Translation and Diffusion

The Translation and Diffusion (TD) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is managed by the Directorate for STEM Education, specifically within the Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings division. The NSF is a U.S. federal agency committed to supporting scientific research and education across various disciplines. This funding opportunity seeks to bridge the gap between fundamental learning research and practical STEM education applications in PreK-12 settings, as well as to encourage the reciprocal flow of insights from practice to foundational research. The TD program aims to support scientific inquiry into the processes and frameworks of translating and diffusing educational research across different contexts and levels, such as from the lab to the classroom or from individual to district-wide practices. Proposals can explore translation and diffusion both as a theoretical construct and through practical application. This solicitation encourages projects that focus on underserved and underrepresented communities, recognizing the significance of equitable access to STEM education. The program invites proposals for four types of projects: Research on Translation or Diffusion, Proof-of-Concept Research, Synthesis, and Conferences/Workshops. Each type has distinct funding limits and objectives but shares the common goal of moving knowledge effectively between research and practice in STEM education. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions of higher education, nonprofit non-academic organizations, for-profit organizations with research capabilities, state and local governments, and federally recognized Tribal Nations. Foreign organizations may participate in collaborative projects, although NSF funding is restricted to the U.S. components. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals an organization or individual may submit. Proposals must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov and should adhere to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). The application process requires detailed project descriptions, including broader impacts, budgets, and supplementary materials such as data management and sharing plans, and lists of all personnel involved. A unique component is the expectation to budget for attendance at biennial grantees' meetings in Washington, D.C. Evaluation of proposals is based on two primary merit review criteria: intellectual merit and broader impacts. The review process includes both ad hoc and panel reviews and is designed to ensure fairness and transparency. Proposals should clearly articulate goals, methodologies, and potential societal contributions. Reporting requirements include annual and final reports submitted via Research.gov, with adherence to NSF’s guidelines being mandatory for award continuation and future funding. For inquiries, applicants may contact David Daniel at ddaniel@nsf.gov, Gregg E. Solomon at gesolomo@nsf.gov, or Lindsay Portnoy at lportnoy@nsf.gov. The next full proposal deadlines are April 1, 2025, and February 4, 2026, with recurring deadlines on the first Wednesday of February each year thereafter.