Core Research
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers conducting fundamental research in STEM education. Institutions eligible to apply include public and private universities, community colleges, and research institutions that can conduct rigorous empirical studies. Projects must focus on one of three research areas: STEM Learning and Learning Environments, Broadening Participation in STEM, or STEM Workforce Development. Researchers may target learners of all ages in formal and informal settings.
This is curiosity-driven or use-inspired basic research. The potential impact may be indirect and long-term rather than immediate. Projects should advance foundational knowledge in STEM education, not just apply existing knowledge.
This grant is for researchers conducting fundamental research in STEM education. Institutions eligible to apply include public and private universities, community colleges, and research institutions that can conduct rigorous empirical studies. Projects must focus on one of three research areas: STEM Learning and Learning Environments, Broadening Participation in STEM, or STEM Workforce Development. Researchers may target learners of all ages in formal and informal settings.
This is curiosity-driven or use-inspired basic research. The potential impact may be indirect and long-term rather than immediate. Projects should advance foundational knowledge in STEM education, not just apply existing knowledge.
Program description
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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for researchers conducting fundamental research in STEM education. Institutions eligible to apply include public and private universities, community colleges, and research institutions that can conduct rigorous empirical studies. Projects must focus on one of three research areas: STEM Learning and Learning Environments, Broadening Participation in STEM, or STEM Workforce Development. Researchers may target learners of all ages in formal and informal settings.
This is curiosity-driven or use-inspired basic research. The potential impact may be indirect and long-term rather than immediate. Projects should advance foundational knowledge in STEM education, not just apply existing knowledge.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF PAPPG-required forms (SF-424, SF-424(R&R))
- Project Narrative/Description
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches
- Current and Pending Support statements
- Institutional approval letters (if required)
- Letters of support (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.076 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$116,005,485
-
$111,205,673
-
$82,631,883
-
$50,428,430
-
$45,382,137
-
$42,090,891
-
$41,100,753
-
$39,061,618
-
$33,116,189
-
$30,232,784
Top States by Funding
- CA 17 awards $411.8M
- MA 4 awards $209.6M
- TX 7 awards $122.7M
- NY 5 awards $115.4M
- IL 5 awards $96.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.076). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,087,560,000 | |
| 2025 | $1,169,550,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $286,650,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for EDU Core Research funding?
Universities, colleges, and research institutions with capacity to conduct rigorous fundamental research. Individual researchers typically apply through their institution.
What are the three research focus areas?
STEM Learning and Learning Environments, Broadening Participation in STEM, and STEM Workforce Development. Your project should address at least one.
What funding levels are available?
Level I up to $500,000, Level II up to $1,500,000, and Level III up to $2,500,000. All projects run 3-5 years.
What's the deadline?
October 1, 2026 is the deadline for this solicitation.
Can my project be applied research instead of basic research?
No, this program requires fundamental research that generates foundational knowledge, not immediate practical solutions.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly identify which research area your project addresses and explain how your work advances foundational knowledge in that area.
- Justify your requested funding level (I, II, or III) and project duration based on scope and empirical effort needed.
- Include rigorous research design with appropriate methodology for your research questions.
- Address learners across diverse demographics if possible to strengthen proposals on broadening participation.
- Connect your proposed work to existing STEM education research and explain novel contributions or perspectives you bring.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing applied research or direct interventions instead of fundamental research that builds foundational knowledge. Requesting funding or duration that doesn't match project scope or failing to justify the chosen level. Addressing topics outside the three designated research areas or failing to clearly articulate connections to STEM education.
Similar grants
- OPEN FY 27 Computer Science Incentive Fund – ENDORSEMENTS — Iowa Education
- OPEN FY27 Credentials to Careers Grant – Aligning Career & Technical Education Programs with Industry-Recognized Credentials — Iowa Education
- OPEN FY27 College and Career Transition Counselor Grant Application – Sixth Round — Iowa Education
- OPEN FY27 – Perkins V – Postsecondary Application (CLNA4 – Spring 2026) — Iowa Education
- OPEN FY27 – Perkins V – Secondary Application (CLNA4 – Spring 2026) — Iowa Education