Ethical and Responsible Research

U.S. National Science Foundation · NSF

CFDA Numbers

47.041, 47.049, 47.050, 47.070, 47.074, 47.075, 47.076, 47.079, 47.083, 47.084

Award Ceiling

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Award Floor

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Expected Awards

Close Date

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Section I

How to Apply

Apply Online ↗

View on grants_gov ↗

Program Contact

NSF grants.gov support<br/>grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

Section II

Eligibility

*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. *Who May Serve as PI: The leadership of project teams are expected to have expertise in the STEM areas or fields on which the project focuses, and in ethics, values, evaluation, or pedagogy. For a Partnership for Transformational Research Project proposal, it is highly recommended that at least one senior member of the administration from each partnering organization serve as part of the research team’s leadership.

Eligible Applicant Types

Section III

Description

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.

Section IV

Key Dates

Posted: Jun 6, 2025
Archive: Jun 7, 2025