STEM Access for Persons with Disabilities (STEM-APWD)
STEM Access for Persons with Disabilities (STEM-APWD) supports researchers and trainees with disabilities through conferences and award supplements that advance equitable access to STEM research and training.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: November 12, 2026 (Conference proposals and supplemental funding requests, 5 p.m. submitter’s local time)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 per conference proposal or supplemental funding request
Summary: Supports conferences and supplements to existing NSF awards that increase access to, and equity in, STEM research and training for persons with disabilities.
Key Information: Advance approval is required from the PWD working group for conferences or the original award’s program director for supplements.
Description
STEM Access for Persons with Disabilities (STEM-APWD) is an NSF initiative supporting conference proposals and supplements to existing awards. It addresses intersections between disability and fundamental science, including generalizable research connecting theory to application and use. The initiative aims to increase participation in STEM research, training and employment, and to increase submission rates and participation in NSF projects among investigators with disabilities.
Supported topics include assessing participation barriers, evaluating inclusion strategies, developing success metrics, creating accessible infrastructure and evidence-based mentoring, and modifying research practices to improve recruitment and retention. Projects may also support accessible technology, equipment, instrumentation and research or instructional settings, or foundational and use-inspired research relevant to researchers and trainees with disabilities. The initiative spans NSF’s BIO, CISE, ENG, GEO, MPS, SBE and TIP directorates.
