EDU Core Research | 21 588

EDU Core Research (ECR) / EHR Core Research FAQs

1) What is the EDU Core Research (ECR) / EHR Core Research program?

The EDU Core Research program, also referred to as EHR Core Research (ECR), is a National Science Foundation (NSF) funding opportunity that supports fundamental STEM education research. Its purpose is to build general, explanatory knowledge about STEM education rather than producing quick, direct classroom fixes.

2) What kind of research does this program prioritize?

This program prioritizes curiosity-driven basic research and use-inspired basic research. The central expectation is that proposals will advance or refine foundational understanding of how STEM education works, with an emphasis on underlying mechanisms and theory-building.

3) Is the program meant to fund direct classroom interventions or immediate solutions?

Not primarily. Because the focus is on foundational mechanisms and theory-building, the payoff for practice may be indirect and longer-term. Results are intended to be broadly relevant across contexts instead of narrowly tied to a single intervention or site.

4) What are the main research areas supported by the program?

Projects must fit within at least one of three major research areas:

• Research on STEM Learning and Learning Environments
• Research on Broadening Participation in STEM fields
• Research on STEM Workforce Development

5) What is included under Research on STEM Learning and Learning Environments?

This area covers how people learn STEM and how different settings shape learning. It includes research on learning in schools, higher education, and informal learning contexts, and may involve tools, curricula, technologies, and instructional environments that influence learning processes and outcomes.

6) What is included under Research on Broadening Participation in STEM?

This area focuses on factors that influence equitable access, persistence, and success in STEM for populations that have been historically underrepresented or underserved. It also includes examination of structural and contextual conditions that contribute to participation gaps.

7) What is included under Research on STEM Workforce Development?

This area examines how people prepare for, enter, and progress in the STEM workforce. It includes education-to-career pathways, competencies, identity and professional formation, and the systems that connect education, training, and employment.

8) Do projects have to focus on a specific age group or educational stage?

No. The program welcomes research involving learners of all ages and groups across both formal and informal settings.

9) Do projects have to be limited to formal education settings like schools and universities?

No. The program explicitly includes both formal and informal learning contexts, and it recognizes that STEM learning can occur in multiple settings.

10) How is funding structured under this opportunity?

Funding is structured in three levels so the budget aligns with the maturity and scale of the proposed empirical work:

• Level I: up to $500,000
• Level II: up to $1,500,000
• Level III: up to $2,500,000 (award ceiling)

11) What is the maximum award amount available?

The maximum award ceiling is $2,500,000 under Level III.

12) How long can projects last?

For any funding level, project duration can be between 3 and 5 years.

13) Do applicants need to justify the funding level and project timeline they choose?

Yes. Proposals are expected to clearly justify why the chosen funding level and timeline are appropriate for the work being proposed, including the size and scope of the research effort.

14) Which NSF directorate manages this program?

This is a discretionary grant program within NSF's Education and Human Resources (EHR) directorate.

15) What is the CFDA number and category listed for this opportunity?

The opportunity is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development with CFDA number 47.076.

16) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning a wide range of applicant organizations can apply as long as they meet NSF requirements.

17) What is the funding opportunity number and title?

The funding opportunity title is EDU Core Research, and the funding opportunity number is 21-588.

18) What was the original closing date for this opportunity?

The original closing date listed is 2024-10-03.

19) When was the solicitation created?

The solicitation was created on 2021-05-27.

20) What is the key expectation for proposals submitted to this program?

The key expectation is that proposals will advance or refine foundational understanding of how STEM education works, producing knowledge intended to be broadly relevant across contexts.