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Ethical and Responsible Research (ER2)

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NSF 24-604

Important information about 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.

Supports projects that promote, improve and disseminate responsible and ethical research practices in STEM fields, focusing on individual, organizational and cultural factors influencing ethical conduct across career stages and research environments.

Supports projects that promote, improve and disseminate responsible and ethical research practices in STEM fields, focusing on individual, organizational and cultural factors influencing ethical conduct across career stages and research environments.

Synopsis

The ER2 program supports projects that focus on what constitutes or promotes responsible and ethical research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.  The ER2 program promotes the development, improvement, and dissemination of responsible and ethical research practices and aims to build on organizational cultures that value and reward such practices.  Proposers to the ER2 program may examine responsible and ethical research practices across one or more career stages. This can include, for example, the research practices of students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, or practitioners. ER2 projects could seek to improve responsible and ethical research practices in teams, organizations, or communities, or between researchers and the public.  ER2 projects may include the development of interventions that promote responsible and ethical research practices, including in multidisciplinary, inter-organizational, cross-sector, translational, or international contexts. An ER2 project can also identify challenges that undermine or erode responsible and ethical research practices in STEM fields and evaluate measures to prevent or mitigate such challenges. A comprehensive approach to responsible and ethical research not only influences individual behavior, but it also contributes to an inclusive, equitable, and respectful research culture. Thus, proposers could examine organizational or other factors that positively influence responsible and ethical research practices in STEM fields.

Proposals from or involving substantial collaboration with organizations in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions, minority-serving institutions, women's colleges, or organizations primarily serving persons with disabilities are encouraged. Proposals that include international collaborations are encouraged if the unique resources, expertise, facilities, or locations of international partners enhance the merit of the proposed work. Please see the NSF PAPPG for guidance on international collaborations.

Program contacts

Jason Borenstein (SBE)
Program Director
jborenst@nsf.gov (703) 292-4207 SBE/OAD
Wenda Bauchspies (SBE)
Program Director
wbauchsp@nsf.gov (703) 292-5034 SBE/SES
Cindy Bethel (CISE)
Program Director
cbethel@nsf.gov (703) 292-4420 CISE/IIS
Daniel Denecke (EDU)
Program Director
ddenecke@nsf.gov (703) 292-8072 EDU/DGE
Alice L. Pawley (ENG)
Program Director
apawley@nsf.gov (703) 292-7286 ENG/EEC
Allen J. Pope (OISE)
Program Director
apope@nsf.gov (703) 292-8030 OD/OISE
George Richter- Addo (MPS)
Program Director
grichter@nsf.gov (703) 292-7528 MPS/CHE
Elizabeth L. Rom (GEO)
Program Director
elrom@nsf.gov (703) 292-7709 GEO/RISE
Danielle F. Sumy (TIP)
Program Director
dsumy@nsf.gov (703) 292-4217 TIP/ITE
Edda Thiels (BIO)
Program Director
ethiels@nsf.gov (703) 292-8421 BIO/IOS
Bela Jang (SBE)
Program Specialist
bejang@nsf.gov (703) 292-7902 SBE/OAD

Awards made through this program

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Map of recent awards made through this program