The Science and Technology Centers (STC) program by the U.S. National Science Foundation funds large-scale, innovative research and education projects that can create new scientific fields or technologies with significant impact. It encourages partnerships among universities, labs, industries, and international entities to foster groundbreaking research and education in science and engineering.
Who it's for: This grant is for institutions of higher education, national laboratories, industrial organizations, and other public or private entities that can form partnerships to conduct innovative and complex research projects in science and engineering.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Lack of a partnership among eligible entities
- Proposals not focused on innovative or transformative research
- Failure to integrate education and research
- Inadequate plans for broadening participation in STEM
- Insufficient knowledge transfer activities
What You May Need
- Detailed research proposal
- Partnership agreements
- Plans for integrating education and research
- Strategies for broadening participation in STEM
- Knowledge transfer plan
- Budget proposal
- Institutional support letters
- Diversity and inclusion plan
- Project timeline
- Evidence of past successful collaborations
Cautions
- Requires a strong partnership among diverse entities
- Focus on underrepresented groups in STEM is crucial
- Long-term commitment and large-scale project management needed
- Must demonstrate potential for broad impact
- Significant documentation and planning required
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, national laboratories, industrial organizations, and other public or private entities. The program encourages participation from a diverse range of talents, including underrepresented and underserved communities, and expects involvement from individuals traditionally underrepresented in science, engineering, and mathematics.
Overview
This grant is for institutions of higher education, national laboratories, industrial organizations, and other public or private entities that can form partnerships to conduct innovative and complex research projects in science and engineering.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Lack of a partnership among eligible entities
- Proposals not focused on innovative or transformative research
- Failure to integrate education and research
- Inadequate plans for broadening participation in STEM
- Insufficient knowledge transfer activities
Use of Funds
Funds can be used for conducting research, integrating education, broadening participation in STEM, and facilitating knowledge transfer. This includes technology transfer, informing public policy, and disseminating knowledge across scientific fields.
Total Program Funding
$30,000,000
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Sep 30, 2026
- Archive Date
- Oct 1, 2026
- Est. Application Due (AI estimate)
- Winter 2027
- Est. Award Date (AI estimate)
- Summer 2027
Application Checklist
- Form a partnership with eligible entities
- Develop a comprehensive research proposal
- Create a plan for integrating education and research
- Draft a strategy for broadening STEM participation
- Outline a knowledge transfer plan
- Prepare a detailed budget proposal
- Gather institutional support letters
- Design a diversity and inclusion plan
- Establish a project timeline
- Compile evidence of past successful collaborations