NSF News  and Updates

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Discovery Research K-12 (DR-K12): Program Solicitation

Synopsis of Program:
The Discovery Research K-12 (DR-K12) program seeks to enable significant advances in preK-12 student and teacher learning of the STEM disciplines through the development, implementation, and study of resources, models, and technologies for use by students, teachers, and policymakers. Activities funded under this solicitation begin with a research question or hypothesis about effective preK-12 STEM learning and teaching; develop, adapt, or study innovative resources, models, or technologies; and demonstrate if, how, for whom, and why their implementation affects learning. More

DR-K12 invites projects that meet a variety of educational needs, from those that address immediate and pressing challenges facing preK-12 STEM education to those that anticipate opportunities for the future. DR-K12 encourages proposals that challenge existing assumptions about learning and teaching within or across STEM fields, envision needs of learners in 10-15 years, and consider new and innovative ways to reach students and teachers. All projects should be informed by current research and broaden the boundaries of schools and disciplines. DR-K12 accepts research and development, exploratory, and synthesis projects, as well as conferences and workshops related to the mission of the DR-K12 program.  

Proposal deadline, January 7, 2010

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Revision of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide, NSF 0929 (Posted April 2009)

We have published a revised version of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)  http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=papp which will be effective for proposals received on or after February 17, 2009.  It should be noted that revisions were made only to the Grant Proposal Guide (GPG); all other parts of the PAPPG, such as the Award & Administration Guide, remain unchanged.

The significant changes made to the GPG include:

1.) Revision of the intellectual merit review criterion to specifically include language on potentially transformative research;

2.) Updated guidance on the designated fonts that may be used when preparing an NSF proposal; and

3.) Requirement that organizations must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) prior to submitting a proposal to NSF.

While the changes identified above are effective for proposals submitted on or after January 5, 2008, proposers are strongly encouraged to begin complying with the guidance as soon as possible.

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