Research on the Science and Technology Enterprise: Indicators, Statistics, and Methods (NCSES S)

The Research on the Science and Technology Enterprise: Indicators, Statistics, and Methods program is administered by the National Science Foundation through its National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency established to promote the progress of science and support research and education across the United States. Within NSF, NCSES serves as a principal federal statistical agency responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data related to the science and technology enterprise. This program is designed to advance the development, quality, and application of statistical and methodological approaches used to understand science and engineering systems. The purpose of the program is to support research that improves the measurement, analysis, and communication of data related to science and technology activities. NCSES seeks proposals that leverage its existing datasets or other large-scale data sources to generate new insights into the S&T enterprise. Funded projects may focus on developing improved survey methodologies, enhancing analytical techniques, creating new indicators, exploring alternative data sources, or advancing methods for communicating statistical findings. The program also promotes training and education for researchers working with large, nationally representative datasets. Funding supports a range of project types, including standard research grants, doctoral dissertation improvement grants, conferences, experimental studies, survey research, and dissemination activities. Allowable uses of funds include research activities, data acquisition, methodological development, and dissemination of results. For dissertation awards, funding is typically limited to direct research expenses such as data collection, travel, and analysis tools, and does not support salaries, stipends, or tuition. Cost sharing is not permitted under this program, and indirect cost limitations are not specified. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based institutions and organizations. Eligible applicants include accredited institutions of higher education, nonprofit research organizations, museums, observatories, professional societies, and federally recognized tribal nations. Doctoral dissertation proposals must be submitted through eligible academic institutions, with the advisor serving as principal investigator and the student as co-principal investigator. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals that may be submitted by an organization or investigator. Applications must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with NSF’s Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. Required components include a full proposal with project description, budget, data management plan, and other standard NSF elements. Proposals are evaluated based on NSF’s merit review criteria, including intellectual merit and broader impacts, as well as their relevance to NCSES program goals. Reviewers assess the quality, feasibility, and potential contribution of the proposed research. The program operates on a recurring schedule with two annual deadlines. Proposals are due in January and June each year, specifically on the third Tuesday of those months. The program is currently not accepting proposals and is awaiting a new solicitation, but it is expected to continue on an annual recurring basis. NSF typically completes the review process within approximately six months after submission. Awards are issued as standard or continuing grants, and recipients must comply with reporting requirements including annual and final reports, as well as a project outcomes report for the public.

Clearly define research questions; align with NCSES mission areas; demonstrate methodological rigor; address both intellectual merit and broader impacts; ensure data management compliance