Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM)
Quick Facts
- Agency
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Funding
- $3,000,000 - $5,000,000 over 5 years
- Deadline
- Rolling (Rolling / Open)
- Status
- Active
- Eligibility
- Minority-serving institutions partnering with NSF-supported materials centers
About This Grant
Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). Builds materials research capacity, suitable for lunar regolith simulant studies and additive manufacturing material development. This program should be reviewed carefully against your organization's mission, staffing capacity, timeline, and compliance readiness before you commit resources to a full application. Strong submissions usually translate sponsor priorities into concrete objectives, clear implementation milestones, and measurable public benefit.
For planning purposes, treat rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows as your working submission target unless the sponsor publishes an updated notice. A competitive project plan should include a documented need statement, implementation approach, evaluation framework, risk controls, and a realistic budget narrative. Even when a grant allows broad program design, reviewers still expect credible evidence that the proposed work can be executed within the grant period and with appropriate accountability.
Current published award information indicates $3,000,000 - $5,000,000 over 5 years Organizations should verify the final funding range, matching requirements, and allowability rules directly in the official opportunity materials before preparing a budget. Finance and program teams should align early so direct costs, indirect costs, staffing assumptions, procurement timelines, and reporting obligations all remain consistent throughout drafting and post-award administration.
Eligibility guidance for this opportunity is: Minority-serving institutions partnering with NSF-supported materials centers If your organization has partnerships, subrecipients, or collaborators, define responsibilities and compliance ownership before submission. Reviewers often look for implementation credibility, so letters of commitment, prior performance evidence, and a clear governance model can materially strengthen the application narrative and reduce concerns about delivery risk.
A practical approach is to begin with a focused readiness review, then build a workback schedule from the sponsor deadline. Confirm required attachments, registration dependencies, and internal approval checkpoints early. This reduces last-minute issues and improves submission quality. For the most accurate requirements, always rely on the official notice and primary source links associated with Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM).
Official Opportunity Details
Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.
NSF 24-512: Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) | NSF - U. S. National Science Foundation An official website of the United States government Official websites use .
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Research Experiences for Undergraduates For Early-Career Researchers Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) How We Make Funding Decisions Request a Change to Your Award Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) NSF Public Access Repository Who to Contact With Questions Facilities and Infrastructure Updates on NSF Priorities Our Directorates & Offices Biological Sciences (BIO) Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE) Integrative Activities (OIA) International Science & Engineering (OISE) Mathematical & Physical Sciences (MPS) Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences (SBE) Technology, Innovation & Partnerships (TIP) National Center for Science & Engineering Statistics (NCSES) National Science Board (NSB) Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) Archived funding opportunity This solicitation is archived.
NSF 24-512: Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) Posted: December 13, 2023 To save a PDF of this solicitation, select Print to PDF in your browser's print options.
National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences Division of Materials Research Full Proposal Target Date(s) : Important Information And Revision Notes Important Update: The Center for High Resolution Neutron Scattering (CHRNS) has been added to the list of eligible partners in Section IV. Eligibility Information. Awards made under this program are for a period of six years.
Grants. gov users are limited to entering a five-year budget, therefore use of Research. gov is strongly encouraged.
Any proposal submitted in response to this solicitation should be submitted in accordance with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) that is in effect for the relevant due date to which the proposal is being submitted.
The NSF PAPPG is regularly revised and it is the responsibility of the proposer to ensure that the proposal meets the requirements specified in this solicitation and the applicable version of the PAPPG. Submitting a proposal prior to a specified deadline does not negate this requirement.
Summary Of Program Requirements Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) The Division of Materials Research (DMR) Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials Research (PREM) program aims to enable, build, and grow partnerships between minority-serving institutions and DMR-supported centers and/or facilities to increase recruitment, retention, and degree attainment (which collectively define the PREM pathway) by members of those groups most historically underrepresented in materials research, and at the same time support excellent research and education endeavors that strengthen such partnerships.
Cognizant Program Officer(s): Please note that the following information is current at the time of publishing. See program website for any updates to the points of contact.
Applicable Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): --- Mathematical and Physical Sciences Anticipated Type of Award: Estimated Number of Awards: Anticipated Funding Amount: In FY 2024, Awards are anticipated to be $300,000 to $700,000 per year for a period of six years pending the availability of funds and receipt of competitive proposals.
Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: The proposal must be submitted by a minority-serving college or university. See 'Eligible Academic Institutions' in this program solicitation for a complete description. Institutions holding 2021 PREM awards, responsive to the PREM solicitation NSF 21-510 , granted for a period of six years, are not eligible.
The Lead Principal Investigator must hold a faculty appointment at an eligible college or university as defined in the 'Eligible Academic Institutions' section. A co-PI must be identified and be a Director at the DMR-supported center and/or facility. Funding of partnering institutions should be requested via subawards; separately submitted collaborative proposals will not be accepted.
Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: Limit on Number of Proposals per PI or co-PI: There are no restrictions or limits. Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions A. Proposal Preparation Instructions Letters of Intent: Not required Preliminary Proposal Submission: Not required Full Proposals submitted via Research.
gov: NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) guidelines apply. The complete text of the PAPPG is available electronically on the NSF website at: https://www. nsf.
gov/publications/pub_summ. jsp? ods_key=pappg .
Full Proposals submitted via Grants. gov: NSF Grants. gov Application Guide: A Guide for the Preparation and Submission of NSF Applications via Grants.
gov guidelines apply (Note: The NSF Grants. gov Application Guide is available on the Grants. gov website and on the NSF website at: https://www.
nsf. gov/publications/pub_summ. jsp?
ods_key=grantsgovguide ). Cost Sharing Requirements: Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited. Indirect Cost (F&A) Limitations: Other Budgetary Limitations: Other budgetary limitations apply.
Please see the full text of this solicitation for further information. Full Proposal Target Date(s) : Proposal Review Information Criteria National Science Board approved criteria. Additional merit review criteria apply.
Please see the full text of this solicitation for further information. Award Administration Information Additional award conditions apply. Please see the full text of this solicitation for further information.
Standard NSF reporting requirements apply. Summary of Program Requirements Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions Proposal Preparation Instructions Research. gov/Grants.
gov Requirements NSF Proposal Processing and Review Procedures Merit Review Principles and Criteria Review and Selection Process Award Administration Information Notification of the Award The National Science Foundation's vision of “a Nation that leads the world in science and engineering research and innovation, to the benefit of all, without barriers to participation” encompasses core values of research excellence, inclusion, and collaboration, as described in NSF's Strategic Plan .
The NSF Division of Materials Research (DMR) supports a broad interdisciplinary research community, which encompasses materials science, physics, chemistry, mathematical sciences, and engineering disciplines, providing a unique opportunity to broadly promote the NSF vision and core values, especially inclusion and collaboration.
Minority-serving colleges/universities and DMR-supported centers and/or facilities represent rich resources for broadening access to STEM careers. In the U. S.
, minority-serving colleges and universities are the leading sources of degrees in materials-related fields that are awarded to historically underrepresented minorities in STEM.
DMR supports research to advance new materials discovery, design, synthesis, and characterization, which are essential for the development of future technologies and industries that address societal needs, as well as for preparing the next generation of materials researchers.
DMR-supported centers and facilities, which are housing preeminent researchers and world-class scientific infrastructure, offer a singular opportunity for minority-serving institutions to network across the nation.
The DMR Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials Research (PREM) program aims to enable, build, and grow formal partnerships between minority-serving institutions and DMR-supported centers and/or facilities through materializing the PREM pathway.
The PREM pathway aims at broadening participation through enhanced recruitment, retention, and degree attainment by members of those groups most historically underrepresented in materials research. As an essential ingredient for its success, PREM supports excellent research and education endeavors that nurture and strengthen such partnerships and advance the materials research field.
Information about current PREMs and a description of the PREM framework can be found at https://prem-dmr. org/ . The PREM program activity is expected to enhance both the quantity and quality of materials research and education opportunities for students and faculty members at minority-serving institutions, and to demonstrably lead to broadened participation in materials research.
These opportunities result from long-term, multi-investigator, collaborative research and education partnerships that define a framework wherein a supportive and stable PREM pathway for promoting inclusiveness in STEM is designed and built. In this context, the framework includes the partnership, the pathway (i. e.
, the recruitment/retention/degree attainment paradigm), as well as essential research and education elements that collectively propel the participants’ progression along the pathway. Additionally, the PREM activity may also contribute to and strengthen broadening participation efforts at partnering institutions (i. e.
, the DMR-supported centers and facilities). A PREM typically encompasses research thrust(s) that involve several faculty members addressing materials research topic(s). Sustained support is developed through a collaborative effort by the participants from both partnering institutions that is based on common intellectual interests (either pre-existing or newly identified) and complementary backgrounds, skills, and knowledge.
Ideally, a PREM proposal defines a vision for the partnership that simultaneously promotes inclusiveness and research excellence; the proposed research should be aligned with research supported by DMR. The role of each institutional partner should be explicit, and project goals to achieve the vision should be clearly defined and addressed.
Importantly, anticipated challenges and expected outcomes towards increasing participation of groups underrepresented in STEM and research output must be identified and addressed. Plans for student/faculty reciprocal exchange between partnering institutions are required.
Project assessment and evaluation plans are required and are designed to emphasize an increase in the quality and quantity of research, education, and broadening participation endeavors measured relative to the beginning of the award. Successful PREMs can be developed regardless of the starting research and capacity levels at the lead institution.
Efforts for broadening participation in materials research rely on creating research and education partnerships that promote inclusive institutional cultures. An effective partnership defines a framework that contains the PREM pathway towards broadening participation, as well as research and education resources.
Through effective utilization of research and education resources and depending on the level of support that the lead institution can provide to enable research efforts, a variety of strategies may be developed towards a progressive materialization of the recruitment/retention/degree attainment components of the PREM pathway.
Examples include but are not limited to workshops, technical meetings, technical courses, curricular development, summer schools, outreach towards improving recruitment, student mentoring activities, and overall opportunities in science learning and training.
Starting research and capacity levels will position the PREM partnership at a specific location within the PREM pathway, which can range from pre-recruitment to pre-degree attainment stages.
It is expected that eventually, and as a result of the developed strategies and proposed research and education elements, the partnership on the PREM pathway will evolve and mature, leading to an increased enrollment of underrepresented students in graduate school, and eventually, to a diverse materials research workforce at all levels (i. e. , student, postdoctoral, faculty, STEM career).
As examples, to date, successful PREMs have devised innovative strategies around recruitment, retention, and degree attainment that have successfully promoted enrollment of minority students in STEM Ph. D. programs in both minority- and non-minority-serving institutions throughout the U.
S. Other successful PREMs have prepared undergraduates at the lead institution for recruitment by the partner institution, which provides another example of a fully materialized PREM pathway that benefits both institutions by simultaneously broadening participation in STEM areas as well as increasing research output.
It should be emphasized that the partnership is expected to develop capacity in at least one segment of the PREM pathway within the duration of the award, commensurate with the partnership’s starting research and capacity levels. The vision for the partnership, however, must include a deliberate effort that aims at the full completion of the pathway, possibly in subsequent awards.
Successful PREMs are expected to: Engage in compelling scientific materials research: research thrust(s) must have a well-integrated research program with compelling intellectual merit and broader impacts. Each thrust must demonstrate clear benefits from a collaborative approach, which in turn defines the research and education partnership.
Promote inclusion of participants from underrepresented groups in the PREM pathway covering all or a segment of the recruitment/retention/degree-attaining sequence through opportunities in science learning and training. These opportunities are the result of applying the elements from the PREM framework in the PREM pathway.
Challenges and progress throughout the stages of recruitment, retention, and degree attainment are addressed, as appropriate. Propose either existing or newly designed elements in the framework that will successfully promote broadening participation efforts and research output in materials research at the partnering institutions.
The proposed elements must clearly define purpose, challenges, and expected outcomes towards broadening participation and increasing research output. Provide metrics: PREM partners propose specific metrics with which the partnership will be evaluated. The metrics will emphasize increase in both quality and quantity of research and broadening participation measured relative to the beginning of the award in each partnership.
Successful PREMs can be developed regardless of differences in starting research and capacity levels at the lead institution. Specify gains: Each partner must specify anticipated gains both in terms of broadening participation and research output. Using the metrics identified in the proposal, gains will be evaluated and assessed within the context of the segment in the PREM pathway that a specific partnership is targeting.
Establish reciprocity: Reciprocal faculty and student exchanges are a core component of the partnership. Scientific and educational collaboration among all partners with measurable benefits to all are key attributes of a successful PREM.
A PREM may address any area of research supported by the NSF Division of Materials Research which includes 8 programs, known as Topical Materials Research Programs (TMRP): Biomaterials (BMAT), Ceramics (CER), Condensed Matter Physics (CMP), Condensed Matter and Materials Theory (CMMT), Electronic and Photonic Materials (EPM), Metals and Metallic Nanostructures (MMN), Polymers (POL), and Solid State and Materials Chemistry (SSMC).
For a detailed description of the research supported by the 8 core programs visit: https://www. nsf. gov/materials .
Furthermore, in alignment with NSF’s interest in strengthening Emerging Industries, proposals addressing fundamental materials research in the following areas are of interest to DMR: Artificial Intelligence (AI): Research in this area could include the utilization of machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, and other emerging data-centric approaches to address complex problems within the realm of materials science.
Of particular interest are applications of AI to traditional materials science issues, such as those found in ceramics, metals, metallic alloys, and other materials categories. The use of AI and machine learning to enable advanced manufacturing, and using predictive design to program the composition, structure, and/or function of materials are also of interest.
Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology: Research endeavors in this area could address materials-related obstacles hindering the integration of synthetic biology techniques into the development of next-generation materials and living or active materials relevant to biotechnology.
Fundamental materials research at the intersection of synthetic biology and abiotic materials and technologies, as well as the crossroads of engineering biology and materials science is of particular interest.
This may encompass the development of materials, living materials, active materials, and material systems with the potential to revolutionize food production and agriculture, human well-being and biomedical applications, environment, energy, information storage, and processing, as well as the creation of pluripotent and autonomous materials capable of sensing and adapting to their environment.
The focus on new approaches to manufacture at scale novel materials that are safer and more sustainable is encouraged (see https://roadmap. ebrc. org/2021-roadmap-materials/ for more information.)
Advanced Manufacturing: Research in this area could explore novel strategies for creating composite materials that span different materials classes, including the fusion of digital- and self-assembly techniques. Advancements in modeling and monitoring processing with a focus on in situ characterization are of interest.
Additionally, developing ability to print functionality, such as spatially resolved mechanical and chemical properties alongside structures are also of interest.
Furthermore, hierarchical materials, achieved through a combination of self-assembly and top-down additive manufacturing, as well as the integration of manufacturing approaches for heterogeneous materials (soft and hard), and precision synthesis and characterization of macromolecular and bespoke polymer materials are also areas of interest. NSF expects to make Continuing Grants. The estimated number of awards will be 4 to 8.
Awards are anticipated to be effective in October 2024. The total anticipated funding amount in FY 2024 is approximately $4,000,000. Awards are expected to be $300,000 to $700,000 per year for a period of six years.
Estimated program budget, number of awards and average award size/duration are subject to the availability of funds and receipt of competitive proposals. IV. Eligibility Information Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: The proposal must be submitted by a minority-serving college or university.
See 'Eligible Academic Institutions' in this program solicitation for a complete description. Institutions holding 2021 PREM awards, responsive to the PREM solicitation NSF 21-510 , granted for a period of six years, are not eligible. The Lead Principal Investigator must hold a faculty appointment at an eligible college or university as defined in the 'Eligible Academic Institutions' section.
A co-PI must be identified and be a Director at the DMR-supported center and/or facility. Funding of partnering institutions should be requested via subawards; separately submitted collaborative proposals will not be accepted. Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: Limit on Number of Proposals per PI or co-PI: There are no restrictions or limits.
Additional Eligibility Info: Eligible Academic Institutions PREM proposals may be submitted by Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) that primarily serve historically underrepresented groups in STEM as defined below. Each PREM proposal must be submitted in partnership with one or more DMR-supported centers and /or facilities.
The proposal typically includes a subaward to the DMR supported center and/or facility, consistent with the proposed partnership activities. Colleges and universities eligible to participate in this activity must be accredited and award degrees in materials-related disciplines and must be a recognized Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) as defined by the Department of Education ( https://www2. ed.
gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst. html ). Eligibility as a minority-serving institution is available in this link and may also be determined by reference to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) of the US Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics ( http://nces.
ed. gov/ipeds/ ). Note that 2-year and 4-year Associate-degree-granting colleges are not eligible to submit a proposal under this solicitation, except where an established degree-granting partnership exists with an eligible institution.
However, a 2-year and 4-year Associate-degree-granting college may partner with a leading Minority-Serving Institution (MSI). Eligible partners include DMR-supported centers and facilities as listed below: Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSEC). Please see the MRSEC site for a list and information about currently funded centers.
Science and Technology Centers (STC). DMR currently supports four STCs: i) Center for Integration of Modern Optoelectronic Materials on Demand ( IMOD )​, ii) Center on Real-Time Functional Imaging ( STROBE ), iii) Center for complex particle systems ( COMPASS ), and iv) New Frontiers of Sound Science and Technology Center ( NewFoS ). Materials Innovation Platforms (MIP).
DMR currently supports four MIPs: i) 2D Crystal Consortium ( 2DCC-MIP ), ii) Platform for the Accelerated Realization, Analysis, and Discovery of Interface Materials ( PARADIM ), iii) BioPolymers, Automated Cellular Infrastructure, Flow, and Integrated Chemistry ( BioPACIFIC MIP ), and iv) GlycoMIP for Automating the Synthesis of Rationally Designed Glycomaterials. The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory ( NHMFL ).
The Center for High-Energy X-ray Sciences at the Cornell High-Energy Synchrotron Source ( CHEXS@CHESS ). The NSF Quantum Foundry at the University of California at Santa Barbara ( Quantum Foundry ). The NSF MonArk Quantum Foundry at the Montana State University and the University of Arkansas ( MonArk ).
The Center for High Resolution Neutron Scattering ( CHRNS ). V. Proposal Preparation And Submission Instructions A.
Proposal Preparation Instructions Full Proposal Preparation Instructions : Proposers may opt to submit proposals in response to this Program Solicitation via Research. gov or Grants. gov.
Full Proposals submitted via Research. gov: Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation should be prepared and submitted in accordance with the general guidelines contained in the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). The complete text of the PAPPG is available electronically on the NSF website at: https://www.
nsf. gov/publications/pub_summ. jsp?
ods_key=pappg . Paper copies of the PAPPG may be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, telephone (703) 292-8134 or by e-mail from nsfpubs@nsf. gov .
The Prepare New Proposal setup will prompt you for the program solicitation number. Full proposals submitted via Grants. gov: Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation via Grants.
gov should be prepared and submitted in accordance with the NSF Grants. gov Application Guide: A Guide for the Preparation and Submission of NSF Applications via Grants. gov .
The complete text of the NSF Grants. gov Application Guide is available on the Grants. gov website and on the NSF website at: ( https://www.
nsf. gov/publications/pub_summ. jsp?
ods_key=grantsgovguide ). To obtain copies of the Application Guide and Application Forms Package, click on the Apply tab on the Grants. gov site, then click on the Apply Step 1: Download a Grant Application Package and Application Instructions link and enter the funding opportunity number, (the program solicitation number without the NSF prefix) and press the Download Package button.
Paper copies of the Grants. gov Application Guide also may be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, telephone (703) 292-8134 or by e-mail from nsfpubs@nsf. gov .
See PAPPG Chapter II. D. 2 for guidance on the required sections of a full research proposal submitted to NSF.
Please note that the proposal preparation instructions provided in this program solicitation may deviate from the PAPPG instructions. The following items should be included and/or addressed in the proposal: 1) Project Description (limit 28 pages). This section should be completed according to the general guidelines detailed in the NSF PAPPG, including the requirement for a separate section labeled “Broader Impacts.
” In addition, it should include: a) List of Participants (limit 1 page). Provide a list of participating faculty and/or scientific personnel as well as faculty rank from all academic institutions and/or research centers and facilities. List each faculty participant by full name, and her/his institutional and departmental affiliation.
(Note: For all faculty participants listed as Senior Personnel, a Biographical Sketch, Current and Pending Support and Collaborators and Other Affiliations information must be included in the corresponding sections of the proposal.) b) Partnership Vision Statement (no more than 1 page) . The ultimate goal of PREM is broadening participation in Materials Research.
This can be achieved through the establishment of a research and education partnership. To this end, each proposal must emphasize the plan to form a cohesive research and education partnership where recruitment, retention, and degree attainment of students underrepresented in STEM (i. e.
, the PREM pathway) can be achieved and monitored. In this section of the proposal, the PREM pathway towards broadening participation is succinctly described, and a clear and concise vision for the proposed partnership, i. e.
, the framework, is provided by describing its overall research and education goals, along with other strategic objectives. c) Partnership Context (1-3 pages) . Each PREM partnership has the responsibility to define progress in the recruitment/retention/degree attainment sequence within the PREM pathway that would enable an evaluation of the project.
To this end, and given the possibly varying starting points for a given partnership, it is crucial that the partnership defines its context by specifying its starting point in the PREM pathway. Here, participants should describe their current status in the recruitment/retention/degree attainment paradigm.
In addition, partnerships should identify the challenges associated with each step in the pathway, and provide detailed plans to address them. A description of the current institutional research capacity is also needed to enable evaluation of the project. Useful parameters to assess research capacity include availability of equipment, number of active researchers, research output (i.
e. , publications, patents, etc.) , availability of Ph.
D. granting programs, and grant capture, amongst others. PREM partnerships present an opportunity for advancement for both partners in building an inclusive research culture and enhancing research capacity and impact.
In this regard, the starting point of each institution must be clearly described for all partners involved. The partnership context will be used as the baseline in the Project Assessment and Evaluation section in section i. Project Assessment and Evaluation of the Project Description (described below).
d) Results from Prior NSF Support (limit 5 pages). This section should be completed according to the general guidelines detailed in the NSF PAPPG. In addition, new PREM proposals may use this section to describe their scientific and educational achievements under prior NSF support.
Collaborative research and related activities funded by other agencies may also be included here. Recompeting proposers must describe achievements under prior NSF support that pertain to the previous PREM award.
Recompeting proposals must provide a "List of publications and patents from prior NSF support" and "Inclusiveness Strategy and Results," which are to be appended to the end of the References Cited section of the Proposal and do not count towards page limits.
The "Inclusiveness Strategy and Results" should be a 2-page summary describing recruitment and retention efforts of students who received any PREM support during the last PREM award. e) Research Description (5-10 pages) .
Provide a concise description of the long-term research goals and intellectual focus of the partnership and describe the planned research and education activities in sufficient detail to enable assessment of their scientific merit. Two sections must be included in the Research Description that address the following: i) Define the research scope of the partnership.
Both partners must define common or complementary intellectual interests (either pre-existing or newly identified) that will facilitate building a scientific partnership that encompasses the PREM framework. In this section, the purpose of the research, along with the foreseen challenges to accomplish it must be described. In addition, expected outcomes and an evaluation plan of the research effort must be provided.
Importantly, the reinforcing action of the research effort throughout the PREM pathway (briefly introduced in section b. Partnership Vision Statement ), must be described. ii) Describe the role and intellectual contribution of each faculty member associated with the PREM; briefly outline the resources available and plans to accomplish the research goals.
Describe the role of the partner(s). Use bold-face type for the name of each senior personnel wherever it occurs. f) For recompeting PREMs only: The PREM program allows institutions with a previous PREM award to recompete, provided the PREM award was granted either in a competition prior to FY 2021 or at the FY 2021 competition but only for a three-year award period.
The recompeting institutions will need to submit their proposals following the guidelines of the current solicitation, and not those from the solicitation of their original awards. The recompeting proposals will be reviewed as any other incoming proposal for this competition, using the review criteria outlined in this solicitation. g) Partnership Impacts (limit 6 pages).
This section should be completed according to the specific criteria in this solicitation, i. e. , the unfolding of the proposed PREM pathway towards broadening participation in materials research.
i) Building up from the Partnership Context in section c , describe the proposed strategy for increased “recruitment, retainment, and degree attainment” in the PREM pathway.
Each partnership will identify which step(s) of the pathway will be tackled for the duration of the award, provided the starting point ( Partnership Context, section c ) is factored in, and an attainable final point within the duration of the award is set (not necessarily completing the whole PREM pathway).
The proposed strategy is formed by either pre-existing or newly developed research and education elements within the framework described in section 1. b. Partnership Vision Statement .
These elements encompass a variety of opportunities in science learning and training. Provide a brief description of such elements and how their deployment onto specific segments of the PREM pathway will help advance participation of underrepresented groups in STEM for both partners. Identify challenges and possible solutions.
ii) Impact of Partnership both on minority-serving institution and partner. The PREM program is designed to bring benefits to both partners in terms of building an inclusive research culture and research output. Describe the potential outcomes of building the PREM pathway in the context of inclusive participation and enriching materials research for both partners.
iii) Identify how gains from establishing the framework and building the PREM pathway could affect non-participants. h) Management Plan (limit 1 page) . Describe the plans for the administration of the PREM, including the functions of key personnel, and the role of any external advisory committee and internal executive committee.
Describe the plans for administering the collaborative programs with the Partner organization and how decisions will be made and implemented. Include an organizational chart. Specify personnel responsible for student mentoring at all sites.
i) Project Assessment and Evaluation (limit 1 page). Describe how broadening participation, research and education outputs will be evaluated (internally and/or externally).
Coherently with the proposed PREM pathway and devised strategies, include a plan for self-assessment and evaluation of recruitment, and/or retention, and/or degree attainment in the minority-serving institution as well as plans to evaluate broadening participation in the partner institution.
Project assessment and evaluation is partnership-specific and should emphasize broadening participation as well as research and education quality and quantity measured relative to the beginning of the award. 2) References Cited . List only references cited in the Project Description.
See the PAPPG for format instructions. Noncompliance with NSF guidelines may result in the proposal being returned without review. 3) Budget pages and budget justification .
Complete budget pages for each year of support for all six years. Provide a six-year summary budget justification that may not exceed a total of five pages. Provide separate budget pages for the lead institution and for each organization receiving a subaward.
Provide a separate budget justification, up to five pages, for each subaward. PI meetings and reverse site visits should be accounted for in the travel budget. Do not list personnel with zero support on the budget page.
Important information for Grants. gov users: Awards made under this program are for a period of six years and Grants. gov users are limited to entering a five-year budget.
If the proposal was successfully accepted to NSF or successfully put in an in-progress status in Research. gov, Grants. gov proposers should use Research.
gov to enter the budget for the 6 th year. This update must be made in Research. gov by the full proposal due date specified in this solicitation or the proposal will be returned without review.
See additional important information for Grants. gov users in Section V. D.
4) Facilities, Equipment and Other Resources. This section should be prepared in accordance with the PAPPG and should provide an aggregated description of the resources that the organization will provide to the project, should it be funded.
For purposes of this solicitation, resources such as space, faculty release time, faculty and staff positions, capital equipment, access to existing facilities, collaborations, and support for outreach efforts should be addressed, for both the
Eligibility Requirements
- Minority-serving institutions partnering with NSF-supported materials centers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM)?
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Minority-serving institutions partnering with NSF-supported materials centers Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
What is the typical funding level for Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM)?
Current published award information indicates $3,000,000 - $5,000,000 over 5 years Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
When is the deadline for Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM)?
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Related Grants
High Altitude Community Observatory (HACO) Development Program
High Altitude Community Observatory (HACO) Development Program is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF supports development of high-altitude platforms for astronomical observations, including buoyant systems like aerostats for ultra-high altitude research applications. This program should be reviewed carefully against your organization's mission, staffing capacity, timeline, and compliance readiness before you commit resources to a full application. Strong submissions usually translate sponsor priorities into concrete objectives, clear implementation milestones, and measurable public benefit. For planning purposes, treat March 15, 2026 as your working submission target unless the sponsor publishes an updated notice. A competitive project plan should include a documented need statement, implementation approach, evaluation framework, risk controls, and a realistic budget narrative. Even when a grant allows broad program design, reviewers still expect credible evidence that the proposed work can be executed within the grant period and with appropriate accountability. Current published award information indicates $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 Organizations should verify the final funding range, matching requirements, and allowability rules directly in the official opportunity materials before preparing a budget. Finance and program teams should align early so direct costs, indirect costs, staffing assumptions, procurement timelines, and reporting obligations all remain consistent throughout drafting and post-award administration. Eligibility guidance for this opportunity is: Universities, research institutions, consortia If your organization has partnerships, subrecipients, or collaborators, define responsibilities and compliance ownership before submission. Reviewers often look for implementation credibility, so letters of commitment, prior performance evidence, and a clear governance model can materially strengthen the application narrative and reduce concerns about delivery risk. A practical approach is to begin with a focused readiness review, then build a workback schedule from the sponsor deadline. Confirm required attachments, registration dependencies, and internal approval checkpoints early. This reduces last-minute issues and improves submission quality. For the most accurate requirements, always rely on the official notice and primary source links associated with High Altitude Community Observatory (HACO) Development Program.
NSF TRAILBLAZER Engineering Impact Award
NSF TRAILBLAZER Engineering Impact Award is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). Funds bold, innovative engineering projects addressing national needs, including AI-related engineering education and curriculum innovation through convergence of engineering and science. Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt: NSF Trailblazer Engineering Impact Award (TRAILBLAZER) | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation An official website of the United States government Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS. or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Research Experiences for Undergraduates For Early-Career Researchers Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) How We Make Funding Decisions Request a Change to Your Award Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) NSF Public Access Repository Who to Contact With Questions Facilities and Infrastructure Updates on NSF Priorities Our Directorates & Offices Biological Sciences (BIO) Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE) Integrative Activities (OIA) International Science & Engineering (OISE) Mathematical & Physical Sciences (MPS) Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences (SBE) Technology, Innovation & Partnerships (TIP) National Center for Science & Engineering Statistics (NCSES) National Science Board (NSB) NSF Trailblazer Engineering Impact Award (TRAILBLAZER) NSF Trailblazer Engineering Impact Award (TRAILBLAZER) NSF's implementation of the revised 2 CFR NSF Financial Assistance awards (grants and cooperative agreements) made on or after October 1, 2024, will be subject to the applicable set of award conditions, dated October 1, 2024, available on the NSF website . These terms and conditions are consistent with the revised guidance specified in the OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2024. Important information for proposers All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the requirements specified in this funding opportunity and in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) that is in effect for the relevant due date to which the proposal is being submitted. It is the responsibility of the proposer to ensure that the proposal meets these requirements. Submitting a proposal prior to a specified deadline does not negate this requirement. Updates to NSF Research Security Policies On July 10, 2025, NSF issued an Important Notice providing updates to the agency's research security policies, including a research security training requirement, Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program annual certification requirement, prohibition on Confucius institutes and an updated FFDR reporting and submission timeline. Supports individual investigators in pursuing bold, innovative research that addresses national needs, strengthens U.S. leadership and fosters advances in areas such as AI, quantum engineering, bioengineering, robotics and nuclear engineering. Supports individual investigators in pursuing bold, innovative research that addresses national needs, strengthens U.S. leadership and fosters advances in areas such as AI, Application snapshot: target deadline April 13, 2026; published funding information Varies, typically $500,000 - $3,000,000; eligibility guidance Individuals at U.S. universities, colleges, or non-profits Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
NSF 24-608: Safety, Security, and Privacy of Open-Source Ecosystems (Safe-OSE)
NSF 24-608: Safety, Security, and Privacy of Open-Source Ecosystems (Safe-OSE) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). Funds research on safety and privacy in open-source ecosystems, applicable to secure AI therapist platforms for children. Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt: NSF 24-608: Safety, Security, and Privacy of Open-Source Ecosystems (Safe-OSE) | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation An official website of the United States government Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS. or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Research Experiences for Undergraduates For Early-Career Researchers Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) How We Make Funding Decisions Request a Change to Your Award Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) NSF Public Access Repository Who to Contact With Questions Facilities and Infrastructure Updates on NSF Priorities Our Directorates & Offices Biological Sciences (BIO) Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE) Integrative Activities (OIA) International Science & Engineering (OISE) Mathematical & Physical Sciences (MPS) Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences (SBE) Technology, Innovation & Partnerships (TIP) National Center for Science & Engineering Statistics (NCSES) National Science Board (NSB) Safety, Security, and Privacy of Open-Source Ecosystems (Safe-OSE) Active funding opportunity This document is the current version. NSF 24-608: Safety, Security, and Privacy of Open-Source Ecosystems (Safe-OSE) Posted: September 19, 2024 To save a PDF of this solicitation, select Print to PDF in your browser's print options. Program Solicitation NSF 24-608 U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate for STEM Education Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Preliminary Proposal Due Date(s) (required) (due by 5 p.m. submitting organization's local time): Second Tuesday in January, Annually Thereafter Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitting organization's local time): Fourth Tuesday in April, Annually Thereafter Important Information And Revision Notes Any proposal submitted in response to this solicitation should be submitted in accordance with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) that is in effect for the relevant due date to which the proposal is being submitted. The NSF PAPPG is regularly revised and it is the responsibility of the proposer to ensure that the proposal meets the requirements specified in this solicitation and the applicable version of the PAPPG. Submitting a proposal prior to a specified deadline does not negate this requirement. Summary Of Program Requirements Safety, Security, and Privacy of Open-Source Ecosystems (Safe-OSE) Vulnerabilities in an open-source product and/or its continuous development, integration and deployment infrastructure can potentially be exploited to attack any user (human, organization, and/or another product/entity) of the product. To respond to the growing threats to the safety, security, and privacy of open-source Application snapshot: target deadline rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows; published funding information Varies; eligibility guidance Institutions of higher education, nonprofits, for-profits; up to 2 preliminary proposals per organization Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
