The NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) program seeks proposals that explore ways for graduate students in research-based master’s and doctoral degree programs to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to pursue a range of STEM careers. The program is dedicated to effective training of STEM graduate students in high priority interdisciplinary or convergent research areas, through a comprehensive traineeship model that is innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with changing workforce and research needs. Proposals are requested that address any interdisciplinary or convergent research theme of national priority.

The NRT program addresses workforce development, emphasizing broad participation, and institutional capacity building needs in graduate education. The program encourages proposals that involve strategic collaborations with the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, national laboratories, field stations, teaching and learning centers, informal science centers, and academic partners. 

UD may submit proposals only to Track 1. Track 1 proposals may request a total budget (up to five years in duration) up to $3 million for projects with a focus on STEM graduate students in research-based PhD and/or master’s degree programs. 

NSF Full Proposal Deadline: 09/08/2025
Link to FOA Here

PI Eligibility:  Individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as a Principal Investigator (PI) are invited to work with their organizations to develop an application. Individuals from underrepresented groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply.  An individual may serve as PI or co-PI on only one (1) proposal submitted to the NRT program per annual competition.

Institutional Limit: Two (2) per organization as lead or collaborative non-lead institution.

Application Information:  PIs are asked to submit a white paper, a list of participating faculty mentors (use the template accessed through Download Solicitation button above), as well as Biosketches and Current & Pending for the lead PI and up to 10 participating faculty. The white paper (up to 3 pages, Arial 10) must include the following:

1. Description of the overarching research theme, vision, and goals of the proposed NRT with a focus on implementing new approaches to training STEM graduate students in the targeted interdisciplinary or convergent research area (see Convergence Research at NSF), through a comprehensive traineeship (up to 1 page)
2. Description of the adopted traineeship model and its components, including the justification and rationale for their inclusion, and how they are integrated with NRT research activities (~ 1/2 page)
3. Description of the STEM graduate population that will be served (~ 1/4 page)
4. Plan for recruitment, mentoring and retention of trainees (~ 1/4 page)
5. List of skills and competencies that will be taught (~ 1/4 page)
6. Description of examples of the novel, potentially transformative research that the NRT will catalyze through interdisciplinary synergies emerging from currently funded activities at the institution(s) and/or via separate NRT-funded interdisciplinary or convergent initiatives (1/2 to 3/4 page)

Applications not adhering to this requirement will be returned without review.

Merit Review Criteria: Summaries will be reviewed based on the criteria detailed in the solicitation.