EDU Core Research
The EDU Core Research program funds fundamental research to advance knowledge in STEM education, focusing on learning, broadening participation, and workforce development, with grants up to $2.5 million over 3-5 years.
Browse similar grants
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: October 12, 2021 (Full proposal) | October 6, 2022 (Full proposal) | October 1, 2026 (Closing date) | October 7, 2027 (Annual full proposal)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000, $1,500,000, or $2,500,000 for 3–5 years; $35,000,000 estimated program funding
Summary: Supports fundamental research advancing foundational knowledge of STEM learning, broadening participation, and workforce development.
Key Information: Applied research is not funded; proposals must advance general, explanatory knowledge underlying STEM education.
Description
ECR:Core is administered by NSF’s Directorate for STEM Education and supports curiosity-driven basic research and use-inspired basic research. Projects must advance or refine general, explanatory knowledge in one or more of three areas: STEM Learning and Learning Environments, Broadening Participation in STEM, and STEM Workforce Development. Research may involve learners of any age in formal, informal, virtual, or workplace settings.
The program supports qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies, including new data collection, secondary analyses, meta-analyses, and development of research methods, measures, and conceptual models. Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged but not required. Practical implications may be indirect and long-term. Pilot studies, synthesis projects, and focused conferences are also supported when they advance fundamental knowledge in the program’s research areas.
