The National Science Foundation (NSF) has released a funding opportunity under the Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) Program, detailed in solicitation NSF 24-590. This program supports new academic investigators who are beginning their research programs in engineering fields and have not yet received significant federal research funding. The aim is to broaden participation in engineering research across the U.S., particularly from institutions that are not classified as having "very high research activity" (R1 institutions).

This funding is targeted at enabling early-career investigators to establish a foundation for their research and become more competitive for future grants. The ERI program seeks to increase participation from a diverse range of institutions, including community colleges, Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and institutions located in EPSCoR (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) jurisdictions.

Key details of the program include:

- Estimated Funding: Approximately $11,000,000, supporting up to 55 awards
- Award Amount: Up to $200,000, with a project duration of up to 24 months
- Eligibility: Investigators must be affiliated with institutions not classified as R1, and must not have received $200,000 or more in research funding from federal agencies within the past five years
- Proposal Deadlines: Proposals are due on October 9, 2024, and September 16, 2025

Applications should outline research that will significantly contribute to engineering, include broader societal impacts, and may also involve partnerships to enhance collaboration. Full proposals can be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov, and the program emphasizes inclusion and diversity in research.