The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced the **Translation and Diffusion (TD) Program** under the Directorate for STEM Education, focusing on advancing the translation and diffusion of STEM education research into practical classroom applications and reciprocally leveraging effective practices to inform research. The program aims to bridge gaps between research, development, and classroom implementation by fostering the systematic study and application of translation models across different contexts, domains, and levels of analysis. Proposals are expected to address how knowledge can move effectively between fields, from laboratory settings to classrooms, and across educational systems to improve STEM teaching and learning outcomes. The program also emphasizes broadening participation in STEM by addressing equity, inclusion, and access.

The TD program invites four types of proposals: **Research on Translation or Diffusion**, **Proof-of-Concept Research**, **Synthesis**, and **Conference/Workshop proposals**. Research proposals focus on advancing theories, frameworks, and empirical studies related to the translation and diffusion of STEM education research. Proof-of-Concept proposals explore the feasibility of applying research insights in classroom settings and aim to identify pathways for scaling effective practices. Synthesis proposals critically integrate and evaluate existing research on translation and diffusion, identifying gaps and recommending future research directions. Conference/Workshop proposals aim to convene stakeholders to address key questions about translating research findings into practice and developing actionable frameworks.

Eligible applicants include **institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations with research capabilities, state and local governments, Tribal Nations, and federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs)**. Proposals may also involve cooperative projects with foreign organizations, though funding will only cover U.S.-based activities. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals per organization or principal investigator (PI).

The program offers **up to $7,000,000 in total funding**, with an estimated **15 awards** expected. Research on Translation or Diffusion and Proof-of-Concept proposals may request up to **$1,000,000 for a maximum duration of three years**. Synthesis proposals may request up to **$500,000 for up to three years**, and Conference/Workshop proposals typically range between **$25,000 and $99,000**. Proposals must align with NSF’s broader impacts criteria, including contributions to STEM equity, workforce diversity, and improved educational practices.

Submissions must comply with **NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)** and can be submitted through **Research.gov** or **Grants.gov** by the deadlines: **April 1, 2025**, **February 4, 2026**, and the **first Wednesday in February annually thereafter**. Proposals should include a data management and sharing plan, a clear broader impacts section, and a detailed dissemination strategy. Attendance at a two-day grantees' meeting in Washington, D.C., every other year is also expected.

Proposals will be evaluated based on **NSF’s merit review criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts**. Reviewers will assess proposals for their potential to advance knowledge, societal benefits, innovation, clarity of research plans, team qualifications, and resource adequacy. Successful proposals are expected to contribute to advancing STEM education theory, practice, and policy.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact the program officers: **David Daniel (ddaniel@nsf.gov), Gregg E. Solomon (gesolomo@nsf.gov), and Lindsay Portnoy (lportnoy@nsf.gov)**. Additional guidance is available through NSF’s **Research.gov** and **Grants.gov** support channels.