What STEM Faculty Funding Covers (and Excludes)

Defining the Scope of Science, Technology Research & Development Grants

The Grants To Improve and Enhance STEM Faculty and Workforce program, funded by the Foundation, is designed to support alliances among institutions of higher education. The primary goal is to increase the number of historically underrepresented STEM faculty and promote systemic change. To be eligible, applicants must focus on strategies that address the underrepresentation of STEM faculty, which includes but is not limited to, initiatives targeting women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

Concrete use cases for this grant include developing mentorship programs, creating inclusive curricula, and implementing recruitment strategies that attract diverse talent. Applicants should not focus solely on infrastructure development or equipment purchases, as these are not the primary objectives of the grant. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in STEM fields and propose innovative solutions to address these challenges.

One key regulation that applicants must comply with is the National Science Foundation's (NSF) requirement for broadening participation in STEM fields, as outlined in the NSF's Broadening Participation in STEM Fields program solicitation. This involves demonstrating how their proposed project aligns with the NSF's priorities for increasing diversity in STEM.

Trends and Priorities in Science, Technology Research & Development

The NSF has been shifting its focus towards supporting research that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields. This is reflected in the increasing number of NSF grants awarded to projects that aim to broaden participation in STEM. The Foundation's Grants To Improve and Enhance STEM Faculty and Workforce program is part of this larger trend, prioritizing projects that address the systemic barriers faced by underrepresented groups in STEM.

Market shifts in the science and technology sectors are also driving the need for more diverse STEM faculty. The growing demand for innovative solutions to complex problems requires a workforce that is equipped with diverse perspectives and experiences. As a result, institutions of higher education are being called upon to develop strategies that attract, retain, and support underrepresented STEM faculty.

To be successful, applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the capacity requirements for implementing their proposed project. This includes having the necessary infrastructure, staffing, and resources to support the project's goals. The NSF's CAREER award program, for example, provides funding for early-career faculty who demonstrate a commitment to broadening participation in STEM fields.

Operational Challenges and Requirements

One verifiable delivery challenge unique to the Science, Technology Research & Development sector is the need to balance the demands of research and education. Many STEM faculty members are expected to be productive researchers while also teaching and mentoring students. Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of these challenges and propose strategies that address them.

In terms of staffing, applicants should have a team with a mix of expertise in STEM fields, education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The team should be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the project's goals and objectives, as well as the necessary skills to implement the proposed strategies.

Resource requirements for this grant include access to data on STEM faculty demographics, as well as the necessary infrastructure to support the project's goals. Applicants should also be prepared to report on their progress, using metrics such as the number of underrepresented STEM faculty recruited and retained.

Eligibility barriers for this grant include a lack of clarity around the Foundation's priorities and a failure to demonstrate a clear understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Applicants who are unable to demonstrate a commitment to broadening participation in STEM fields are unlikely to be successful.

Compliance traps include failing to comply with the NSF's requirements for broadening participation in STEM fields, as well as failing to report on progress using the required metrics.

In terms of measurement, applicants will be required to report on their progress using a range of metrics, including the number of underrepresented STEM faculty recruited and retained. The Foundation will also be looking for evidence of systemic change, such as changes to institutional policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The NSF grant search database is a valuable resource for applicants, providing information on previously funded projects and the metrics used to evaluate their success.

Q: How do I know if my institution is eligible for this grant? A: Check the Foundation's website for a list of eligible institutions and review the grant solicitation to ensure you meet the necessary criteria. If you're still unsure, consider reaching out to the NSF's program officers for guidance on NSF programme opportunities.

Q: What types of projects are most likely to be funded? A: Projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in STEM fields and propose innovative solutions to address these challenges are most likely to be funded. Consider reviewing the NSF's SBIR program solicitation for examples of successful projects that have been funded in the past.

Q: How do I find information on previously funded NSF grants? A: The NSF grant search database is a valuable resource, providing information on previously funded projects and the metrics used to evaluate their success. You can also review the NSF's annual reports to Congress for information on the Foundation's priorities and funding trends, including national science foundation awards and national science foundation grant search data.