Opportunity Information: Apply for 24 576
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Gen-4 Engineering Research Centers (ERC) opportunity funds large, multi-university centers that unite academic research with industry engagement to strengthen U.S. competitiveness and accelerate real-world technological impact. The ERC program, established in 1984, is built around cross-disciplinary teams that advance fundamental engineering knowledge while also developing engineered systems technologies. A central expectation is that centers do not operate like isolated research projects; instead, they function as integrated, long-term partnerships that connect university researchers, students, and industry stakeholders around a shared vision aimed at measurable societal benefit.
A key emphasis in this Gen-4 ERC solicitation is support for convergent research, meaning research that intentionally brings together multiple disciplines to solve complex problems in ways that single fields cannot. NSF is looking for ERCs that develop and advance engineered systems with the potential for high societal impact if successful, linking the research agenda to outcomes that improve national prosperity, health, and security. Alongside technical advances, ERCs are expected to expose students to the integrative nature of engineered systems and the realities of industrial practice, preparing graduates to work effectively across disciplines and sectors.
Each ERC is expected to include more than research alone. NSF describes foundational components that must be woven throughout the center: engineering workforce development (EWD) across all stages of participation and value creation through an innovation ecosystem (IE) designed to outlast the NSF award. In practical terms, this means the center should build pathways that develop talent from students to professionals, while also creating durable mechanisms for translation and adoption of technology (for example, industry collaboration structures, partnerships, and other routes to sustained impact beyond the funding period). NSF frames the anticipated impact of the program across three levels: the engineering community, the broader scientific enterprise, and society.
Eligibility is limited and structured. Only U.S. Institutions of Higher Education that are accredited, have a U.S. campus, and grant engineering degrees at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels may serve as the lead institution and submit the proposal. Awards are made to the lead university, which then supports core partner universities and other partners through subawards. NSF also signals a strong interest in proposals that broaden geographic and demographic participation, explicitly encouraging involvement from STEM minority-serving institutions (STEM-MSI), non-R1 institutions, emerging research institutions, EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions, and institutions serving students with disabilities or women in engineering and STEM-related fields.
Invited full proposals must meet specific organizational requirements or they will be returned without review. The lead must qualify as an Institution of Higher Education under the Carnegie Foundational Attribute classification. The ERC must be multi-institutional, consisting of a lead university and additional domestic university core partners, with no maximum number of partners allowed. To count as a core partner, an institution must receive financial support for at least three participating faculty and at least three students (and postdoctoral scholars do not count toward the student minimum). Importantly, the lead or at least one core partner must be a STEM-MSI, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education, with eligibility verifiable via sources such as IPEDS. In addition, cost sharing commitments must be in place from the lead and core partner universities.
Leadership requirements specify that the Lead PI must be a faculty member at the lead institution. Co-PIs may come from the lead or other institutions. NSF also allows flexibility in management by not requiring the Lead PI and the ERC Director to be the same person, though both must be affiliated with the lead institution.
From the opportunity record, this is an NSF discretionary grant in the science and technology research and development category (CFDA 47.041), titled "Gen-4 Engineering Research Centers" (Funding Opportunity Number 24-576). The original closing date listed is May 9, 2025. NSF anticipates making about four awards, and the award ceiling is not specified in the provided text.Apply for 24 576
- The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Gen-4 Engineering Research Centers" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.041.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2024-05-20.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-05-09. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 4 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
NSF Gen-4 Engineering Research Centers (ERC) - FAQs
What is the NSF Gen-4 Engineering Research Centers (ERC) opportunity?
The NSF Gen-4 Engineering Research Centers (ERC) opportunity funds large, multi-university centers that connect academic research with industry engagement to strengthen U.S. competitiveness and speed up real-world technological impact. These centers are designed as integrated, long-term partnerships rather than isolated research projects.
What is the overall goal of the ERC program?
The ERC program aims to advance fundamental engineering knowledge while also developing engineered systems technologies that can deliver measurable societal benefits. NSF emphasizes outcomes tied to national prosperity, health, and security.
When was the ERC program established?
The ERC program was established in 1984.
How are ERCs expected to operate compared to typical research projects?
NSF expects ERCs to function as integrated, long-term partnerships that bring together university researchers, students, and industry stakeholders around a shared vision. The intent is to avoid centers operating like isolated research projects, and instead build coordinated efforts aimed at sustained, measurable impact.
What does NSF mean by "convergent research" in this solicitation?
Convergent research refers to research that intentionally brings together multiple disciplines to solve complex problems in ways that single fields cannot. This is a key emphasis in the Gen-4 ERC solicitation.
What types of research outcomes is NSF looking for from Gen-4 ERCs?
NSF is looking for ERCs that develop and advance engineered systems with the potential for high societal impact if successful. The research agenda should be linked to outcomes that improve national prosperity, health, and security.
Beyond research, what other center components are required?
Each ERC is expected to integrate more than research alone. NSF identifies two foundational components that must be woven throughout the center: engineering workforce development (EWD) and value creation through an innovation ecosystem (IE) designed to outlast the NSF award.
What is meant by "engineering workforce development (EWD)" in this opportunity?
Engineering workforce development (EWD) refers to building pathways that develop talent across all stages of participation, from students through professionals. ERCs are expected to prepare graduates to work effectively across disciplines and sectors and to understand the integrative nature of engineered systems and the realities of industrial practice.
What is meant by an "innovation ecosystem (IE)" for an ERC?
An innovation ecosystem (IE) refers to durable mechanisms that support translation, adoption, and sustained impact of technology beyond the NSF funding period. This can include structures for industry collaboration, partnerships, and other routes that help technologies move toward real-world use and continued value creation.
How does NSF describe the anticipated impact of the ERC program?
NSF frames the anticipated impact across three levels: the engineering community, the broader scientific enterprise, and society.
Who is eligible to serve as the lead institution and submit a proposal?
Only U.S. Institutions of Higher Education that are accredited, have a U.S. campus, and grant engineering degrees at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels may serve as the lead institution and submit the proposal.
How are awards structured across the lead institution and partners?
Awards are made to the lead university. The lead university then supports core partner universities and other partners through subawards.
Is this opportunity limited to single-institution centers?
No. The ERC must be multi-institutional, consisting of a lead university and additional domestic university core partners.
Is there a maximum number of core partner universities allowed?
No maximum number of partners is allowed, based on the information provided.
What are the requirements for an institution to count as a "core partner"?
To count as a core partner, an institution must receive financial support for at least three participating faculty and at least three students. Postdoctoral scholars do not count toward the student minimum.
Are there specific organizational requirements that, if not met, will affect review?
Yes. Invited full proposals must meet specific organizational requirements or they will be returned without review.
What classification must the lead institution meet for invited full proposals?
The lead must qualify as an Institution of Higher Education under the Carnegie Foundational Attribute classification.
Is involvement by minority-serving institutions required?
Yes. The lead or at least one core partner must be a STEM minority-serving institution (STEM-MSI) as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
How can STEM-MSI eligibility be verified?
Eligibility can be verified through sources such as IPEDS, based on the information provided.
Does NSF encourage broader geographic and demographic participation?
Yes. NSF signals strong interest in proposals that broaden geographic and demographic participation, explicitly encouraging involvement from STEM-MSI, non-R1 institutions, emerging research institutions, EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions, and institutions serving students with disabilities or women in engineering and STEM-related fields.
Are cost sharing commitments required?
Yes. Cost sharing commitments must be in place from the lead and core partner universities.
Who can serve as the Lead PI?
The Lead PI must be a faculty member at the lead institution.
Who can serve as Co-PI(s)?
Co-PIs may come from the lead institution or from other institutions.
Do the Lead PI and the ERC Director have to be the same person?
No. NSF does not require the Lead PI and the ERC Director to be the same person, but both must be affiliated with the lead institution.
What type of grant is this and what is the program identification?
This is an NSF discretionary grant in the science and technology research and development category (CFDA 47.041). The opportunity is titled "Gen-4 Engineering Research Centers" with Funding Opportunity Number 24-576.
What is the original closing date listed for this opportunity?
The original closing date listed is May 9, 2025.
How many awards does NSF anticipate making?
NSF anticipates making about four awards.
Is the award ceiling specified in the provided opportunity information?
No. The award ceiling is not specified in the provided text.
What role does industry play in an ERC?
Industry engagement is a central expectation. ERCs are intended to connect university research and education with industry stakeholders to accelerate translation of engineered systems technologies and strengthen U.S. competitiveness.
How does this opportunity connect student experiences to industry practice?
ERCs are expected to expose students to the integrative nature of engineered systems and the realities of industrial practice, helping prepare graduates to work across disciplines and sectors.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction: Targeted Support for Alaska Native Tribes Special Initiative (STCJ AK) Program
Previous opportunity: Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 24 576
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (24 576) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| EPSCoR Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology Apply for 24 575 Funding Number: 24 575 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00369 Funding Number: G24AS00369 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $499,999 |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with South Florida Caribbean Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00374 Funding Number: G24AS00374 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $106,200 |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with USGS- Hawaii-Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00371 Funding Number: G24AS00371 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $71,335 |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00370 Funding Number: G24AS00370 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $499,999 |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00372 Funding Number: G24AS00372 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $285,000 |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00373 Funding Number: G24AS00373 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $499,999 |
| Centers for Chemical Innovation Apply for 23 575 Funding Number: 23 575 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Coordinating Austere Nodes through Virtualization and Analysis of Streams (CANVAS) Apply for FA875024S7003 Funding Number: FA875024S7003 Agency: Air Force -- Research Lab Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $24,900,000 |
| Hispanic Serving Institutions: Equitable Transformation in STEM Education (ETSE) Apply for 24 578 Funding Number: 24 578 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year 2024 Nuclear Forensics Research Award (NFRA) Apply for DHS 24 CWMD 130 NFRA 001 Funding Number: DHS 24 CWMD 130 NFRA 001 Agency: Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $900,000 |
| Scalable and Replicable Watershed Resilience Evaluation Apply for W81EWF 24 SOI 0030 Funding Number: W81EWF 24 SOI 0030 Agency: Engineer Research and Development Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $215,000 |
| NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II Programs Apply for 24 580 Funding Number: 24 580 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Programs Apply for 24 579 Funding Number: 24 579 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I Apply for NNH24ZTR001N 25NIAC A1 Funding Number: NNH24ZTR001N 25NIAC A1 Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $175,000 |
| Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program Apply for HHS 2024 ACL CIP ATTF 0088 Funding Number: HHS 2024 ACL CIP ATTF 0088 Agency: Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Cyber-Physical Systems Apply for 24 581 Funding Number: 24 581 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $7,000,000 |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Lakes – Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00381 Funding Number: G24AS00381 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $108,388 |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Lakes – Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00380 Funding Number: G24AS00380 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $140,675 |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Plains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00382 Funding Number: G24AS00382 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $247,403 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "24 576", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.