EDU Core Research

U.S. National Science Foundation$500,000–$2,500,000Due Oct 1, 2026

Researchers Schools & universities Large award Broad eligibility

Deadline: Oct 1, 2026
Posted: May 15, 2026
Award amount: $500,000–$2,500,000
Focus areas: Science and Technology and other Research and Development

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In plain English

NSF's EDU Core Research (ECR:Core) program supports fundamental research advancing knowledge of STEM learning, broadening participation, and STEM workforce development for learners of all ages in formal and informal settings. Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any entity type), subject to clarifications in the solicitation. Funding has three levels: up to $500,000 (Level I), up to $1.5 million (Level II), and up to $2.5 million (Level III), with project durations of three to five years.

AI-generated summary to help you decide quickly — verify the official eligibility rules before applying.

Who can apply

Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"

About this grant

The EDU Core Research (ECR) program offers this ECR:Core solicitation and invites proposals for fundamental research (curiosity-driven basic research and use-inspired basic research) that contributes to the general, explanatory knowledge that underlies STEM education in one or more of the three broadly conceived Research Areas: Research onSTEM Learning and Learning Environments, Research on Broadening Participation in STEM fields, andResearch on STEM Workforce Development. Within this framework, the ECR program supports a wide range of fundamental STEM education research activities, aimed at learners of all groups and ages in formal and informal settings. Fundamental researchgenerates knowledge and understanding with the potential for broad relevance. The potential implications of ECR fundamental research for improving STEM education practice may be indirect and long-term rather than direct and immediate. Moreover, whether they include basic or use-inspired basic research, all successful ECR:Core proposals focus on the advancement or refinement of foundational knowledge for STEM education. The amount of funding and duration requested in proposals submitted to the ECR:Core solicitation should align with the maturity of the proposed work and the size and scope of the empirical effort. The solicitation has three levels of funding with a range of budget sizes, and proposals may request a duration of 3 to 5 years for any level: (1)Level I proposals may request up to $500,000; (2)Level II proposals may request up to $1,500,000; (3)Level III proposalsmay request up to $2,500,000. All proposals should justify the level of funding and duration in the project description.

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