Proposals

Nebraska EPSCoR Requests for Proposal (RFPs) that are currently open:

• NEW! NSF Research Infrastructure Improvement Track-1 PLANNING GRANTS (in advance of 2026-2031 project cycle): Nebraska will submit its next $20 million EPSCoR Track-1 Research Infrastructure Improvement grant proposal to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in July 2025. The multi-investigator Track-1 program is a joint investment of the state, participating universities, and NSF. The anticipated funding period for this grant is June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2031. This five-year grant, if funded, will assist Nebraska EPSCoR in fulfilling its mission of enhancing the state’s research competitiveness while broadening the diversity and participation of underrepresented groups.  A Track-1 research team must be multi-institutional and focus on an integrated scientific theme.

  In preparation for the next Track-1 grant submission, Nebraska EPSCoR will be funding Planning Grants of up to $20,000 to support the assembly of thematic research teams from faculty groups at Nebraska’s research institutions.  In 2024 the Nebraska EPSCoR State Committee will conduct an internal competition based on pre-proposals from research teams to determine Nebraska’s single Track-1 application in 2025.  The call for Track-1 pre-proposals will be on December 1, 2023, and pre-proposals will be due to Nebraska EPSCoR on May 1, 2024.

  . View the Request For Proposals HERE (PDF). PROPOSALS DUE DATE: Monday, April 3, 2023 by 5:00 p.m. Central Time (submit proposal HERE).
  
  
• OUTREACH: Seeking Education/Outreach/Diversity Proposals -- Submittals Accepted Year-Round
  Nebraska EPSCoR seeks fun ideas that will allow Nebraska students and families to experience science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). We especially encourage proposals that reach under-served areas of the state and/or that will make science available to people underrepresented in STEM fields. Any STEM related topic is welcome. Professionals from outside core STEM fields such as business, sociology, art, history, and education are encouraged to submit proposals as well. The only requirement is the proposed event or activity should include strong STEM components. Proposals are accepted anytime throughout the year and are limited to $2,000 per award. For more information, email Dr. Jodi Sangster or call the Nebraska EPSCoR office at 402-472-8946.
  
  

Nebraska EPSCoR Requests for Proposal (RFPs) open at other times of the year:

• RESEARCH: Nebraska FIRST Awards - typically opens annually in May.
  
  
• RESEARCH: Nebraska Small College/University Undergraduate Research Experiences -
  Nebraska EPSCoR seeks to fund opportunities for research experiences at Nebraska's small public and private colleges and universities (institutions with less than $8 million/year in research expenditures). Amount of one-year award: $5,000 maximum; typically, proposal due date is February 1 and start date is April 1.
  
  
• RESEARCH: Nebraska Small College/University Teaching and Research Equipment "TRE" Program - typically opens annually in summer. Note: a small public or private Nebraska college or university is defined as an institution with an annual research expenditure of less than $8 million.

Save this page link, visit our News/Events page, or follow us on Twitter @NebraskaEPSCoR for announcements of future RFP opportunities.