Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (proposals accepted anytime)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,500,000 per award; project duration and size vary by project type
Summary: Supports multidisciplinary teams to advance responsible, ethical, and societally beneficial design, development, and deployment of technologies in AI, biotechnology, and disaster prevention/mitigation.
Key Information: Focus on Execute, Explore, and Inform (Workshop) project types; proposals must address at least one of the three priority technology areas.
Description
This program funds multidisciplinary, multi-sector teams to inform, explore, and execute responsible approaches to the design, development, and deployment of technologies, with a focus on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and natural or anthropogenic disaster prevention or mitigation. The program aims to:
- Accelerate innovation in use-inspired and translational research for responsible technology.
- Foster collaborations across academia, industry, non-profit, and government sectors.
- Embed ethical, legal, and societal considerations and community values throughout the technology lifecycle.
- Educate and train the STEM workforce in responsible technology practices.
- Empower broad participation in technology development, including at the earliest design stages.
Three project types are supported:
- Execute Projects: For established teams with demonstrated experience to implement impactful, sustainable activities.
- Explore Projects: For exploratory, formative activities to test or validate approaches and build cross-sector capacity.
- Inform (Workshop) Projects: For convenings and products that inform and connect ecosystems of researchers, practitioners, and communities.
Due Dates
- Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no fixed deadline.
Funding Amount
- Awards are up to $1,500,000 per project.
- Project duration and budget depend on project type (Execute, Explore, Inform).
- Indirect costs are reimbursed per NSF policy (see NSF Indirect Cost Rate Policy).
Eligibility
- Multidisciplinary, multi-sector teams are encouraged (academia, industry, non-profit, government).
- U.S.-based institutions and organizations are typically eligible; see NSF eligibility guidelines.
- Proposals must focus on at least one of the following: artificial intelligence, biotechnology, or disaster prevention/mitigation.
Application Process
- Prepare a proposal according to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).
- Submit proposals via Research.gov or Grants.gov.
- Proposals are reviewed for intellectual merit and broader impacts, with emphasis on responsible technology development and societal benefit.
- Contact the NSF program officer for guidance on project fit and proposal preparation.
Additional Information
- The program emphasizes embedding ethical, legal, and societal considerations throughout the technology lifecycle.
- Projects should demonstrate meaningful collaboration across disciplines and sectors.
- Proposals must clearly articulate the responsible design, development, and deployment aspects and their anticipated societal impacts.
External Links
Contact Information