Limited Submission Opportunity: NSF Ethical and Responsible Research
Limited Submission Funding Opportunity: NSF Ethical and Responsible Research (ER2)
URL: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2019/nsf19609/nsf19609.htm?
OBJECTIVES:
Ethical and Responsible Research (ER2) funds research projects that identify (1) factors that are effective in the formation of ethical STEM researchers and (2) approaches to developing those factors in all STEM fields that NSF supports. ER2 solicits proposals for research that explores the following: “What constitutes responsible conduct for research (RCR), and which cultural and institutional contexts promote ethical STEM research and practice and why?” Do certain labs have a “culture of academic integrity?” What practices contribute to the establishment and maintenance of ethical cultures and how can these practices be transferred, extended to, and integrated into other research and learning settings?” Factors one might consider include: honor codes, professional ethics codes and licensing requirements, an ethic of service and/or service learning, life-long learning requirements, curricula or memberships in organizations (e.g. Engineers without Borders) that stress responsible conduct for research, institutions that serve under-represented groups, institutions where academic and research integrity are cultivated at multiple levels, institutions that cultivate ethics across the curriculum, or programs that promote group work, or do not grade. Successful proposals typically have a comparative dimension, either between or within institutional settings that differ along these or among other factors, and they specify plans for developing interventions that promote the effectiveness of identified factors.
ER2 research projects will use basic research to produce knowledge about what constitutes or promotes responsible or irresponsible conduct of research, and how to best instill this knowledge into researchers and educators at all career stages. In some cases, projects will include the development of interventions to ensure ethical and responsible research conduct.
FUNDING INFORMATION:
Estimated total annual funding amount is $3,550,000 subject to the availability of funds. The maximum amount for 5-year awards is $600,000 (including indirect costs) and the maximum amount for 3-year awards is $400,000 (including indirect costs). The average award is $275,000.
ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS:
NSF expects project teams to include persons with appropriate expertise. This might include expertise in the domain or domains of science or engineering on which the project focuses, in ethics, values, evaluation, and pedagogy. For Institutional Transformation Research Grant proposals, it is highly recommended that one or more senior members of the administration (e.g., Provost, VP, and/or President) serves as a PI.
INTERNAL SELECTION PROCESS:
Interested investigators should submit the following materials via InfoReady Review by DATE: 12/20/19
- Questions outlined in InfoReady Review application;
- A brief statement (up to 2 pages) by the candidate describing their scientific achievements and proposed project including which type of project outlined in the NSF notice is being proposed and a list of proposed senior team members;
- A brief budget outline for the proposed research
- Up-to-date CV or biosketch.
A faculty committee drawn from both campuses will review internal proposals and select nominees.
DEADLINES:
Internal Materials Due: Friday, December 20, 2019
Sponsor Deadline: Monday, February 24, 2020, 5:00pm EST