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Education and Special Programs in the Astronomical Sciences (ESP)

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.

Synopsis

The Education and Special Programs (ESP) unit of the Division of Astronomical Sciences administers or advises on programs that have significant educational components and/or emphasis on broadening participation in astronomy.

Programs include:

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites and Supplements, a program that supports undergraduate students to participate in active research;

The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program, a Foundation-wide activity that offers prestigious awards in support of early career-development activities of teacher-scholars; and

The Partnerships in Astronomy & Astrophysics Research and Education (PAARE) Program, which aims to enhance diversity in astronomy and astrophysics research and education by stimulating the development of formal, long-term, collaborative research and education partnerships among minority-serving institutions and partners at research institutions.

ESP also accepts unsolicited proposals with a significant emphasis on astronomy education and broadening participation on a rolling basis. Unsolicited proposals submitted to ESP before March 1 in any given year will be considered for funding in the subsequent fiscal year beginning October 1. Prospective PIs are strongly encouraged to contact the cognizant Program Officer prior to submission.

We also participate in NSF-wide and crosscutting programs that support the professional development of scientists and engineers. Full descriptions of these programs can be found by visiting the NSF home page and choosing "Crosscutting, NSF-wide" as the Program Area, or by visiting the Division of Astronomical Sciences home page.

Program contacts

Hans A. Krimm
hkrimm@nsf.gov (703) 292-2761 MPS/AST
Glen I. Langston
glangsto@nsf.gov (703) 292-4937 MPS/AST

Awards made through this program

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Map of recent awards made through this program