Research Coordination Networks (RCN)

Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation

47.050 -- Geosciences
47.070 -- Computer and Information Science and Engineering
47.041 -- Engineering
47.083 -- Integrative Activities
47.076 -- STEM Education (formerly Education and Human Resources)
47.075 -- Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences
47.084 -- NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships
47.074 -- Biological Sciences

Archived opportunityLast Updated: May 13, 2026

Description

The goal of the RCN program is to advance a field or create new directions in research or education by supporting groups of investigators to communicate and coordinate their research, training and educational activities across disciplinary, organizational, geographic, and international boundaries. The RCN program provides opportunities to foster new collaborations, including international partnerships where appropriate, and address interdisciplinary topics. Innovative ideas for implementing novel networking strategies, collaborative technologies, training, broadening participation, and development of community standards for data and meta- data are especially encouraged. RCN awards are not meant to support existing networks; nor are they meant to support the activities of established collaborations. RCN awards also do not support primary research. Rather, the RCN program supports the means by which investigators can share information and ideas; coordinate ongoing or planned research activities; foster synthesis and new collaborations; develop community standards; and in other ways advance science and education through communication and sharing of ideas. Additional information about the RCN program and its impacts may be found in Porter et al. 2012 Research Coordination Networks: Evidence of the relationship between funded interdisciplinary networking and scholarly impact. BioScience, 62: 282-288

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Proposed networking activities directed to the RCN program should focus on a theme to give coherence to the collaboration, such as a broad research question ora particular technology or a unique approach to address a current challenge.PIs are encouraged to consider approaches that enhance the geographic diversity of participation in the chosen theme. Participating programs in the Directorates for Biological Sciences (BIO), Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), Geosciences (GEO), STEM Education (EDU), Engineering (ENG), Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE), and Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) will accept RCN proposals. PIs are encouraged to discuss suitability of an RCN topic with a program officer that manages the appropriate program. For proposals submitted to the CISE, ENG, SBE and TIP directorates consultation PRIOR to submission is mandatory (see Proposal Preparation instructions for supplementary documents). The NSF Growing Research Access for Nationally Transformative Equity and Diversity(NSF GRANTED) program welcomes inquiries about potential RCN proposals aimed at strengthening the capability of institutions of higher education to develop, submit, and manage research proposals and awards. Other NSF solicitations accept proposals similar to RCN but for narrowly defined themes. Please see section IX. Other Information of this solicitation for a listing of these programs. PIs are strongly advised to contact the appropriate Program Officer before submitting an RCN proposal.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Miscellaneous

Other

Additional information

*Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: -Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. -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.

Grantor contact information

Description

NSF grants.gov support grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

Email

If you have any problems linking to this funding announcement, please contact the email address above.

grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

Documents

No documents are currently available.

Link to additional information

NSF Publication 23-529

Archived: June 7, 2025

Application process

This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates.

Award

$12,500,000

Program Funding

Expected awards

$500,000

Award Minimum

$--

Award Maximum

Funding opportunity number:

23-529

Cost sharing or matching requirement:

Funding instrument type:

Grant

Opportunity Category:

Discretionary

Opportunity Category Explanation:

Category of Funding Activity:

Science technology and other research and development

Category Explanation:

History

Version:

Posted date:

June 6, 2025

Archive date:

June 7, 2025