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.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: October 12, 2021 | October 6, 2022 | October 1, 2026
Funding Amounts: Level I: up to $500,000 | Level II: up to $1,500,000 | Level III: up to $2,500,000 | 3–5 years | Total program: $35M
Summary: Supports fundamental research to advance general, explanatory knowledge underlying STEM education in learning, broadening participation, and workforce development.
Description
This opportunity supports fundamental research that advances general, explanatory knowledge in STEM education. The program invites proposals in three broad research areas: STEM Learning and Learning Environments, Broadening Participation in STEM, and STEM Workforce Development. Research may address any learner group or age, in formal or informal settings, and proposals are expected to focus on curiosity-driven or use-inspired basic research rather than direct applied interventions. Projects can be multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary, and the program encourages rigorous theoretical, methodological, and analytical approaches.
The solicitation supports a range of project types, including pilot studies, synthesis projects, and conferences, in addition to standard research projects. All proposals should clearly justify the requested funding level and project duration.
