OpenAtlas Opportunity Score 88/100
NSF 21-588
NSF EDU Core Research (ECR:Core) (NSF 21-588)
NSF 21-588 supports fundamental STEM education research. For the October 1, 2026 cycle, proposals must focus on undergraduate education, graduate education, higher education, or the STEM workforce. Approximately $35 million is anticipated, with awards up to $2.5 million depending on project level.
Funding$35 million anticipated; approximately 40 awards. Level I up to $500,000, Level II up to $1.5 million, Level III up to $2.5 million; three to five years. Pilot studies should request less than $500,000.
DeadlineOctober 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM submitting organization's local time.
Last verifiedSeptember 13, 2026
Required next actionEligible higher education and research organizations should define a fundamental STEM education research question focused on undergraduate, graduate, higher education, or STEM workforce outcomes; select the appropriate funding level; complete all current NSF proposal requirements; and submit through Research.gov or Grants.gov by the deadline.
Broad Eligibility
Eligible NSF proposer categories under the PAPPG; unaffiliated individuals are not eligible. For the October 1, 2026 competition, proposals must focus on undergraduate education, graduate education, higher education, or the STEM workforce.
Atlas Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score 88/100. Strong national higher education and STEM workforce research opportunity. Healthcare and health professions education can fit when the project is genuinely fundamental STEM education research. This is not a routine equipment, deployment, or workforce training grant. Direct Dr. Miltie/QC applicant fit is conditional and not established; an eligible institution or research organization led path is preferred.
NSF 21-588, EDU Core Research (ECR:Core), supports fundamental research that advances general, explanatory knowledge about STEM learning and learning environments, broadening participation in STEM, and STEM workforce development.
2026 scope update: For the October 1, 2026 competition, NSF will accept ECR:Core proposals only for fundamental STEM education research focused on undergraduate education, graduate education, higher education, and the STEM workforce. Research centered on early childhood, K-12, or informal STEM settings should use the NSF STEM K-12 opportunity instead.
Deadline: October 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM in the submitting organization’s local time.
Funding: NSF anticipates approximately $35 million and about 40 awards. Level I proposals may request up to $500,000, Level II up to $1.5 million, and Level III up to $2.5 million. Project periods may be three to five years. Pilot studies are Level I proposals and should request less than $500,000.
Eligibility: Eligible proposer categories are governed by the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. Unaffiliated individuals are not eligible. NSF states there are no limits on the number of proposals per organization or per PI or co-PI.
Cost sharing: Voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited.
Submission: Proposals may be prepared and submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with the current NSF solicitation and PAPPG. Separately submitted collaborative proposals from multiple organizations must use Research.gov.
Atlas relevance: This is a strong higher education and STEM workforce research opportunity where healthcare, health professions, clinical education, digital health, or related workforce topics are part of a genuine fundamental STEM education research question. It is not a routine technology purchase, implementation grant, or ordinary training grant. An eligible research organization or institution should lead any pursuit unless direct eligibility and research capacity are independently established.
Source verificationOfficial government source · www.nsf.govAtlas last verified this record September 13, 2026. Always use the funder's current application materials, amendments and portal instructions as the controlling source.View source and application materials ↗
