The U.S. National Science Foundation's Research Traineeship program supports diverse graduate students in research-based master's and doctoral degree programs in developing 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 convergence research areas, through a comprehensive traineeship model that is innovative, evidence-based and aligned with changing workforce and research needs.
The NSF Research Traineeship 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, government agencies, national laboratories, field stations, teaching and learning centers, informal science centers, and academic partners.
Convergence research is driven by a specific and compelling problem where there is deep and intentional integration across disciplines. The goal of convergence research is to discover and develop new frameworks, paradigms, or disciplines that address critical questions or challenges.
Accredited institutions of higher education, including community colleges, may apply to launch an NSF Research Traineeship at their institution. A faculty member must serve as the traineeship’s principal investigator.
Credit: Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies/Pamela Freeman