IUSE/Professional Formation of Engineers: Revolutionizing Engineering Departments (IUSE/PFE: RED)
NSF's IUSE/PFE: RED grant funds research-driven transformation of undergraduate engineering departments to integrate technical and professional skills for a stronger, future-ready engineering workforce.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: April 13, 2027: Planning (Track 1) proposals | September 14, 2027: Planning (Track 1), Adaptation & Implementation (Track 2), Innovation (Track 3), and Innovation Partnerships (Track 4) proposals
Funding Amounts: Up to $75,000/year for 2 years (Track 1); up to $1M for 5 years (Track 2); $1M–$2M for 5 years (Track 3); $1.5M–$2.5M for 5 years (Track 4); total program ~$8M; 13–19 awards expected.
Summary: Supports transformative, department-level changes in undergraduate engineering education through four tracks focused on organizational, cultural, and curricular innovation.
Key Information: PI must be a department chair/head (or equivalent); eligibility and requirements vary by track.
Description
This funding opportunity aims to catalyze revolutionary—not incremental—changes in undergraduate engineering education at the departmental level. The program supports projects that transform organizational culture, curricula, and structures to better prepare engineering students for 21st-century professional practice. Four distinct tracks are available:
- Track 1: Planning – Capacity-building grants for institutions (especially two-year, EPSCoR, PUIs, and non-R1s) to develop future RED proposals.
- Track 2: Adaptation & Implementation – Adapts and implements proven organizational change strategies at a single institution.
- Track 3: Innovation – Develops and tests new, revolutionary approaches to undergraduate engineering education at the department level.
- Track 4: Innovation Partnerships – Implements innovative change across multiple institutions, with a focus on partnerships involving two-year colleges.
Projects are expected to address technical and professional skill development, foster inclusive departmental cultures, and create sustainable, scalable reforms.
