Research Coordination Networks (RCN)
RCN grants support investigator groups in coordinating research and education across disciplines to foster collaboration and advance fields, excluding existing networks or primary research.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
U.S. National Science Foundation has archived this opportunity.
Funder: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Due Dates: Proposals Accepted Anytime (varies by program; consult program officers)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $7.5M to $12.5M total annually; typical awards up to $500,000 over up to 5 years, with possible exceptions
Summary: Supports investigator groups to coordinate research and education activities across disciplines and boundaries to foster new collaborations and advance fields, excluding support for existing networks or primary research.
Key Information: Mandatory prior consultation required for proposals submitted to CISE, ENG, SBE, TIP, and NSF GRANTED programs; proposals must focus on networking activities, not primary research.
Description
The Research Coordination Networks (RCN) program by the National Science Foundation aims to advance scientific fields or create new research and education directions by supporting groups of investigators to communicate and coordinate their activities across disciplinary, organizational, geographic, and international boundaries. The program encourages the formation of new collaborations, including international partnerships, and addresses interdisciplinary topics.
RCN awards do not support existing networks, established collaborations, or primary research. Instead, they fund activities that enable investigators to share information and ideas, coordinate ongoing or planned research, foster synthesis and new collaborations, develop community standards, and advance science and education through communication.
Networking activities should focus on a coherent theme such as a broad research question, a particular technology, or a unique approach to a current challenge. Proposals are encouraged to enhance geographic diversity and broaden participation, especially including underrepresented groups and institutions.
The program is open to proposals submitted to participating NSF directorates including Biological Sciences (BIO), Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), Geosciences (GEO), STEM Education (EDU), Engineering (ENG), Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE), and Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP).
