The National Science Foundation provides research grants for scientists at all stages of their careers.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) awards research grants to undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students, university faculty researchers, kindergarten through 12th grade educators, educational institutions and small businesses. Grant programs are available for research in most of the physical, earth, mathematical, engineering, computer, and social sciences. The NSF administers each grant separately, and each grant has its own application procedure and award conditions.
Undergraduate Researchers
The NSF primarily funds undergraduate research through the Research in Undergraduate Institutions Program, which provides college faculty grants for projects that involve undergraduate researchers. Institutions may also receive funding to create a Research Experiences for Undergraduates site, to which an undergraduate can apply to participate in a research project.
Graduate Researchers
The main NSF research grant for graduate students is the Graduate Research Fellowship. The NSF awards approximately 1,654 grants per year to cover master's and doctoral students' tuition and research expenses for three years. The Graduate Research Fellowship provides funding for students in the hard and social sciences.
Post-Doctoral Researchers
The International Research Fellowship Program encourages international collaboration by awarding grants to early career post-doctoral scientists. The NSF also sponsors post-doctoral fellowships in astronomy and astrophysics, earth sciences, computer sciences, polar research, biology and engineering.
Faculty Researchers
Faculty researchers can apply for funding for research projects in any of the hard or social sciences. Programs are available for individual or group researchers in every discipline. The NSF maintains a separate set of application criteria for each discipline.
Kindergarten Through 12th Grade Educators
The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program provides funding for coursework, research and salary supplementation for undergraduate science students committed to becoming kindergarten through 12th grade science teachers. Recipients of the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship must commit to teaching for four years in a high-need school district after they earn their degree. The NSF also awards research grants to teachers participating in computer and communication technology research through the Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers Program.
Tags: National Science, National Science Foundation, Research Fellowship, research grants, Science Foundation, social sciences, 12th grade