Directed Research Grant
Forecasted
Directed Research Grant supports faculty and graduate student research on an annually selected topic, with Return to Play set for 2027, to address strength and conditioning priorities and practitioner needs.
Funder: NSCA Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Invited full proposal) | October 2027 (Letter of Intent)
Funding Amounts: Up to two awards annually of up to $25,000 USD each; projects up to 24 months
Summary: Supports faculty and graduate student research on the annually selected topic, with Return to Play designated for 2027.
Key Information: Applicants must hold NSCA or International Affiliate membership at both application and award.
Description
The NSCA Foundation’s Directed Research Grant supports research on a topic selected annually by the NSCA Board of Directors. The topic for 2027 is Return to Play. Proposed research must address that topic, with its purpose and scope remaining within the NSCA’s mission in strength and conditioning. Faculty members and graduate students may apply, with faculty mentorship required for student investigators.
The program supports research costs and dissemination, including student salary support, project-related travel, conference travel, and open-access publication fees. Funded investigators must present their findings at the NSCA National Conference during the time reserved for NSCA Foundation presentations. Selection begins with a Letter of Intent (LOI), followed by an invited full proposal.
