Growing Convergence Research

The Growing Convergence Research (GCR) program by the National Science Foundation (NSF) aims to foster innovative, cross-disciplinary research that addresses complex scientific and societal challenges. NSF is an independent federal agency that funds research and education in various science and engineering disciplines. The GCR program specifically targets areas where integrated approaches and new research communities have yet to fully develop, with an emphasis on nurturing the earliest stages of convergence research. Convergence research, as defined by NSF, involves tackling compelling scientific or societal problems through deep disciplinary integration. The program focuses on projects that generate new research paradigms and collaborations, enabling novel frameworks, methods, and disciplines. GCR distinguishes itself from other interdisciplinary initiatives by promoting team formation and methodological integration from project inception. Teams are expected to bring together diverse knowledge bases and develop sustained collaborations that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions of higher education and non-profit, non-academic organizations like independent museums and research laboratories. Principal Investigators (PIs) must hold full-time research or teaching appointments at these institutions. Each PI or co-PI is limited to participating in one GCR project at a time. Proposals must feature a five-year research plan, divided into two phases: Phase I (years 1-2) and Phase II (years 3-5). Initial funding supports Phase I, with the possibility of Phase II funding contingent upon a successful review during a reverse site visit at the end of year two. Applicants must submit their proposals via Research.gov or Grants.gov, adhering to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. Proposals should include a project description with clearly labeled sections addressing long-term vision, solicitation appropriateness, and a detailed research plan. Additional documents such as a convergence management plan, personnel list, and letters of collaboration may be required. Proposals must be original and not overlap with work supported by other NSF programs. The total available funding for this cycle is $16 million, intended to support 6 to 10 new awards and ongoing Phase II projects from prior cohorts. Individual projects may receive up to $1.2 million for Phase I and $2.4 million for Phase II. No cost-sharing or voluntary committed contributions are allowed. Proposals are reviewed based on NSF’s merit review criteria, which include intellectual merit and broader societal impacts, as well as specific GCR criteria such as the potential to transform foundational science and the effectiveness of the proposed team and management structure. For further information or questions about this funding opportunity, applicants can contact Rebecca E. Morss at (703) 292-7161 or via email at reellis@nsf.gov. Full proposals for the next cycle are due by February 10, 2025. The program operates on an annual cycle, with the submission window recurring on the second Monday in February each year.