U.S. National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) Program

Key facts

Funder

U.S. National Science Foundation

Application deadline

September 8, 2026

Award range

$2M – $3M

Eligibility

*Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: -Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus. *Who May Serve as PI: Track 1 and Track 2: The PI must be on the faculty of the submitting institution.

Geography

United States

Focus areas

Research

Opportunity number

24-597

Program overview

The NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) program seeks proposals that explore ways for graduate students in research-based master's and doctoral degree programs to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to pursue a range of STEM careers. The program is dedicated to effective training of STEM graduate students in high priority interdisciplinary or convergent research areas, through a comprehensive traineeship model that is innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with changing workforce and research needs. Proposals are requested that address any interdisciplinary or convergent research theme of national priority, as described in section II.D below. The NRT program addresses workforce development, emphasizing broad participation, and institutional capacity building needs in graduate education. The program encourages proposals that involve strategic collaborations with the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, national laboratories, field stations, teaching and learning centers, informal science centers, and academic partners. NRT especially welcomes proposals that reflect collaborations between NRT proposals and existing NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES) Initiative , Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) , Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) , NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) , and NSF STEM Ed Organizational Postdoctoral Fellowship program (STEM Ed OPRF) projects, provided the collaboration will strengthen both projects. Researchers at minority serving institutions and emerging research institutions are strongly encouraged to submit proposals. Collaborations between NRT proposals and existing NSF INCLUDES projects should strengthen both NRT and INCLUDES projects.

How to apply

1. Confirm your organization meets the eligibility criteria above.
2. Read the full funding opportunity announcement from U.S. National Science Foundation.
3. Draft your narrative against the funder's stated priorities and review criteria.
4. Submit before September 8, 2026, allowing time for registration and validation.

View the official funding announcement

Related grant opportunities

• OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Grant Program to Assist Children and Youth Affected by and to Engage Men and Youth in Preventing Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking
• IUSE/Professional Formation of Engineers: Revolutionizing Engineering Departments
• AI Partnership & Exchange for Tech Leaders (APEX)
• FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity: Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Pilot Program
• A Science of Science Approach to Analyzing and Innovating the Biomedical Research Enterprise