Synopsis.
The NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) program seeks proposals that explore ways for graduate students in research-based master’s and doctoral degree programs to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to pursue a range of STEM careers. The program is dedicated to effective training of STEM graduate students in high priority interdisciplinary or convergent research areas, through a comprehensive traineeship model that is innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with changing workforce and research needs. Proposals are requested that address any interdisciplinary or convergent research theme of national priority, as noted in the solicitation.
The NRT program addresses workforce development, emphasizing broad participation, and institutional capacity building needs in graduate education. The program encourages proposals that involve strategic collaborations with the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, national laboratories, field stations, teaching and learning centers, informal science centers, and academic partners. NRT especially welcomes proposals that include partnership with NSF Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES) and leverage INCLUDES project efforts to develop STEM talent from all sectors and groups in our society (https://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/big_ideas/includes.jsp). Collaborations between NRT proposals and existing NSF INCLUDES projects should strengthen both NRT and INCLUDES projects.
Full Solicitation. NSF 21-536 FAQs: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21053/nsf21053.jsp
Limit on Proposals. An eligible organization may participate in two proposals per competition. Participation includes serving as a lead organization or non-lead organization on any proposal. Organizations participating solely as evaluators on projects are excluded from this limitation.
Internal Applications. Interested applicants are invited to submit a 2 page concept paper addressing the elements of the Project Description (3a – 3l) listed in the solicitation.
Deadlines. Internal proposals are to be submitted by 5pm on July 21. Internal competition decisions are targeted by the end of July, 2022. Proposals are due to NSF by September 06, 2022.