U.S. National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) Program

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Traineeship (NRT) Program is a funding opportunity designed to advance graduate education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Administered by NSF’s Directorate for STEM Education through the Division of Graduate Education, alongside contributions from other NSF directorates, the program aims to prepare graduate students for a broad range of careers in academia, industry, government, and other sectors. The program emphasizes workforce development, innovation in graduate education, and broadening participation across underrepresented groups and institutions. It was most recently updated under solicitation NSF 24-597, posted on August 16, 2024, replacing NSF 21-536. The NRT program supports both Track 1 and Track 2 proposals. Track 1 allows up to $3 million in funding for projects of up to five years, available to all accredited U.S. higher education institutions that grant research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in NSF-supported STEM fields. Track 2 allows up to $2 million for similar projects but is restricted to non-R1 institutions, including master’s colleges, Doctoral/Professional Universities that award fewer than 20 research or scholarship doctorates annually, and R2 universities. Additionally, Track 2 planning grants are available at up to $100,000 annually for two years to help institutions prepare competitive full proposals. Proposals must focus on interdisciplinary or convergent research themes of national importance and demonstrate innovative, evidence-based approaches to STEM graduate education. Proposals must include comprehensive traineeship models that foster technical skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, professional development, and career preparation beyond research roles. NRT trainees are defined as graduate students who complete required program elements, whether stipend-supported or not. Stipend-supported trainees must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, and they receive a minimum stipend of $37,000 annually along with coverage of tuition and required fees. Programs are expected to extend training opportunities to non-stipend-supported students as well, maximizing institutional and societal impact. Eligibility is limited to U.S. higher education institutions. Institutions may only submit two Track 1 or Track 2 proposals combined per competition, although planning proposals are exempt from this limit. Each individual may only serve as principal investigator or co-principal investigator on one proposal per competition. Proposals must align with NSF’s Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and include sections on program vision, training models, professional skill development, evaluation plans, and broader impacts. Institutional support letters and required supplementary documents are mandatory, and missing materials may result in return without review. The program has anticipated funding of $53 million, with 18–20 awards expected annually. Approximately 12–14 Track 1 awards, 4–6 Track 2 awards, and 3–4 planning grants are projected. Review criteria include both intellectual merit and broader impacts, with additional focus on interdisciplinarity, innovation in training models, diversity and inclusion strategies, and program sustainability. Each project must include an independent advisory committee, an evaluation plan, and mechanisms to sustain effective practices after the grant period ends. The next proposal deadlines are November 14, 2024, and September 8, 2025, with annual deadlines on September 8 thereafter. Submissions must be made electronically through Research.gov or Grants.gov, and NSF strongly advises initiating applications several days before the deadline. General inquiries about the program can be directed to nrt@nsf.gov or by calling 703-292-8630. Awardees are required to participate in NSF program evaluation, submit annual and final reports, and attend NSF-sponsored meetings. Through this solicitation, NSF continues to invest in transformative graduate education models that strengthen the U.S. STEM workforce while advancing scientific research of national importance.

NSF advises early submission (at least 5 days before deadline); required institutional support letter; supplementary docs mandatory