EDU Core Research: Building Capacity in STEM Education Research (ECR: BCSER)

The EDU Core Research: Building Capacity in STEM Education Research (ECR: BCSER) program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), a U.S. federal agency renowned for supporting fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. NSF plays a critical role in promoting innovation and discovery that contribute to national progress and competitiveness. The ECR: BCSER initiative is part of NSF’s broader efforts under STEM Education (formerly the Education and Human Resources Directorate), and it reflects a strategic intent to strengthen the capacity of researchers to conduct impactful STEM education research. The ECR: BCSER program aims to build the foundational capabilities of researchers to undertake high-quality, rigorous investigations into STEM education. Its primary objective is to cultivate a larger, more diverse pool of investigators who are equipped to address critical questions around STEM learning, learning environments, broadening participation, and workforce development. The program supports projects that not only help researchers acquire new methodological and theoretical expertise but also enable them to contribute meaningfully to national efforts to improve STEM education outcomes. This funding opportunity emphasizes career development and capacity building. ECR: BCSER supports two primary modes of capacity development: investigator-initiated projects and institutional-level institutes. The former are individualized projects where investigators engage in targeted research and professional development, while the latter provide structured opportunities for participants to enhance their research capabilities through integrated training in methodology and STEM education theory. Notably, proposals that seek to advance knowledge across multiple thematic strands of STEM education are particularly encouraged. Applicants are advised that cost-sharing or matching is not required under this program. The initiative is structured as a grant, allowing for a broad range of expenses as long as they are aligned with project objectives. No specific sub-award restrictions or indirect cost limitations were noted in the synopsis. Researchers from diverse types of institutions are especially encouraged to apply, contributing to the program’s goal of expanding the research community in STEM education. However, co-principal investigators are not allowed on Individual Investigator Development proposals, which suggests a structured proposal type requirement. The submission process for this grant has concluded for the current cycle, with the last closing date listed as March 29, 2022. The opportunity has since been archived as of December 13, 2025, and no new open date or cycle has been announced. While the program is not marked as recurring, potential applicants should monitor NSF announcements for any future iterations of this funding mechanism. Due to the program’s now-archived status and lack of rolling application structure, it is not currently accepting proposals. For those seeking further information or access to the full announcement, the program points users to NSF publication 22-548. Although the synopsis page provides a general overview, the detailed program solicitation must be accessed through NSF’s site or directly via grants.gov. Technical support for the application process is handled by NSF’s Grants.gov support at [email protected]. This contact is intended to assist applicants with access and submission-related challenges rather than programmatic questions.