U.S. National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) Program

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Description

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Traineeship (NRT) program funds the development and implementation of innovative, evidence-based training models for STEM graduate students (master’s and doctoral) in research-based degree programs. The program aims to prepare students for a broad range of research and research-related careers, both within and outside academia, by supporting interdisciplinary or convergent research themes of national priority.

NRT projects are expected to:

• Advance cutting-edge interdisciplinary or convergent research.
• Build institutional capacity for graduate education.
• Broaden participation in STEM.
• Foster professional and technical skill development, including communication, teamwork, and ethics.

Proposals may be submitted under two tracks:

• Track 1: Open to all eligible U.S. institutions of higher education.
• Track 2: Restricted to non-R1 institutions (e.g., R2, master’s colleges/universities, and others as defined by Carnegie Classification).

Planning grants are also available to facilitate collaborative and transdisciplinary activities in anticipation of a future Track 2 proposal.

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Due Dates

• Full Proposal Deadlines:

  • November 14, 2024
  • September 8, 2025
  • September 8, annually thereafter

• Planning Grants:

  • May be submitted outside the above deadlines (contact an NRT Program Officer for approval before submission).

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Funding Amount

• Track 1: Up to $3,000,000 total for up to 5 years.
• Track 2: Up to $2,000,000 total for up to 5 years (for non-R1 institutions only).
• Track 2 Planning Grants: Up to $100,000 per year for up to 2 years.
• Estimated number of awards: 18–20 per year (12–14 Track 1, 4–6 Track 2, 3–4 planning grants).
• Minimum trainee stipend: $37,000 per year for a 12-month appointment (for NRT-stipend-funded trainees).

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Eligibility

• Eligible Applicants:
  • U.S. accredited two- and four-year institutions of higher education (including community colleges), acting on behalf of their faculty.
  • Track 1: All eligible institutions.
  • Track 2: Only non-R1 institutions (not classified as Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity).
• PI Eligibility:
  • PI must be a faculty member at the submitting institution.
• Submission Limits:
  • Maximum of 2 proposals per institution (Tracks 1 and 2 combined) per competition.
  • An individual may serve as PI or co-PI on only 1 proposal per competition.
• Trainee Eligibility:
  • NRT stipends and tuition support are limited to U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents. International students may participate as non-stipend-supported trainees.

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Application Process

• Submission Platforms:
  • Research.gov or Grants.gov
• Letters of Intent/Preliminary Proposals:
  • Not required.
• Full Proposal Requirements:
  • Project title must begin with “NRT:”
  • Project summary, project description (20-page limit), budget, and required supplementary documents (including institutional support letter and demographic data table).
  • Proposals must address both research and training elements, including plans for professional development, broadening participation, and program evaluation.
• Planning Grants:
  • Contact an NRT Program Officer with a concept outline and obtain approval before submission.

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Additional Information

• Institutional Support:
  • A letter from a senior university administrator is required, describing institutional commitment and plans for sustaining program elements post-award.
• Collaborations:
  • Strategic partnerships with industry, government, NGOs, and other academic institutions are encouraged.
  • Proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and Emerging Research Institutions are strongly encouraged.
• Program Tracks:
  • Track 1: Open to all eligible institutions.
  • Track 2: Restricted to non-R1 institutions.
  • Planning grants: For institutions eligible for Track 2.
• Stipend and Tuition:
  • Minimum $37,000/year stipend for NRT-funded trainees; at least $16,000/year for tuition and required fees per trainee.

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External Links

• NSF NRT Program Solicitation & Details
• NSF NRT Program Page
• NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)
• Carnegie Classification Information
• NSF Broadening Participation in STEM
• Apply via Grants.gov

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Contact Information

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