Facilitating Research at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions

The Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) and Research Opportunity Awards (ROA) funding opportunities, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aim to enhance research capacity and integration of research and undergraduate education at predominantly undergraduate institutions (PUIs). These programs are designed to ensure faculty at PUIs remain active in their professional fields, provide students with meaningful research experiences, and strengthen the overall research culture at these institutions. Eligible PUIs include accredited two-year and four-year colleges and universities that award associate, bachelor's, and/or master's degrees in NSF-supported fields but have awarded 20 or fewer PhD/D.Sci. degrees in such fields in the combined previous two academic years. RUI proposals support faculty-led research projects at PUIs, whether conducted independently, collaboratively with other PUIs, or in partnership with larger research institutions. They may include requests for research instrumentation, although such requests are often better suited for NSF's Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program. Proposals must include an RUI Impact Statement that describes the anticipated effects of the project on the research environment, faculty careers, and undergraduate education. The statement should also highlight strategies for student involvement and efforts to engage underrepresented groups in science and engineering. ROA opportunities allow PUI faculty to participate in research as visiting scientists at NSF-funded research-intensive institutions. These awards aim to enhance the visiting faculty member's research capabilities, improve their teaching effectiveness, and contribute to the ongoing NSF-funded research of the host institution. ROA activities can include summer research experiences, partial sabbatical support, or collaborative work integrated into new or existing NSF grants. Requests for ROA support can be made as supplements to existing NSF awards, budget reallocations within current awards, or as components of new collaborative proposals. Proposals submitted under the RUI and ROA mechanisms must align with the specific requirements of the NSF disciplinary program to which they are submitted. While RUI proposals must include both a Certification of RUI/ROA Eligibility and an RUI Impact Statement, ROA proposals generally do not require an impact statement. Both mechanisms prioritize faculty research productivity, student engagement, and the long-term impact on institutional research capacity. Funding for RUI and ROA proposals is integrated into NSF's existing disciplinary program budgets rather than being allocated as separate funding streams. Prospective principal investigators are strongly encouraged to consult with NSF program officers in their respective research disciplines before submitting proposals to ensure alignment with program objectives and submission requirements. Merit review for RUI and ROA proposals follows NSF's standard evaluation criteria, focusing on intellectual merit and broader impacts. Reviewers are instructed to consider the unique circumstances of PUIs, such as higher teaching loads and limited research infrastructure, and to evaluate the project's potential to enhance faculty research involvement, student research training, and institutional research culture. Proposals may be submitted at any time, but specific disciplinary programs may have deadlines or submission cycles that must be followed. Principal investigators are encouraged to verify submission timelines and guidelines with cognizant NSF program officers. Awards are typically made as standard or continuing grants for RUI proposals, while ROA awards may be made as supplements, re-budgeted funds, or components of larger collaborative grants.