The U.S. National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) Program is designed to innovate and advance STEM graduate education by supporting interdisciplinary and convergent research aligned with national priorities. The program aims to equip graduate students with technical and transferable skills for a broad range of careers in research, academia, industry, and government. By fostering cutting-edge research and comprehensive traineeship models, the program seeks to enhance workforce development, broaden participation in STEM fields, and create sustainable institutional capacity for graduate education reforms.

The program offers funding through two tracks. Track 1 provides up to $3 million for projects lasting up to five years and is open to all U.S.-based accredited institutions offering research-based graduate degrees in STEM. Track 2 provides up to $2 million over five years and is specifically targeted at non-R1 institutions such as R2 universities, doctoral/professional institutions, and master's colleges. Planning grants are also available for Track 2 applicants, offering up to $100,000 annually for two years to support collaboration and preparation for future proposals. The program anticipates funding 18 to 20 awards annually, with a total projected annual budget of $53 million, subject to availability.

Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based higher education institutions, including two- and four-year colleges. Institutions may submit up to two proposals per competition across both tracks, and individuals may serve as principal investigator or co-principal investigator on only one proposal. Proposals must include strong institutional support and demonstrate plans to recruit, mentor, and retain a diverse pool of trainees, with particular emphasis on individuals from underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Additional priorities include collaborations with industry, government agencies, and community organizations.

Proposals should focus on innovative approaches to graduate training, addressing key elements such as interdisciplinary research themes, professional skills development, mentoring, and career preparation. Training models should include elements like communication, teamwork, and ethical decision-making, tailored to align with changing workforce needs and disciplinary advancements. Projects are also required to present a detailed evaluation plan, ensuring measurable outcomes for student success and institutional impact. Dissemination of results and best practices is a critical component of funded projects.

Applicants must submit proposals through Research.gov or Grants.gov and adhere to the specific requirements outlined in the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. Deadlines for full proposals are November 14, 2024, and September 8, 2025, with annual deadlines thereafter. Budgetary restrictions apply, including a prohibition on voluntary committed cost-sharing and specific allocations for trainee stipends, tuition, and institutional support. Institutions are advised to consult their research offices to coordinate submissions and ensure compliance with program requirements.

Proposals will be evaluated based on intellectual merit, broader societal impacts, and program-specific criteria. Reviewers will consider the project’s potential to advance knowledge, benefit society, and address workforce needs in STEM fields. Additional criteria include the integration of research and education, the quality of interdisciplinary collaboration, professional development plans, diversity efforts, and robust evaluation strategies. Awardees must provide annual and final reports and contribute to program-level evaluations, including participation in NSF-sponsored meetings and data-sharing initiatives.

The NRT program emphasizes sustainability and institutional transformation, requiring evidence of long-term commitment from applicant institutions. By addressing workforce demands and promoting inclusion, the program seeks to develop a globally competitive STEM workforce equipped to tackle the complex challenges of the future. Applicants are encouraged to contact NSF program officers for guidance and to utilize resources available through the NSF website to prepare competitive proposals.