The ER2 program supports projects that focus on what constitutes or promotes responsible and ethical research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The ER2 program promotes the development, improvement, and dissemination of responsible and ethical research practices and aims to build on organizational cultures that value and reward such practices. Proposers to the ER2 program may examine responsible and ethical research practices across one or more career stages. This can include, for example, the research practices of students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, or practitioners. ER2 projects could seek to improve responsible and ethical research practices in teams, organizations, or communities, or between researchers and the public. ER2 projects may include the development of interventions that promote responsible and ethical research practices, including in multidisciplinary, inter-organizational, cross-sector, translational, or international contexts. An ER2 project can also identify challenges that undermine or erode responsible and ethical research practices in STEM fields and evaluate measures to prevent or mitigate such challenges. A comprehensive approach to responsible and ethical research not only influences individual behavior, but it also contributes to an inclusive, equitable, and respectful research culture. Thus, proposers could examine organizational or other factors that positively influence responsible and ethical research practices in STEM fields.
Proposals from or involving substantial collaboration with organizations in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions, minority-serving institutions, women's colleges, or organizations primarily serving persons with disabilities are encouraged. Proposals that include international collaborations are encouraged if the unique resources, expertise, facilities, or locations of international partners enhance the merit of the proposed work. Please see the NSF PAPPG for guidance on international collaborations.
Full Proposal Deadline Date: January 23, 2025
Proposals may only be submitted by the following:
- Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) - Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of subawards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus.
- Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities.
The leadership of project teams are expected to have expertise in the STEM areas or fields on which the project focuses, and in ethics, values, evaluation, or pedagogy. For a Partnership for Transformational Research Project proposal, it is highly recommended that at least one senior member of the administration from each partnering organization serve as part of the research team’s leadership.
Limit on Number of Proposals per PI or co-PI: 2
An individual may appear as PI, co-PI, or Senior/Key Personnel on no more than two proposals submitted in response to this solicitation.
In the event that an individual exceeds this limit, the first two proposals received prior to the target date will be evaluated by the program for review, and the remainder of the individual’s proposals will be returned without review. No exceptions to this rule will be made.
Estimated Number of Awards: 10 to 15
Anticipated Funding Amount: $5,400,000
This solicitation will consider proposals for four types of projects:
- Conference Projects with a total maximum budget of $50,000 and a duration of up to 12 months.
- Incubation Projects with a total maximum budget of $100,000 and a duration of up to 12 months.
- Standard Research Projects with a total maximum budget of $400,000 and a duration of up to 3 years.
- Partnership for Transformational Research Projects with a total maximum budget of $700,000 and a duration of up to 4 years.
Project durations and budgets must be commensurate with the scope of the work proposed and with guidance provided elsewhere in this solicitation regarding anticipated program resources. NSF anticipates a portfolio of awards with a range of budgets and durations up to the maximum amount.
Estimated program budget, number of awards, and average award size/duration are subject to the availability of funds.