The National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Coordination Networks (RCN) Program aims to foster collaboration among scientists, engineers, and educators across disciplines, organizations, and geographical areas. The program provides support for forming networks that advance scientific fields or address emerging research and educational themes. It is intended for interdisciplinary and innovative networking, aiming to establish new collaborative efforts, develop community standards, and advance science and education without directly funding primary research. Typical RCN activities include synthesizing existing data, coordinating research efforts, and creating resources for data sharing, but proposals focused on supporting pre-existing networks or continuing established collaborations are not eligible.

Each RCN must focus on a specific theme that addresses a research question, methodology, or technology that benefits from a collaborative approach. Themes may be relevant to one or more NSF directorates, which include Biological Sciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Engineering, Geosciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, and Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. Proposals must specify how they will enhance diversity within the network, including the involvement of underrepresented groups, students, and early-career investigators.

Funding for RCN projects typically ranges up to $500,000 for a duration of up to five years, although divisions may accept budgets exceeding this amount with prior approval. Approximately 16 to 20 RCN awards are anticipated each year, subject to available funds, with an annual budget allocation between $7.5 million and $12.5 million. Allowable budget items may cover collaborative activities, such as travel for network participants, workshops, and data-sharing infrastructure, but funds cannot be used to support primary research or mini-grants within the network.

Eligible applicants include accredited U.S. institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations involved in education or research. International collaboration is encouraged, but NSF funds primarily support U.S. participants. For projects involving foreign collaborators, NSF funds may only cover networking expenses related to international collaboration, such as U.S.-based travel for international scientists or U.S. participants traveling to international labs.

The review process considers both intellectual merit and broader impacts. Intellectual merit assesses the potential to advance understanding within or across scientific fields, while broader impacts evaluate the potential to benefit society, including increased diversity in STEM, public engagement, and enhanced STEM education. Additional review criteria specific to RCN proposals include the network’s ability to foster collaboration, encourage participation from new researchers and underrepresented groups, and contribute to innovative developments in science, technology, or education.

Proposals are accepted anytime, with applicants encouraged to coordinate with specific NSF programs for optimal submission timing. Submissions can be made via Research.gov or Grants.gov, following NSF’s Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) for complete compliance. The program requires annual project reports and a final outcomes report, detailing participant engagement, research outcomes, and data-sharing plans, all submitted through NSF's electronic reporting system.