Growing Convergence Research

The Growing Convergence Research (GCR) program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is a foundational initiative aimed at cultivating the earliest stages of convergence-based scientific research. Convergence research, as defined by NSF, focuses on solving complex scientific and societal problems by integrating expertise, methods, and knowledge from multiple disciplines to develop innovative, transformative solutions. Unlike multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary research, convergence research emphasizes deep integration across domains from the outset and prioritizes the co-creation of research frameworks and approaches. The GCR program is one of NSF’s strategies to address emerging scientific frontiers and pressing national needs by fostering collaborative research models that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. The GCR program supports multi-phase research projects designed by integrated teams of researchers from diverse disciplines, with funding split into two key phases: Phase I, covering years 1–2, and Phase II, covering years 3–5. Each team may request up to $1.2 million for Phase I and up to $2.4 million for Phase II, contingent on performance evaluation during a reverse site visit near the end of Phase I. Proposals are expected to feature bold, novel scientific approaches aimed at unlocking paradigm-shifting results that can lead to the formation of new scientific communities, frameworks, or even disciplines. This solicitation prioritizes projects that integrate contributions from multiple NSF directorates or divisions and that are not otherwise eligible for support under existing NSF programs. Eligibility is open to U.S.-based institutions of higher education, including two- and four-year colleges, community colleges, and non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, research laboratories, and professional societies. Principal Investigators (PIs) must hold full-time research or teaching appointments at eligible U.S. institutions. Only one proposal is permitted per PI or co-PI, and past recipients of GCR funding may only reapply if the new proposal is substantially distinct from previous work. The NSF enforces strict eligibility checks using text analysis and internal reviews to ensure compliance and avoid redundancy. Each proposal must articulate a long-term scientific vision centered on a compelling societal or scientific challenge that necessitates a new convergence approach. Teams must submit a five-year research plan segmented into two phases, identify key scientific and technical bottlenecks, and describe how overcoming these barriers could change the landscape of foundational science. The proposal must also include a Convergence Management Plan, outlining collaboration structures, convergence integration strategies, and performance benchmarks. Supplementary materials such as letters of collaboration and a personnel table are required. Proposals must be submitted through either Research.gov or Grants.gov by the deadlines listed: April 12, 2024; February 10, 2025; and annually thereafter on the second Monday in February. There is no requirement for Letters of Intent or preliminary proposals. Awards are structured as continuing grants, and approximately 6 to 10 awards are anticipated per cycle, depending on availability of funds, with an estimated total program funding of $16 million. All proposals are subject to NSF's standard merit review criteria—intellectual merit and broader impacts—as well as additional criteria related to the novelty and transformative potential of the convergence research approach. Applicants must acknowledge NSF support in all related publications and presentations and participate in NSF-hosted workshops and reverse site visits during the grant period. Annual and final reports are required, and the outcomes must be submitted through Research.gov. Questions regarding the GCR program should be directed to the official program email at [email protected] or via phone at (703) 292-7161.

Clearly demonstrate deep integration across disciplines and that the proposed research is not supported by existing NSF programs. Avoid submitting proposals that are extensions of prior GCR work.