Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations

The National Science Foundation (NSF), an independent federal agency established by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, supports research and education across all fields of science and engineering. NSF plays a central role in fostering intellectual capital and building research capacity within the United States by funding universities, research institutions, and other organizations. Its mission is to promote the progress of science and to advance national health, prosperity, welfare, and security through competitive grantmaking. The Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations (AccelNet) program is one such initiative designed to strengthen international scientific partnerships and build a globally competent U.S. research workforce. The AccelNet program specifically funds the creation and implementation of international networks of networks (NoNs), emphasizing cooperation over competition. Its goals are to leverage previous NSF support to accelerate scientific discovery through multi-team, cross-disciplinary, and cross-cultural collaboration while simultaneously developing a diverse and internationally trained U.S.-based workforce. Proposals should address grand research challenges identified by scientific communities or NSF and demonstrate that progress would not be possible without international cooperation. Applicants must show that their activities will create synergies across networks, make members more competitive for research funding after the award, and contribute to the development of future scientific leaders. The program supports two main tracks: the Design Track and the Implementation Track, which itself is divided into Phase 1 and Phase 2. The Design Track funds up to $300,000 for one to two years and provides resources for planning and building readiness to launch an international NoN. Implementation Track Phase 1 supports larger-scale networking efforts with awards of up to $1.5 million over three to four years. These projects must include identified partners, clear plans for developing a research roadmap, and mechanisms for collaborative governance. Implementation Track Phase 2, available only to Phase 1 recipients, provides up to $350,000 over one to two years for early concept, high-risk research projects arising directly from Phase 1 activities. Phase 2 research must be international in scope and transformative in potential. Eligibility is restricted to U.S.-based institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations directly involved in education or research, and federally recognized tribal governments. Implementation Track Phase 2 proposals may only be submitted by active Phase 1 award recipients, and each team may only receive one Phase 2 award. While there are no restrictions on the number of proposals per institution, individuals may serve as principal investigator or co-principal investigator on only one proposal across both tracks. Implementation Track Phase 1 awards are not renewable, though in rare cases, Design Track awards may be reconsidered for renewal with program director approval. Proposals must be submitted electronically through Research.gov or Grants.gov following the guidelines set out in NSF’s Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. Submissions must indicate the international nature of the proposed collaboration, identify participating countries, and budget for attendance at NSF’s annual AccelNet principal investigator meeting. All proposals are reviewed under NSF’s merit review process, which evaluates intellectual merit and broader impacts, with additional solicitation-specific review criteria applied to assess collaboration strength, sustainability, and workforce development plans. Key deadlines include December 11, 2023, and September 16, 2024, with future cycles recurring annually on the third Monday of September. Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. local time of the submitting organization. Reporting requirements include annual and final reports submitted through Research.gov, along with project outcomes reports for the public. Additional reporting is required for AccelNet awards, including information on international travel, collaborator roles, and success metrics. Cognizant program officers include Kara C. Hoover (accelnet@nsf.gov, 703-292-2235) and Allen J. Pope (accelnet@nsf.gov, 703-292-8030), among others listed in the solicitation. This solicitation was posted on August 29, 2023, as NSF 23-619, replacing NSF 21-511.

Proposals should demonstrate how network synergies will accelerate research, show benefits to unfunded partners, ensure diverse workforce development, and provide a clear governance structure. Proposers must budget for attendance at the annual PI meeting and carefully follow solicitation-specific preparation instructions