The EDU Core Research: Building Capacity in STEM Education Research (ECR: BCSER) grant is an initiative of the National Science Foundation (NSF) aimed at fostering high-quality research in STEM education. This program is designed to support projects that enhance the capacity of investigators to conduct rigorous research in STEM education fields, thereby strengthening the national STEM education landscape. The initiative is particularly focused on broadening participation by increasing the diversity of STEM education researchers and promoting workforce development.

The ECR: BCSER program provides funding in three main categories: Individual Investigator Development (IID) in STEM Education Research, Institutes for Methods and Practices in STEM Education Research (IMP), and Conference Support. The IID track supports both experienced and new STEM education researchers in developing their research capabilities. New investigators are encouraged to work with mentors to build their expertise, while experienced researchers can expand their methodological and theoretical skillsets. The IMP track funds institutes that provide training on advanced research methodologies in STEM education. The conference track supports well-focused conferences aimed at furthering the program’s goals.

Eligibility for the grant is broad but restricted to institutions and organizations as per the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Unaffiliated individuals are not eligible. There are no limits on the number of proposals submitted per institution or per investigator, but co-principal investigators (Co-PIs) are not allowed on IID proposals.

The funding amount for the program is approximately $12 million, subject to availability. The NSF anticipates making 29 awards, distributed as follows: up to 19 awards for IID, each with a maximum of $350,000 over three years; up to 5 awards for IMP, each with a maximum of $1 million over three years; and up to 5 conference awards, typically ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. No cost-sharing or matching funds are required for this grant.

Applications must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov, as the FastLane system is no longer an option for this program. The full proposal submission deadline is the fourth Friday in February annually, with the next upcoming deadline being February 24, 2023. Proposals must adhere to NSF guidelines, including compliance with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Letters of intent and preliminary proposals are not required.

Merit review of proposals follows standard NSF evaluation criteria, emphasizing intellectual merit and broader impacts. Intellectual merit assesses the potential of the research to advance knowledge in STEM education, while broader impacts evaluate the project's contribution to society, including diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. Proposals should include self-assessments, professional development plans, and evaluation mechanisms to monitor project success.

For more information or inquiries, applicants may contact the ECR: BCSER Program Officer at (703) 292-7303 or via email at ECRBCSER@nsf.gov.