 4, 2006.

Most recent external deadline: November 15, 2006.

National Science Foundation - ADVANCE: Increasing the Participation and Advancement of Women in Academic Science and Engineering Careers 2009

This program supports three types of projects – two of which limit the number of applications UK may submit, requiring internal coordination.

The goal of the ADVANCE program is to develop systemic approaches to increase the representation and advancement of women in academic science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers, thereby contributing to the development of a more diverse science and engineering workforce. Creative strategies to realize this goal are sought from women and men. Members of underrepresented minority groups and individuals with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Proposals that address the participation and advancement of women with disabilities and womenfrom underrepresented minority groups are particularly encouraged.

In 2009-10, this program will support the following types of ADVANCE Projects:

Partnerships for Adaptation, Implementation, and Dissemination (PAID) Awards – no limit on the number of submissions

Partnerships for Adaptation, Implementation, and Dissemination awards may focus on one institution or organization, or they may be a partnership between several institutions and/or organizations. PAID projects can focus on all STEM disciplines, several disciplines, or only one discipline, including the social and behavioral sciences. Projects may have an international, national, state or local scope. Previous or current funding from ADVANCE is not a prerequisite for submitting a PAID proposal (see additional ADVANCE merit review criteria).

Deadline:          Letter of Intent, January 20, 2009

                        Full Proposal, February 24, 2009

Institutional Transformation (IT) Awards

Institutional Transformation awards are expected to include innovative systemic organizational approaches to transform institutions of higher education in ways that will increase the participation and advancement of women in STEM academic careers. These awards support comprehensive programs for institution-wide change. IT projects must include a research component designed to study the effectiveness of the proposed innovations in order to contribute to the knowledge base informing academic institutional transformation (see additional ADVANCE merit review criteria).

Deadline:          Letter of Intent, August 4, 2009

                        Full proposal, November 12, 2009

Institutional Transformation Catalyst Grants (IT-Catalyst)

IT-Catalyst awards are designed to support institutional self-assessment activities, such as basic data collection and analysis and policy review, in order to identify specific issues in the recruitment, retention and promotion of women faculty in STEM academics within their institution of higher education. This type of work is fundamental for institutions that plan to undertake institutional transformation. The institution's need for external resources to undertake institutional self assessment and policy review will specifically be evaluated using an additional ADVANCE merit review criterion.

Deadline:          Letter of Intent, August 4, 2009

                        Full proposal, November 12, 2009

Program Solicitation: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsf09504/nsf09504.htm?govDel=USNSF_25

Advance Portal Website:http://research.cs.vt.edu/advance/index.htm

Most recent internal deadline: May 4, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: August 4, 2009 (letter of intent) and November 12, 2009 (full proposal)

National Science Foundation - Alliances for Broadening Participation in STEM (ABP) 2009

The Alliances for Broadening Participation in STEM (ABP) solicitation includes the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program, Bridge to the Doctorate (LSAMP-BD) Activity, and the Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) program.This portfolio of programs seeks to increase the number of students successfully completing quality degree programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Particular emphasis is placed on transforming STEM education through innovative academic strategies and experiences in support of groups that historically have been underrepresented in STEM disciplines: African-Americans, Alaskan Natives, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Pacific Islanders.

Because the University of Kentucky already has a funded Alliances for Broadening Participation award, this notification is for the Innovation through Institutional Integration or I cubed (I3) track only.

Program Website: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsf09515/nsf09515.htm

The Innovation through Institutional Integration or I cubed (I3) track for the 2009 ABP Program requires institutional coordination

Innovation through Institutional Integration or I cubed (I3) is an integrative, cross-cutting effort that enables faculty, administrators, and others in institutions to think and act strategically about the creative integration of NSF-funded awards, with particular emphasis on awards managed through programs in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), but not limited to those awards. This effort has the following interrelated goals:

• Increase synergy and collaboration across NSF-funded projects and within/between institutions, towards an educational environment where artificial boundaries are significantly reduced and the student experience is more fully integrated;
• Expand and deepen the impact of NSF-funded projects and enhance their sustainability;
• Provide additional avenues to broaden participation through workforce development, especially for those underrepresented in STEM research and education; attend to seamless transitions across critical educational junctures; and/or provide more effectively for a globally engaged workforce;
• Promote innovative programming, policies, and practices to encourage the integration of STEM research and education; and
• Encourage STEM educational or related research in domains that hold promise for promoting intra- or inter-institutional integration and broader impacts.

Proposals that facilitate either (a) inter-institutional or (b) intra-institutional efforts are encouraged. Proposals may be submitted by (a) a single institution to address intra-institutional goals only or (b) an institution acting on behalf of an institutional partnership to address inter-institutional goals.

Proposals are expected to incorporate a depth and quality of creative, coherent, and strategic actions that extend beyond commonplace approaches to normal institutional operations. Proposals may also be submitted for research on institutional integration or other closely related themes articulated in the goals above.

For additional information see the I-Cubed FAQ: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08027/nsf08027.jsp

Most recent internal deadline: January 20, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: February 24, 2009.

National Science Foundation - Centers for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology

NSF requests proposals to create a national Center to conduct fundamental research and education on the implications of nanotechnology for the environment and living systems at all scales. The Center will address interactions of naturally derived, incidental and engineered nanoparticles and nanostructured materials, devices and systems (herein called “nanomaterials”) with the living world. Essential elements of the Center will include understanding the interactions of nanomaterials with organisms, cellular constituents, metabolic networks and living tissues; understanding environmental exposure and bioaccumulation and their effects on living systems; and determining the biological impacts of nanomaterials dispersed in the environment. Additional elements may include the development of methods and instrumentation for the detection and characterization of nanomaterials. For the purpose of this solicitation, nanomaterials have at least one dimension with a length of approximately 1 to 100 nm. A multidisciplinary research approach involving the biological, chemical, physical, computational, mathematical, social and behavioral sciences will be needed to understand the fundamental processes associated with the interaction of nanomaterials with the environment and living systems. The Center is expected to interact with other Nanotechnology Science and Engineering Centers as appropriate.

This Center will not support pilot plant efforts, research requiring security classification, the development of products for commercial marketing, or market research for a particular project or invention. Research with disease-related goals, including work on the etiology, diagnosis or treatment of physical or mental disease, abnormality or malfunction in human beings will not be supported. The development or testing of drugs or other procedures for the treatment of disease also is not eligible for support.

Award is expected to be up to $5,000,000 per year for up to 5 years pending the availability of funds, with the possibility of one 5-year renewal depending on the availability of funds and successful review.

For more information: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf07590

Most recent internal deadline: November 1, 2007.

Most recent external deadline: December 10, 2007.

National Science Foundation - Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities: Departmental Multi-User Instrumentation (CRIF:MU)

PI Limit: 

The principal investigator must be the chemistry department chairperson or equivalent. Other investigators may be affiliated with U.S. academic institutions, non-profit research organizations, industry, government laboratories, or international institutions. No CRIF:MU award funds may go directly to industry, government laboratories or international institutions.

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: 

Two per institution. If two are submitted, at least one must involve cyberinfrastructure.  Principal investigators are strongly encouraged to consult with the cognizant program officers before submitting cyber-enabled instrumentation requests.

http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08539/nsf08539.htm?govDel=USNSF_25

National Science Foundation - CISE

Through the CISE Pathways to Revitalized Undergraduate Computing Education (CPATH) program, NSF's Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) is challenging its partners – colleges, universities and other stakeholders committed to advancing the field of computing and its impact - to transform undergraduate computing education on a national scale, to meet the challenges and opportunities of a world where computing is essential to U. S. leadership.

To achieve this vision, CISE is calling for colleges and universities to work together and with other stakeholders to formulate and implement plans to revitalize undergraduate computing education in the United States. The full engagement of faculty and other individuals in CISE disciplines will be critical to success. Successful CPATH projects will be systemic in nature and will demonstrate significant potential to contribute to the transformation and revitalization of undergraduate computing education on a national scale.

CPATH will support three types of projects in two major track categories, Community Building and Institutional Transformation:

Community Building Track
Community Building (CB) Grants - funded from levels of $50,000 to a maximum of $500,000 total for up to three years

Institutional Transformation Track:
Conceptual Development and Planning (CDP) Grants - funded at levels of $50,000 up to a maximum of $150,000 total for up to two years
Transformative Implementation (TI) Grants - funded at levels up to $1,000,000 total for a maximum of three years

Program guidelines are available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08516/nsf08516.htm
Additional information about this program, including FAQ and examples of the three types of projects are available at: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=500025

Limit on the Number of Proposals: For the Institutional Transformation Track, an academic institution may submit or participate in no more than one Conceptual Development and Planning (CDP) proposal and one Transformative Implementation (TI) proposal. There is no organizational limit for CB proposals.

Most recent internal deadline: February 4, 2008.

Most recent external deadline: March 11, 2008.

National Science Foundation - 2007 Cyberinfrastructure Training, Education, Advancement, and Mentoring for Our 21st Century Workforce (CI-TEAM)

The CI-TEAM program supports projects that position the national science and engineering community to engage in integrated research and education activities promoting, leveraging and utilizing cyberinfrastructure systems, tools and services. CI-TEAM awards will:
Prepare current and future generations of scientists, engineers, and educators to design and develop as well as adopt and deploy, cyber-based tools and environments for research and learning, both formal and informal.

Expand and enhance participation in cyberinfrastructure science and engineering activities of diverse groups of people and organizations, with particular emphasis on the inclusion of traditionally underrepresented individuals, institutions, and communities as both creators and users of cyberinfrastructure. 

This solicitation seeks two types of project proposals, both aimed at the preparation of a diverse, cyberinfrastructure-savvy science and engineering workforce. One type of proposal, the Demonstration Project, is exploratory in nature and may be somewhat limited in scope and scale. Demonstration Projects have the potential to serve as exemplars to effective larger-scale implementation activities in the future. The other project type, the Implementation Project, is generally larger in scope or scale and draws on prior experience with the activities or the teams proposed. Implementation Projects are expected to deliver sustainable learning and workforce development activities that complement ongoing NSF investment in cyberinfrastructure.

NSF expects to select for support 12 to 15 Demonstration Projects at up to $250,000 total each and 7 to 12 Implementation Projects at up to $1,000,000 total each that together constitute a rich portfolio of cyberinfrastructure-related workforce development activities.

Program details can be found at the following link: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf07654

Most recent internal deadline: June 25, 2007.

Most recent external deadline: August 27, 2007.

National Science Foundation - Ethics Education in Science and Engineering Program

The NSF Ethics Education in Science and Engineering (EESE) program accepts proposals for research and educational projects to improve ethics education in all of the fields of science and engineering that NSF supports, especially in interdisciplinary or inter-institutional contexts. Proposals must focus on improving ethics education for graduate students in those fields, although the proposed programs may benefit advanced undergraduates in addition to graduate students.

NSF anticipates funding 6 - 12 awards with a maximum of $300,000 for a period of 36 months.  Complete details on this program are available at http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13338

Most recent internal deadline: February 19, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: March 2, 2009.

National Science Foundation - Federal Cyber Service: Scholarship for Service (SFS)

The NSF Federal Cyber Service: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program seeks to increase the number of qualified students entering the fields of information assurance and computer security and to increase the capacity of the United States higher education enterprise to continue to produce professionals in these fields to meet the needs of our increasingly technological society. The SFS program is composed of two tracks:

1) The Scholarship Track provides funding to colleges and universities to award scholarships to students in the information assurance and computer security fields.
2) The Capacity Building Track provides funds to colleges and universities to improve the quality and increase the production of information assurance and computer security professionals. Professional development of information assurance faculty and development of academic programs can be funded under this track.

Estimated Number of Awards is 13 to 16 consisting of 3 - 4 Scholarship Track awards and 10 - 12 Capacity Building Track awards. Anticipated Funding Amount is $5,700,000 in FY 2008, pending availability of funds, for new awards under this program solicitation. Scholarship awards are usually funded as continuing grants over a four-year period.

SFS Website: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08522/nsf08522.htm

Most recent internal deadline: February 4, 2008.

Most recent external deadline: March 20, 2008.

National Science Foundation - Geoscience Teacher Training (GEO-Teach) Program

The National Science Foundation is accepting applications for the Geoscience Teacher Training (GEO-Teach) program which supports projects designed to improve the quality of geoscience instruction, primarily at middle and high school levels. GEO-Teach projects should emphasize the importance of an Earth system science approach in geoscience education and should promote the integration of content drawn from atmospheric science, Earth science and ocean science disciplines. Project teams, consisting of the principal investigator, co-investigators, and any other senior personnel, must include representatives of the geoscience research community and the geoscience education community (including secondary school teachers). Successful proposers will be required to develop, in consultation with NSF, a list of agreed-upon deliverables and a schedule for realizing those deliverables. NSF anticipates making one to three awards with a duration of five years each. The complete guidelines and details can be accessed at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2006/nsf06526/nsf06526.htm.

Most recent internal deadline: February 8, 2006.

Most recent external deadline: April 17, 2006.

National Science Foundation - Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 Education (GK-12)

This program provides funding for graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to bring their leading research practice and findings into K-12 learning settings. Through collaborations with other graduate fellows and faculty from STEM disciplines, teachers and students in K-12 environments, and community partners, graduate students can gain a deeper understanding of their own research and place it within a societal and global context. The GK-12 program provides an opportunity for graduate students to acquire value-added skills, such as communicating STEM subjects to technical and non-technical audiences, leadership, team building, and teaching while enriching STEM learning and instruction in K-12 settings.

NSF anticipates making 20-25 new awards, depending upon the quality of proposals and availability of funds, with new projects funded up to $600,000 per year for 5 years.

Eligibility criteria:

• The lead Principal Investigator (PI) must be a STEM discipline faculty member actively conducting STEM research at the lead institution. Faculty memberswhose primary research is on science education (e.g. physics education, technology education, mathematics education, engineering education, etc.) are not eligible to serve as the lead PI.
• Institutions having an active or past GK-12 project are eligible to submit a new proposal, but they must coordinate evaluation efforts of any projects located on the same campus or working with the same school districts. They must also specify the outcomes, lessons learned, best practices, and sustainability efforts of prior projects. Renewal proposals will not be accepted. (UK currently has a GK 12 in mathematics (David Leep, PI; project period 3/01/06-2/28/10).

Program details can be found at:

http://nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503369

Most recent internal deadline: April 23, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: June 29, 2009.

National Science Foundation - High Performance Computing System Acquisition: Towards a Petascale Computing Environment for Science and Engineering

NSF’s five-year goal for high performance computing (HPC) is to enable petascale science and engineering through the deployment and support of a world-class HPC environment comprising the most capable combination of HPC assets available to the academic community. By the year 2010, the petascale HPC environment will enable investigations of computationally challenging problems that require computing systems capable of delivering sustained performance approaching 1015 floating point operations per second (petaflops) on real applications, that consume large amounts of memory, and/or that work with very large data sets. Among other things, researchers will be able to perform simulations that are intrinsically multi-scale or that involve the simultaneous interaction of multiple processes.

For the November 2008 deadline, NSF is interested in receiving proposals for the following types of systems. Anticipated duration and maximum funding levels are indicated in parentheses.

• A data-intensive, high-performance computing system. (Up to 4 years. Up to $10,000,000 in acquisition costs and up to $3,000,000 per year, after acceptance, for operations and maintenance, including user support.)
• An experimental high-performance computing system of innovative design. (Up to 5 years. Up to $12,000,000 in total budget to include development and/or acquisition, operations and maintenance, including user support. First-year budget not to exceed $4,000,000.)
• An experimental, high-performance grid test-bed. (Up to 4 years. Up to $4,000,000 in initial acquisition costs in the first year and up to $2,000,000 per year in subsequent years.)
• A pool of loosely coupled grid-computing resources. (Up to 4 years. Up to $2,000,000 per year as a contribution toward the costs of operations and maintenance, including user support.)

Organizational Limit: An organization may submit only one proposal but may be a sub-awardee on other proposals responding to this solicitation.

See the complete program solicitation for additional details:  http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08573/nsf08573.htm?govDel=USNSF_25

Most recent internal deadline: September 26, 2008.

Most recent external deadline: November 28, 2008.

National Science Foundation - Improvements to Biological Research Collections (BRC) Program

The NSF BRC program is encouraging collaborative proposals to network collections on regional and continental scales, especially collaborations that bring large and small collections together into networks. The BRC program also provides for enhancements to existing collections to improve collections, computerize specimen-related data, develop better methods of specimen curation and collection management through activities such as symposia and workshops.

Biological collections supported include those housing natural history specimens and jointly curated collections such as preserved tissues and other physical samples, e.g. DNA libraries and digital images. Such collections provide the materials necessary for research across broad areas of biological sciences.

Anticipated Funding Amount: Up to $500,000 total for individual awards of 1 to 3 years; up to $2,000,000 total for collaborative awards of 1 to 5 years.

See the complete Program Solicitation for additional information:  http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsf09548/nsf09548.htm

Because NSF limits an institution to one proposal, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Researchers interested in submitting a proposal are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Wednesday, June 24, 2009:

• The names and departments of the Principal Investigator (PI), project personnel and collaborators;
• A project description (1-2 p. max.) to include a description of the collection outlining its scientific value, the urgency of the request, educational and outreach activities and a management plan

A committee will be convened to review the proposals and make a recommendation as to UK’s applicant. The Office of the Vice President for Research will notify all applicants of the outcome in time for the selected researcher to submit a full proposal to NSF via FastLane for the July 24, 2009 deadline.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

National Science Foundation - Informal Science Education (ISE) Program

The National Science Foundation’s Informal Science Education (ISE) program encourages informal learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through the support of public exhibitions, media projects, and educational programs.  Funds are available for:  Project Grants ($100,000 - $3 million); Planning Grants ($75,000); and Conferences, Symposia, and Workshops ($50,000 - $250,000).  NSF requires a preliminary proposal for a Project Grant and limits an institution to no more than three preliminary proposals.  The sponsor also limits an institution to a total of three proposals for Planning Grants and/or Conference, Symposia, and Workshop Grants. 

Most recent internal deadline: March 6, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: March 12, 2009.

National Science Foundation - Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) 2009

The ITEST program responds to current concerns and projections about the growing demand for professionals and information technology workers in the U.S. and seeks solutions to help ensure the breadth and depth of the STEM workforce.

This program supports four types of projects with no institutional limit – a fifth type, Innovation through Institutional Integration or I cubed (I3), does require internal coordination (see details below).

Research projects enrich the understanding of issues related to enlarging the STEM workforce. Research projects may conduct efficacy and effectiveness studies of intervention models, conduct longitudinal studies of efforts to engage students in the STEM areas, develop instruments to assess engagement, persistence, and other relevant constructs of student motivation, or conduct studies to identify predictors of student inclination to pursue STEM career trajectories. The program is especially interested in projects that target students from groups that are underserved and underrepresented in STEMand ICT-intensive careers, including those residing in rural and economically disadvantaged communities.

Strategies projects design, implement, and evaluate models for classroom, after-school, summer, virtual, and/or year-round learning experiences for students and/or teachers. The strategies are intended to encourage students’ readiness for, and their interest and participation in, the STEM workforce of the future. Strategies project proposals must describe the anticipated contribution to the research knowledge base about STEM career preparation in addition to immediate impacts on participants.

Scale-up projects implement and test models to prepare students for information technology or the STEM workforce of the future in a large-scale setting such as at state or national level. A scale-up project must be based on evidence of demonstrated success from an existing strategy for students or teachers.

Conferences and Workshops target STEM educators (from both the formal and informal education communities), educational researchers, and evaluators. The proposed conferences would be expected to contribute to the development of a research agenda on K-12 STEM workforce preparation and development issues, workforce participation, and cyberlearning. Conferences or workshops must be designed to bring together individuals with expertise in technology and STEM education, career development, cognitive science, sociology, anthropology, science fields, and other communities that are invested in STEM workforce careers. Evaluation approaches for innovative STEM and ICT workforce motivation, preparation, and development models are also sought

Required letter of Intent deadline: January 12, 2009
Full proposal deadline: February 20, 2009

Program Website: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5467

One track for the 2009 ITEST Program requires institutional coordination: Innovation through Institutional Integration or I cubed (I3)

Innovation through Institutional Integration or I cubed (I3) is an integrative, cross-cutting effort that enables faculty, administrators, and others in institutions to think and act strategically about the creative integration of NSF-funded awards, with particular emphasis on awards managed through programs in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), but not limited to those awards. This effort has the following interrelated goals:

• Increase synergy and collaboration across NSF-funded projects and within/between institutions, towards an educational environment where artificial boundaries are significantly reduced and the student experience is more fully integrated;
• Expand and deepen the impact of NSF-funded projects and enhance their sustainability;
• Provide additional avenues to broaden participation through workforce development, especially for those underrepresented in STEM research and education; attend to seamless transitions across critical educational junctures; and/or provide more effectively for a globally engaged workforce;
• Promote innovative programming, policies, and practices to encourage the integration of STEM research and education; and
• Encourage STEM educational or related research in domains that hold promise for promoting intra- or inter-institutional integration and broader impacts.

Proposals that facilitate either (a) inter-institutional or (b) intra-institutional efforts are encouraged. Proposals may be submitted by (a) a single institution to address intra-institutional goals only or (b) an institution acting on behalf of an institutional partnership to address inter-institutional goals.

Proposals are expected to incorporate a depth and quality of creative, coherent, and strategic actions that extend beyond commonplace approaches to normal institutional operations. Proposals may also be submitted for research on institutional integration or other closely related themes articulated in the goals above.

For additional information see the I-Cubed FAQ: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08027/nsf08027.jsp

Most recent internal deadline: January 20, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: February 24, 2009.

National Science Foundation - Instrumentation for Materials Research - Major Instrumentation Project (IMR-MIP)

The Instrumentation for Materials Research - Major Instrumentation Project (IMR-MIP) program in the Division of Materials Research provides support for the design and construction of major instruments costing more than $4 millionbutless than$20 million. The program also supports the development of detailed conceptual and engineering design for new tools for materials preparation or characterization at majoruser facilities. Such instruments may include, for example,neutron beam lines, synchrotron beam lines, and high field magnets, as well as development of detectors and preparation environments necessary to support materials research.

The program supports two types of awards: Conceptual and Engineering Design (CED) awards and Construction (CNST) awards. A CED award will enable the proposer to do the necessary engineering design of the instrument. A CNST proposal may only be submitted after a satisfactory engineering design of the instrument has been completed and has been approved by both the facility at which the instrument will be situated and by NSF. The program does not provide operating funds for projects it supports through this solicitation. Operational costs must be supported either by the facility or the institutionat which the instrument is located or through some other source. It is anticipated that up to $ 3.0 million may be available for the FY 2009 competition. CED awards will be funded through continuing or standardgrants for a total of up to about $2 million per award; up to one CNST award will be funded through a five-year cooperative agreement, for about $1 million to $4 million per year.

Program Solicitation

http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsf09547/nsf09547.htm

Internal Selection Process

Most recent internal deadline: May 21, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: June 29, 2009.

National Science Foundation - Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) 2009

The Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) program has been developed to meet the challenges of educating U.S. Ph.D. scientists and engineers who will pursue careers in research and education, with the interdisciplinary backgrounds, deep knowledge in chosen disciplines, and technical, professional, and personal skills to become, in their own careers, leaders and creative agents for change. The program is intended to catalyze a cultural change in graduate education, for students, faculty, and institutions, by establishing innovative new models for graduate education and training in a fertile environment for collaborative research that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. It is also intended to facilitate diversity in student participation and preparation, and to contribute to a world-class, broadly inclusive, and globally engaged science and engineering workforce.

NSF plans to make approximately 18 new and renewal IGERT awards from this competition as continuing grants, depending on the quality of the proposals and the availability of funds. The anticipated funding amount in FY 2010 is $10,800,000. For new projects, the first year award will be up to $400,000 and in amounts up to $600,000 for each of the next four years. For renewals, awards will be made in amounts up to $600,000 per year for five years. Projects requiring substantially lower levels of funding may also be proposed.

Deadlines

Preliminary Proposal, March 13, 2009

Full Proposal, September 14, 2009 (by NSF invitation only)

Program website: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=12759&org=NSF

Limit on Number of Proposals per PI:(Any given individual may participate as PI or co-PI in only one proposal submission. That restriction applies to preliminary proposals as well as full proposals. A PI or co-PI on one proposal may serve as a faculty participant on other proposals.

Most recent internal deadline: January 30, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: March 13, 2009.

National Science Foundation - International Materials Institutes (IMI)

The National ScienceFoundation supports International Materials Institutes (IMIs)in order to enhance international collaboration between U.S. researchers and educators and their counterparts worldwide. These Institutes advance fundamental materials research by coordinating international research and education projects involving condensed matter and materials physics, solid state and materials chemistry, polymers, metals, ceramics, electronic materials, biomaterials and, in general, the design, synthesis, and characterization of and phenomena in materials to meet global and regional needs. The Institutes must be university-based and provide a research environment that will attract leading scientists and engineers. The Institutes' long term goalis the creationofa worldwide network in materials research and the development of a generation of scientists and engineers with enhanced international leadership capabilities.A critically importantaspect of an IMI isits potential impact on advancing materials research on an international scale and developing an internationally competitive generation of materials researchers, andthis distinguishes an IMI from other materials research centers thatNSF supports.

NSF anticipates funding between 4 and 8 awards ranging from $600,000 to $1,200,000 per year. Complete details on this program are available at http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5328&org=DMR

Limit on Number of Proposals: An organization may not be the lead organization in more than one proposal. An individual may be the Principal Investigator in only one proposal.

Most recent internal deadline: May 28, 2008.

Most recent external deadline: July 15, 2008.

National Science Foundation - International Research Network Connections (IRNC)

NSF is soliciting proposals for the International Research Network Connections (IRNC) to: provide network connections linking U.S. research networks with peer networks in other parts of the world; leverage existing international network connectivity; improve the quality of end-to-end networking on international paths; explore experimental networking; stimulate the deployment and operational understanding of emerging technologies such as IPv6 in an international context. Links funded by this program are intended to support science and engineering research and education applications, and preference will be given to solutions which provide the best economy of scale and demonstrate the ability to support the largest communities of interest with the broadest services. Funded projects will assist the U.S. research and education community by enabling state-of-the-art international network services and access to increased collaboration and data services. Through extended international network connections, additional research and production network services will be enabled, complementing those currently offered or planned by domestic research networks.

This program supports international research network connections across three areas: Production network environments (IRNC:ProNet); Experimental networking activities in support of cyber-science applications (IRNC:Exp); and special projects including advanced network development, deployment, security, monitoring, and other approaches (IRNC:SP).

Program Solicitation: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsf09564/nsf09564.htm

Anticipated Funding Amount: NSF expects to make approximately 5 IRNC:ProNet awards, each at approximately $1M/year for 5 years, and a total of 5 to 10 awards for IRNC:Exp and IRNC:SP funded at a level of $250K to $750K per year over 2-3 years.

Because NSF limits an institution to 3 IRNC:ProNet proposals (IRNC:Exp and IRNC:SP are not limited), the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Researchers interested in submitting a IRNC:ProNet proposal are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, July 13, 2009:

• Title of project
• The names and departments of the Principal Investigator (PI), project personnel and international collaborators/institutions
• A project description (maximum 2 – 3 pages) outlining experience and qualifications, description of proposed system design including technical and management details
• Budget/timeline

A committee will be convened to review the proposals and make a recommendation as to which should be submitted. All applicants will be notified of the outcome. Full proposals are due to NSF via FastLane by August 21, 2009.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

Note: UK currently holds an active LSAMP alliance until October 2011

National Science Foundation - LSAMP Bridge to the Doctorate

This program is aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of students successfully completing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) baccalaureate degree programs, and increasing the number of students interested in, academically qualified for and matriculated into programs of graduate study. LSAMP supports sustained and comprehensive approaches that facilitate achievement of the long-term goal of increasing the number of students who earn doctorates in STEM fields, particularly those from populations underrepresented in STEM fields. The program goals are accomplished through the formation of alliances. Phase I awards place emphasis on aggregate baccalaureate production. Phase II awards augment the Phase I emphasis with attention to individual student retention and progression to baccalaureate degrees. Phase III awards augment the Phase I and Phase II with attention to aggregate student progression to graduate school entry.

For more information see: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5477.

National Science Foundation - Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI)

The NSF Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI) serves to increase access to shared scientific and engineering instruments for research and research training in our Nation's institutions of higher education, museums and science centers, and non-profit organizations. This program especially seeks to improve the quality and expand the scope of research and research training in science and engineering, by providing shared instrumentation that fosters the integration of research and education in research-intensive learning environments. Development and acquisition of research instrumentation for shared inter- and/or intra-organization use is encouraged, as are development efforts that leverage the strengths of private sector partners as appropriate for the goals of the MRI Program.

The MRI program now accepts proposals requesting over $2 million in NSF support (to the maximum request of $4 million) for the acquisition of a single instrument. For proposals requesting $2 million or less, investigators may seek support for instrument development or for acquisition of a single instrument, a large system of instruments, or multiple instruments that share a common or specific research focus.

Program Announcement: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsf09502/nsf09502.htm

Cost Sharing: Ph.D. granting institutions of higher education and non-degree granting organizations continue to be required to provide 30 percent cost-sharing. Effective FY 2009, cost-sharing for both acquisition and development proposals will be calculated based on the total proposal project costs.

The Vice President for Research supports applications to the NSF MRI program and will provide the required 30% match and the institutional letter documenting it.

Because NSF limits an institution to no more than two acquisition proposals and one development proposal, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Researchers interested in submitting a proposal are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Wednesday, December 2, 2009:

• Description of the Research Instrumentation and indicate if the proposal is for Instrument acquisition or Instrument development; note that if UK submits or is included as a partner or subawardee on three proposals, at least one of these proposals must be for instrument development.
• PI name and department and names and departments of other researchers involved;
• A two-page description of the research/research training to be conducted and why the equipment is important to this research;
• A budget – itemize total instrument cost, anticipated recurring costs (such as maintenance, operating cost and technical support for the life of the equipment), anticipated renovation costs for site if appropriate, and cost-sharing from all sources. Include in the budget justification a description of the match required. The priority for institutional cost-sharing will be to supply operations funds for personnel, supplies, or other eligible support costs, which must be directly allocable to the instrument and be expended during the award period. Matches are welcome from other sources, such as personnel time. Priority will be given to proposals for multi-user instruments with a clear plan for extended maintenance and usage and to those that intend to place such instruments in supported core facilities operating as recharge centers.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663.)

A committee will be convened to review the material and make recommendations as to the University’s submissions. All applicants will be notified in time to submit the proposal by the January 28, 2010 deadline.

National Science Foundation - Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs)

Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs) support interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary materials research and education of the highest quality while addressing fundamental problems in science and engineering.  MRSECs require outstanding research quality, intellectual breadth, interdisciplinarity, flexibility in responding to new research opportunities, support for research infrastructure, and they foster the integration of research and education in the materials field.  They are expected to have strong links to industry and other sectors, as appropriate, and to contribute to the development of a national network of university-based centers in materials research.  MRSECs address fundamental materials research topics of intellectual and technological importance, contribute to national priorities by promoting active collaboration between academia and other sectors, and enable researchers to address problems of a scope and complexity requiring the advantages of scale and interdisciplinarity provided by a campus-based research center

Individual MRSEC awards are expected to range in size from about $1.0 million/year to a maximum of $5.0 million/year. The average award of currently funded MRSECs is about $1.9 million/year. Awards will be made for an initial duration of up to six years contingent upon successful progress.

Webpage for full announcement:
http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf07563

Most recent internal deadline: June 27, 2007.

Most recent external deadline: September 5, 2007.

National Science Foundation - Math and Science Partnership (MSP) Program 2009

The Math and Science Partnership (MSP) program is a major research and development effort that supports innovative partnerships to improve K-12 student achievement in mathematics and science. MSP projects are expected to raise the achievement levels of all students and significantly reduce achievement gaps in the mathematics and science performance of diverse student populations. In order to improve the mathematics and science achievement of the Nation's students, MSP projects contribute to what is known in mathematics and science education and serve as models that have a sufficiently strong evidence/research base to improve the mathematics and science education outcomes for all students. NSF's MSP program coordinates its effort with the Mathematics and Science Partnerships program of the U.S. Department of Education in the expectation that effective innovations in mathematics and science education will be disseminated into wider practice. The two programs are significant components of the America COMPETES Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-69).

Because UK’s Appalachian Math Science Partnership is applying for a Phase II partnership, UK will not hold an internal competition for the Targeted, Institute, Phase II or Start Programs

Research, Evaluation and Technical Assistance (RETA) projects directly support the work of the Partnerships by conducting methodologically rigorous studies of the impacts of MSP activities on student or teacher learning. Longitudinal and cross-site studies are particularly encouraged as are those that test innovative methodologies.

(There is no limit to the number of proposals that can be submitted to the RETA program – deadline February 17, 2009.)

Program Website: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsf09507/nsf09507.htm

Innovation through Institutional Integration or I cubed (I3) is an integrative, cross-cutting effort that enables faculty, administrators, and others in institutions to think and act strategically about the creative integration of NSF-funded awards, with particular emphasis on awards managed through programs in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), but not limited to those awards. This effort has the following interrelated goals:

• Increase synergy and collaboration across NSF-funded projects and within/between institutions, towards an educational environment where artificial boundaries are significantly reduced and the student experience is more fully integrated;
• Expand and deepen the impact of NSF-funded projects and enhance their sustainability;
• Provide additional avenues to broaden participation through workforce development, especially for those underrepresented in STEM research and education; attend to seamless transitions across critical educational junctures; and/or provide more effectively for a globally engaged workforce;
• Promote innovative programming, policies, and practices to encourage the integration of STEM research and education; and
• Encourage STEM educational or related research in domains that hold promise for promoting intra- or inter-institutional integration and broader impacts.

Proposals that facilitate either (a) inter-institutional or (b) intra-institutional efforts are encouraged. Proposals may be submitted by (a) a single institution to address intra-institutional goals only or (b) an institution acting on behalf of an institutional partnership to address inter-institutional goals.

Proposals are expected to incorporate a depth and quality of creative, coherent, and strategic actions that extend beyond commonplace approaches to normal institutional operations. Proposals may also be submitted for research on institutional integration or other closely related themes articulated in the goals above.

For additional information see the I-Cubed FAQ: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08027/nsf08027.jsp

Most recent internal deadline: January 20, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: February 24, 2009.

National Science Foundation: Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education (NUE)

This solicitation aims at introducing nanoscale science, engineering, and technology through a variety of interdisciplinary approaches into undergraduate engineering education.  The focus of this year's competition is on nanoscale engineering education with relevance to devices and systems and/or on the societal, ethical, economic and/or environmental issues relevant to nanotechnology.

NSF anticipates funding 10 awards with a maximum amount of $200,000 for two years. Complete details on this program are available at:

http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsf09533/nsf09533.html?govDel=USNSF_25

Limit on Number of Proposals: Only one (1) proposal may be submitted by a U.S. academic institution, College/Department of Engineering or College/Department of Engineering Technology as the lead institution with the following exception: A U.S. academic institution may submit a second proposal as the lead institution, only if it is focused on the societal, ethical, economic and/or environmental issues relevant to nanotechnology.

Most recent internal deadline: March 25, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: April 29, 2009.

National Science Foundation - Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences (OEDG)

The primary goal of the OEDG Program is to increase participation in the geosciences by African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans (American Indians and Alaskan Natives), Native Pacific Islanders (Polynesians or Micronesians), and persons with disabilities. A secondary goal of the program is to increase the perceived relevance of the geosciences among broad and diverse segments of the population. The OEDG Program supports activities that will increase the number of members of underrepresented groups who:

• Are involved in formal pre-college geoscience education programs;
• Pursue bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees in the geosciences;
• Enter geoscience careers; and
• Participate in informal geoscience education programs.

The OEDG Program offers three funding Tracks:

• OEDG Planning Grants- This new Track supports planning workshops, conferences, symposia and related short-term activities that facilitate either: 1) development of new strategic plans to implement systemic, community-wide programs to broaden participation in the geosciences; or, 2) development of new partnerships or collaborations between multiple institutions seeking to establish sustainable projects that address the goals of the OEDG program.
• Track 1: Proof-of-Concept Projects- Track 1 projects include activities that will occur only one time, as well as those that are intended as the testing phase of an anticipated long-term Full-Scale Project.
• Track 2: Full-Scale Projects- This Track supports longer-term activities that will identify and promote pathways to geoscience careers among members of underrepresented groups. It is expected that Track 2 proposals will establish programs that are sustainable without additional OEDG funding. Prior Track 1 OEDG funding is not a pre-requisite for submitting a Track 2 proposal.

Networking Options:

NSF currently supports several effective networks that have effectively contributed to the success of underrepresented minority students in STEM disciplines. Support at the baccalaureate level is through the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program, which emphasizes development of broad based regional and national alliances of two- and four-year degree-granting higher education institutions, school districts, state and local governments, and the private sector. Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) further the graduate education of underrepresented students through the doctorate level, preparing them for fulfilling opportunities and productive careers as STEM faculty and research professionals.

Many successful LSAMP and AGEP alliances do not currently include geoscience-related activities in their portfolio or engage faculty and advanced students from geoscience-focused departments. Track 2 OEDG proposals that describe activities which coordinate with and introduce or enhance the geosciences components of existing LSAMP and AGEP networks are strongly encouraged, but not required. Track 2 proposals from institutions that participate in LSAMP or AGEP alliances, but do not include those alliances as collaborators on the OEDG project, are REQUIRED to describe how the OEDG project activities will align with, or complement, activities of the existing LSAMP or AGEP alliances. In all cases, the partnership with such networks must be highly collaborative and evidence of this partnership should be documented through Letters of Commitment.

Submission Limitations:

• Institutions are allowed to submit more than one Track 1 proposal.
• Institutions may submit only one Track 2 proposal as either the Lead Institution of a Collaborative Proposal or the sole submitting organization. Institutions may participate as a non-Lead Institution for additional Collaborative Proposals submitted to Track 2.
• Institutions may obtain funding for only one Planning Grant proposal over the lifetime of this solicitation (FY 2009 and 2010).

Program details can be found at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08605/nsf08605.htm

Most recent internal deadline: October 27, 2008.

Most recent external deadline: December 11, 2008.

National Science Foundation - Partnerships for Innovation (PFI)

***UK currently has only one eligible applicant.***

Deadline: December 31st, Annually

The goals of the Partnerships for Innovation Program are to: 1) stimulate the transformation of knowledge created by the research and education enterprise into innovations that create new wealth; build strong local, regional and national economies; and improve the national well-being; 2) broaden the participation of all types of academic institutions and all citizens in activities to meet the diverse workforce needs of the national innovation enterprise; and 3) catalyze or enhance enabling infrastructure that is necessary to foster and sustain innovation in the long-term. To develop a set of ideas for pursuing these goals, this competition will support 12-15 promising partnerships among academe, the private sector, and state/local/ federal government that will explore new approaches to support and sustain innovation.

Program details can be found at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08583/nsf08583.txt.

PI Eligibility and institutional limit: NSF guidelines require that a senior institutional administrator (dean or higher) at the lead institution serve as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator. An institution may only submit only one proposal as the lead institution, and participate in no more than two proposals.

Most recent external deadline: December 31, 2008.

National Science Foundation - Partnerships for International Research and Education (PIRE)

Limited Submission - NSF Partnerships for International Research and Education (PIRE)

The Partnerships for International Research and Education (PIRE) program seeks to catalyze a higher level of international engagement in the U.S. science and engineering community by supporting innovative, international research and education collaborations. The program will enable U.S. scientists and engineers to establish collaborative relationships with international colleagues in order to advance new knowledge and discoveries at the frontiers of science and engineering and to promote the development of a diverse, globally-engaged U.S. scientific and engineering workforce. The PIRE program will support bold, forward-looking research whose successful outcome results from all partners—U.S. and foreign—providing unique contributions to the research endeavor. It is also intended to facilitate greater student preparation for and participation in international research collaboration, and to contribute to the development of a diverse, globally-engaged U.S. science and engineering workforce. The program aims to support partnerships that will strengthen the capacity of institutions, multi-institutional consortia, and networks to engage in and benefit from international research and education collaborations.

Details on this solicitation, previous recipients, and a webcast video and transcript are available at the following websites:  http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsf09505/nsf09505.htm and http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=12819

Most recent internal deadline January 15, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: February 26, 2009. 

National Science Foundation - Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC)

The Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC) program supports university-based centers and institutes where the collective efforts of a larger group of individuals can enable transformational advances in the most promising research areas. The program is designed to foster major breakthroughs at the intellectual frontiers of physics by providing needed resources such as combinations of talents, skills, disciplines, and/or specialized infrastructure, not usually available to individual investigators or small groups, in an environment in which the collective efforts of the larger group can be shown to be seminal to promoting significant progress in the science and the education of students. Activities supported through the program are in all sub-fields of physics within the purview of the Division of Physics: atomic, molecular, optical, plasma, elementary particle, nuclear, astro-, gravitational, and biological physics. Interdisciplinary projects at the interface between these physics areas and other disciplines and physics sub-fields, e.g. biology, quantum information science, mathematical physics, condensed matter physics, and emerging areas of physics are also included. The successful PFC activity will demonstrate: (1) the potential for a profound advance in physics; (2) creative, substantive activities aimed at enhancing education, diversity, and public outreach; (3) potential for broader impacts, e.g., impacts on other field(s) and benefits to society; (4) a synergy or value-added rationale that justifies a center- or institute-like approach.

Estimated Number of Awards: 5 to 7
Anticipated Funding Amount: $10,000,000 to$13,000,000
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5305

Most recent internal deadline: July 18, 2007.

Most recent external deadline: August 29, 2007.

National Science Foundation - Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM)

The NSF Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) Program seeks to identify outstanding mentoring efforts that enhance the participation of groups (i.e., women, minorities, and persons with disabilities) that are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The awardees serve as leaders in the national effort to develop fully the Nation's human resources in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The proposed nominee must be a U.S. citizen; must have affiliation with an organization eligible to be an NSF awardee; must not be a Federal government employee; must have demonstrated outstanding and sustained mentoring and effective guidance to a significant number of underrepresented students at the K-12, undergraduate, or graduate education levels for at least five years.

Guidelines and abstracts of recent awards through the PAESMEM program are available at:  http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5473

Most recent internal deadline: February 11, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: March 3, 2009.

National Science Foundation - Recovery and Reinvestment Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI-R2)

The NSF Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI) serves to increase access to shared scientific and engineering instruments for research and research training in our Nation's institutions of higher education, museums and science centers, and not-for-profit organizations. This program especially seeks to improve the quality and expand the scope of research and research training in science and engineering, by providing shared instrumentation that fosters the integration of research and education in research-intensive learning environments. Development and acquisition of research instrumentation for shared inter- and/or intra-organization use are encouraged, as are development efforts that leverage the strengths of private sector partners to build instrument development capacity at academic institutions.

To accomplish these goals, the MRI program assists with the acquisition or development of shared research instrumentation that is, in general, too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs. For the purposes of the MRI Program, proposals must be for either acquisition or development. Instruments are expected to be operational for regular research use by the end of the award period. A key recommendation of a 2006 National Academies report on “Advanced Research Instrumentation and Facilities” (ARIF) was that the NSF should expand the MRI program so that it includes “mid-scale” instrumentation whose capital costs are greater than $2 million, but with costs that are not appropriate for NSF’s Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction account.

 As a result of the enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, NSF is holding a competition that is separate from the regular MRI competition. For this MRI-R2 competition only, proposals will be accepted for instrument development or for acquisition of a single instrument or a system of related instruments that share a common or specific research focus in the range $100,000 - $6 million from Ph.D.-granting institutions of higher education and non-degree-granting organizations; up to $6 million (there is no minimum request) from non-Ph.D.-granting institutions of higher education or the disciplines of mathematical sciences or social, behavioral, and economic sciences at any eligible organization.

Proposals that wholly or substantially duplicate MRI proposalsthat were submitted under NSF 09-502, and were accepted for review, will not be accepted for this MRI-R2 competition.

Link to Program Page and Solicitation:

NSF 09-561 - http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5260

Cost Sharing: The University of Kentucky is required to provide 30 percent cost-sharing. (Effective FY 2009, cost-sharing for both acquisition and development proposals will be calculated based on the total proposal project costs.) The Vice President for Research will provide the required 30% match and the institutional letter documenting it.

Institutional Limits: To promote instrumentation development, the MRI-R2competition requires that if an organization submits or is included as a significantly funded2 subawardee/subcontractor in three MRI-R2 proposals, at least one of the three proposals must be for instrument development.

Most recent internal deadline: June 8, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: August 10, 2009.

National Science Foundation - NSF Research in Disabilities Education (RDE) 2009

The Research in Disabilities Education (RDE) program seeks to broaden the participation and achievement of people with disabilities in all fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and associated professional careers. The RDE program has been funding this objective since 1994 under the prior name "Program for Persons with Disabilities." Particular emphasis is placed on contributing to the knowledge base by addressing disability related differences in secondary and post-secondary STEM learning and in the educational, social and pre-professional experiences that influence student interest, academic performance, retention in STEM degree programs, STEM degree completion, and career choices. Projects also investigate effective practices for transitioning students with disabilities across critical academic junctures, retaining students in undergraduate and graduate STEM degree programs, and graduating students with STEM associate, baccalaureate and graduate degrees. Research project results inform the delivery of innovative, transformative and successful practices employed by the Alliances for Students with Disabilities in STEM to increase the number of students with disabilities completing associate, undergraduate and graduate degrees in STEM and to increase the number of students with disabilities entering our nation's science and engineering workforce. RDE projects contribute to closing the gaps occurring for people with disabilities in STEM fields by successfully disseminating findings, project evaluation results, and proven good practices and products to the public.

Program Website: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5482

This program has one track with an institutional limit: Innovation through Institutional Integration or I cubed (I3).

Innovation through Institutional Integration or I cubed (I3) is an integrative, cross-cutting effort that enables faculty, administrators, and others in institutions to think and act strategically about the creative integration of NSF-funded awards, with particular emphasis on awards managed through programs in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), but not limited to those awards. This effort has the following interrelated goals:

• Increase synergy and collaboration across NSF-funded projects and within/between institutions, towards an educational environment where artificial boundaries are significantly reduced and the student experience is more fully integrated;
• Expand and deepen the impact of NSF-funded projects and enhance their sustainability;
• Provide additional avenues to broaden participation through workforce development, especially for those underrepresented in STEM research and education; attend to seamless transitions across critical educational junctures; and/or provide more effectively for a globally engaged workforce;
• Promote innovative programming, policies, and practices to encourage the integration of STEM research and education; and
• Encourage STEM educational or related research in domains that hold promise for promoting intra- or inter-institutional integration and broader impacts.

Proposals that facilitate either (a) inter-institutional or (b) intra-institutional efforts are encouraged. Proposals may be submitted by (a) a single institution to address intra-institutional goals only or (b) an institution acting on behalf of an institutional partnership to address inter-institutional goals.

Proposals are expected to incorporate a depth and quality of creative, coherent, and strategic actions that extend beyond commonplace approaches to normal institutional operations. Proposals may also be submitted for research on institutional integration or other closely related themes articulated in the goals above.

For additional information see the I-Cubed FAQ: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08027/nsf08027.jsp

Most recent internal deadline: January 20, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: February 24, 2009.

National Science Foundation - Research Experiences for Teachers (RET)

The NSF Directorate for Engineering (ENG), Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering program supports the active involvement of K-12 teachers and community college faculty in engineering research in order to bring knowledge of engineering and technological innovation into their classrooms. The goal is to help build long-term collaborative partnerships between K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers, community college faculty, and the NSF university research community by involving the teachers in engineering research and helping them translate their research experiences and new knowledge of engineering into classroom activities. Partnerships with inner city schools or other high need schools are especially encouraged, as is participation by underrepresented minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.

This announcement features two mechanisms for support of in-service and pre-service K-12 teachers and/or community college faculty: RET supplements to ongoing ENG awards and new RET Site awards. RET supplements may be included in proposals for new or renewed NSF Directorate for Engineering (ENG) grants or as supplements to ongoing NSF ENG funded projects. RET Sites are based on independent proposals from engineering departments, schools or colleges to initiate and conduct research participation projects for a number of K-12 teachers and/or community college faculty.

For more information see: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5736

NSF Deadline: November 16, 2009.

PI Limit: The principal investigator of an ENG RET Site proposal must have a faculty appointment within a College/Department of Engineering or a College/Department of Engineering Technology within the submitting U.S. academic institution.

Limit on Number of Proposals per PI:1

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization:2 Two RET Site proposals may be submitted by a U.S. academic institution, College/Department of Engineering or College/Department of Engineering Technology as the lead institution.

UK College of Engineering faculty interested in this program should contact Eric Grulke, ADR, for internal deadlines and application procedures.

National Science Foundation - Research on Gender in Science and Engineering Program 2009

The Research on Gender in Science and Engineering program supports efforts to understand and address gender-based differences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and workforce participation through research, the diffusion of research-based innovations, and extension services in education that will lead to a larger and more diverse domestic science and engineering workforce. Typical projects will contribute to the knowledge base addressing gender-related differences in learning and in the educational experiences that affect student interest, performance, and choice of careers; how pedagogical approaches and teaching styles, curriculum, student services, and institutional culture contribute to causing or closing gender gaps that persist in certain fields. Projects will communicate and apply findings, evaluation results, and proven good practices and products to a wider community.

This program has one track with an institutional limit: Innovation through Institutional Integration or I cubed (I3).

Although there is no institutional limit on Research and Extension Services proposals, they do require a Letter of Intent which is due in early February, 2009. See program guidelines for details.

Program Website: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5475

Innovation through Institutional Integration or I cubed (I3) is an integrative, cross-cutting effort that enables faculty, administrators, and others in institutions to think and act strategically about the creative integration of NSF-funded awards, with particular emphasis on awards managed through programs in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), but not limited to those awards. This effort has the following interrelated goals:

• Increase synergy and collaboration across NSF-funded projects and within/between institutions, towards an educational environment where artificial boundaries are significantly reduced and the student experience is more fully integrated;
• Expand and deepen the impact of NSF-funded projects and enhance their sustainability;
• Provide additional avenues to broaden participation through workforce development, especially for those underrepresented in STEM research and education; attend to seamless transitions across critical educational junctures; and/or provide more effectively for a globally engaged workforce;
• Promote innovative programming, policies, and practices to encourage the integration of STEM research and education; and
• Encourage STEM educational or related research in domains that hold promise for promoting intra- or inter-institutional integration and broader impacts.

Proposals that facilitate either (a) inter-institutional or (b) intra-institutional efforts are encouraged. Proposals may be submitted by (a) a single institution to address intra-institutional goals only or (b) an institution acting on behalf of an institutional partnership to address inter-institutional goals.

Proposals are expected to incorporate a depth and quality of creative, coherent, and strategic actions that extend beyond commonplace approaches to normal institutional operations. Proposals may also be submitted for research on institutional integration or other closely related themes articulated in the goals above.

For additional information see the I-Cubed FAQ: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08027/nsf08027.jsp

Most recent internal deadline: January 20, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: February 24, 2009.

National Science Foundation - Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program 2009

The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program seeks to encourage talented science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors and professionals to become K-12 mathematics and science teachers. The program provides funds to institutions of higher education to support scholarships, stipends, and academic programs for undergraduate STEM majors and post-baccalaureate students holding STEM degrees who commit to teaching in high-need K-12 school districts. A new component of the program supports STEM professionals who enroll as NSF Teaching Fellows in master's degree programs leading to teacher certification by providing academic courses, professional development, and salary supplements while they are fulfilling a four-year teaching commitment in a high need school district. This new component also supports the development of NSF Master Teaching Fellows by providing professional development and salary supplements for exemplary math and science teachers to become Master Teachers in high need school districts.

Because the University of Kentucky already has a funded Noyce Teacher Scholarship award, this notification is for the Innovation through Institutional Integration or I cubed (I3) track only.

Program Website: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5733

Innovation through Institutional Integration or I cubed (I3) is an integrative, cross-cutting effort that enables faculty, administrators, and others in institutions to think and act strategically about the creative integration of NSF-funded awards, with particular emphasis on awards managed through programs in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), but not limited to those awards. This effort has the following interrelated goals:

• Increase synergy and collaboration across NSF-funded projects and within/between institutions, towards an educational environment where artificial boundaries are significantly reduced and the student experience is more fully integrated;
• Expand and deepen the impact of NSF-funded projects and enhance their sustainability;
• Provide additional avenues to broaden participation through workforce development, especially for those underrepresented in STEM research and education; attend to seamless transitions across critical educational junctures; and/or provide more effectively for a globally engaged workforce;
• Promote innovative programming, policies, and practices to encourage the integration of STEM research and education; and
• Encourage STEM educational or related research in domains that hold promise for promoting intra- or inter-institutional integration and broader impacts.

Proposals that facilitate either (a) inter-institutional or (b) intra-institutional efforts are encouraged. Proposals may be submitted by (a) a single institution to address intra-institutional goals only or (b) an institution acting on behalf of an institutional partnership to address inter-institutional goals.

Proposals are expected to incorporate a depth and quality of creative, coherent, and strategic actions that extend beyond commonplace approaches to normal institutional operations. Proposals may also be submitted for research on institutional integration or other closely related themes articulated in the goals above.

For additional information see the I-Cubed FAQ: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08027/nsf08027.jsp

Most recent internal deadline: January 20, 2009.

Most recent external deadline: February 24, 2009.

National Science Foundation - Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM)

The NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program provides institutions with funds for student scholarships to encourage and enable academically talented but financially needy students to enter the workforce following completion of an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree in fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The program was established by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in accordance with the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-277) as modified by P.L. 106-313 and P.L.108-447 in 2004. The Act reflects the national need to increase substantially the number of American scientists and engineers.

Link to Solicitation: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsf09567/nsf09567.htm?govDel=USNSF_25

Anticipated Funding Amount: Awards are normally not expected to exceed $600,000 in total. Annual budgets are limited to $225,000. The award duration may be up to five years within the annual and overall budget limits.

PI Limit: The Principal Investigator must be a faculty member currently teaching in one of the S-STEM disciplines who can provide the leadership required to ensure the success of the project. Projects involving more than one department within an institution are eligible, but a single Principal Investigator must accept overall management responsibility. Other members of the S-STEM project management team may be listed as Co-Principal Investigators.

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: An Institution may submit one proposal from each constituent school or college that awards degrees in an eligible field. Interested faculty should contact their Associate Dean for Research for information on internal procedures and deadlines.

The NSF deadlines are August 11, 2009 for an optional letter of intent and September 14, 2009 for the complete proposal.

National Science Foundation - Science Master's Program

The NSF Science Master's Program prepares graduate students for careers in business, industry, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies by providing them not onlywith a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, but also with research experiences, internship experiences,and the skills to succeed in those careers. The program is intended to catalyze the creation of institution-based efforts that can be sustained without additional federal funding. This program is also intended to encourage diversity in student participation so as to contribute to a broadly inclusive, well-trained science and engineering workforce.

Estimated Number of Awards: 21 new awards, up to $700,000 per award, depending on the quality of awards

PI Eligibility: The Principal Investigator (PI) shall be a member of the STEM faculty at the lead academic institution.

Program details can be found at:

http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503428

Institutional Limit: Because NSF limits the number of proposals to one per institution, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Prospective applicants interested in responding to this program should send a pre-proposal with the following information to Ms. Kris Hobson (hobson@email.uky.edu), Office of the Provost, and a copy to their Dean by Thursday, September 17, 2009:

1. Title of the Project
2. Names and departments of the PI and project team;
3. Scientific and/or workforce areas of focus and a list of the disciplines, or interdisciplinary areas, providing the STEM foundations for the proposed project
4. Project overview (2 pages maximum): a summary of the project goals and objectives, the intellectual merit, and the broader impacts of the proposed.

A committee will be convened to review the proposals and make a recommendation. The selected applicant will be notified in time for submission of the required letter of intent to NSF by October 5, 2009 and a full proposal via FastLane by November 20, 2009 (due by 5 p.m. proposer’s local time).

National Science Foundation - Science and Technology Centers (STC): Integrative Partnerships

The NSF Science and Technology Centers (STC): Integrative Partnerships program supports innovative, potentially transformative, complex research and education projects that require large-scale, long-term awards. STCs conduct world-class research through partnerships among academic institutions, national laboratories, industrial organizations, and/or other public/private entities, and via international collaborations, as appropriate. They provide a means to undertake important investigations at the interfaces of disciplines and/or fresh approaches within disciplines. STC investments support the NSF vision of advancing discovery, innovation and education beyond the frontiers of current knowledge, and empowering future generations in science and engineering.

Summary of selected key STC features – Each STC must

• Be focused on research and education at the research frontier, and of scope and scale to demand funding through the center mechanism.

• Be directed by a science or engineering faculty member and be integrated into academic programs;
• Have an annual budget ranging from $1.5M to $5.0M of NSF support;
• Demonstrate a tangible commitment to achieving strategic goals shared by the lead and partnering institutions as demonstrated by institutional commitments;
• Establish multi-institutional collaborations or linkages with other universities/colleges, national laboratories, research museums, private sector research laboratories, state and local government organizations, and international collaborations, as appropriate;
• Include diverse teams at all organizational levels of the Center, inclusive of women and men, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities;
• Provide research and education opportunities for U.S. students, postdoctoral researchers and faculty that will result in outcomes consonant with the Center's goals. A recruitment plan for U.S. students (citizens, permanent residents, nationals) must be proposed and maintained during the life of the center.
• Include industrial, national or international internships or other career broadening experiences for faculty, postdoctoral researchers and students, appropriate to the research area;
• Facilitate knowledge transfer through significant intellectual exchange and resource linkages among various types of institutions and organizations (e.g., schools; colleges and universities such as minority-serving institutions, community colleges, EPSCoR institutions, and others; nonprofit organizations; national laboratories; industry; federal, state, and local governments), and via international collaborations, as appropriate;
• Demonstrate appropriate leadership for the Center program—each Center must have a Director with the capacity to develop and lead a diverse team to fulfill the vision of the Center. The management team must comprise dedicated full-time leaders in key positions who are responsible for Center direction, management, research, education, broadening participation, and knowledge transfer; and
• Develop, implement and formally evaluate research-based activities to meet education, diversity, and knowledge-transfer goals.

NSF limits an institution to 3 preliminary proposals as the lead organization. Full proposals are by NSF invitation only and will be due April 30, 2009. The STC program will not provide support for more than one proposed Center from any one lead institution in this competition. 

The complete program solicitation is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08580/nsf08580.htm?govDel=USNSF_25

Most recent internal deadline: August 15, 2008.

Most recent external deadline: September 30, 2008.

UK currently holds an active STEP award.

National Science Foundation - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP)

The NSF Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP) seeks to increase the number of students (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) receiving associate or baccalaureate degrees in established or emerging fields within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This program supports two categories of proposals, with different restrictions. Type 1 proposals provide full implementation efforts at academic institutions and an institution that awards baccalaureate degrees is allowed to submit only one Type 1 proposal, or to be part of only one consortium submitting a Type 1 proposal. Type 2 proposals support educational research projects on associate or baccalaureate degree attainment in STEM disciplines and NSF places no restrictions on the number of Type 2 proposals that an individual or organization may submit.

See the complete program solicitation for details and additional information: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08569/nsf08569.htm

Institutional Limits: The PI of the current award has been given priority to submit a competitive renewal; therefore, the only additional applications that may be submitted to the STEP program this year are Type 2 educational research projects for the receipt deadline of September 29, 2009.

National Science Foundation - TeraGrid Phase III: eXtreme Digital Resources for Science and Engineering (XD)

In recent years, the research community, with support from NSF, has developed the TeraGrid as a way of providing wide access to resources related to working with extremely large quantities of information. The need for such widely shared, national resources continues to grow and as the currently funded phase of TeraGrid operations approaches its close, NSF is inviting innovative proposals for a new infrastructure to deliver the next generation of high-end digital services, as national resources, that will provide researchers and educators with the capability to work with extremely large amounts of digitally represented information.

This specific solicitation (http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08571/nsf08571.htm) seeks two types of proposals.

• Integrating Services. Proposals for Integrating Services are submitted in two phases – detailed preliminary due November 4, 2008 and full proposal by invitation only due June 15, 2009.  This component has an institutional limit:  A proposing organization may submit (or be a sub-awardee on) either a proposal for a single one of the four services listed in the Integrating Services section, or a proposal for the XD Coordination and Management Service (CMS) and one or more of the other three Integrating Services:.
• XD Coordination and Management Service
• Technology Audit and Insertion Service
• Advanced User Support Service
• Training, Education and Outreach Service
• High-Performance Remote Visualization and Data Analysis Services. Proposals are requested for providers of remote visualization and data analysis services, as part of the XD infrastructure. Full proposals are due November 4, 2008.  There is no institutional limit.

Funds Available: NSF expects to offer 3-6 awards with $32M available in the first year.

See the complete program solicitation for additional details:  http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08571/nsf08571.htm

Most recent internal deadline: September 15, 2008.

Most recent external deadline: November 4, 2008.

National Science Foundation - Undergraduate Research Collaboratives (URC) Program

The National Science Foundation’s Undergraduate Research Collaboratives (URC) Program seeks new models and partnerships to (1) broaden undergraduate research opportunities in the chemical sciences and allied disciplines to include first and second year students; (2) expand collaborations across disciplines; and (3) enhance the research capacity, infrastructure, and commitment to excellence in undergraduate education in the chemical sciences and related disciplines. NSF anticipates funding 1 to 5 Undergraduate Research Collaboratives at $500,000 annually for five years plus an additional $200,000 in the first year for equipment. The complete guidelines and application information are available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2006/nsf06521/nsf06521.htm.

Most recent internal deadline: February 13, 2006.

Most recent external deadline: March 21, 2006.