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

The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports rigorous scientific research and education across a wide spectrum of disciplines through various competitive grant programs. One such initiative, the "Research on the Science and Technology Enterprise: Indicators, Statistics, and Methods" program, is administered by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), a principal statistical agency housed within the NSF's Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences. The NCSES fulfills a Congressional mandate to collect, analyze, and disseminate objective data on science and technology (S&T) activities in the United States and globally, with the goal of informing researchers, policymakers, and the public. This funding opportunity aims to support research projects that improve statistical data collection, indicator development, and methodological innovations relevant to the S&T enterprise. NCSES invites proposals that make use of its datasets or incorporate complementary data sources. Areas of interest include enhancing survey methodologies, developing indicators of U.S. S&T competitiveness, understanding global trends, and improving data dissemination techniques. The program encourages innovative approaches such as interactive visualizations and new data linkage techniques. Projects may involve individual or team-based research, conferences, data collection efforts, or doctoral dissertation improvement grants. Applicants may include U.S.-based institutions of higher education, nonprofit research entities, and federally recognized tribal nations. Doctoral students may also apply through their academic institutions for dissertation support. NCSES emphasizes inclusivity and broad participation, with attention to improving the representation of underrepresented groups in science and engineering. Awards are expected to range between 5 and 10 per year, contingent on the availability of funds and the merit of submissions. Standard and continuing grants will be issued under this program. The program operates on a biannual submission cycle, with deadlines on the third Tuesday of January and June each year. For 2025, the deadlines are January 21 and June 17. Applications must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov by 5 p.m. local time of the submitting organization. No letters of intent or preliminary proposals are required. Detailed proposal preparation instructions follow the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). All proposals undergo a merit-based review process using NSF's two principal criteria: intellectual merit and broader impacts. NCSES additionally requires awardees to present final project outcomes to its staff and submit metadata inventories for new datasets. Questions about restricted data access can be directed to NCSES_Licensing@nsf.gov. General program inquiries may be addressed to Sharon A. Boivin at sboivin@nsf.gov or 703-292-4263. Funding decisions are typically communicated within six months of submission, with projects expected to commence shortly thereafter. The program is ongoing with recurring deadlines and evolving research priorities in line with national data needs.