(Announcement)-Dear Colleague Letter: Exploring the NSF 2026 Idea Machine; March 15, 2020

 

NSF seeks to further explore the pool of ideas submitted to the NSF 2026 Idea Machine, for the purpose of framing new potential areas for NSF investment. This Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) invites submission of proposals for Conferences, and EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGERs), following the themes that emerged in the top group of Idea Machine entries.

 

The submitted Idea Machine entries (https://nsf2026imgallery.skild.com/) were in the form of short concept outlines and videos rather than full-length research proposals. To develop these conceptual descriptions into actionable research agendas that include sets of specific research questions, NSF seeks proposals for catalytic activities in the form of:

 

• Conferences that bring together those interested in shaping any or a group of these top 33 broad ideas into actionable research themes, or new long-term research programs.
• EAGER projects to extend, develop and test concepts from among the top 33 ideas that are ripe for early stage, transformative research.

 

Opportunities for participation by undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, K-12 students, industry representatives, and others are encouraged. NSF welcomes proposals that include efforts to broaden participation of underrepresented groups (women, minorities, and persons with disabilities) in the development of the research agendas. Reflecting the Idea Machine concept, NSF seeks proposals on topics that cross disciplinary boundaries.

 

Deadlines:

Conference proposals: March 15, 2020

EAGER Research Concept Outlines: March 1, 2020

EAGER proposals: April 30, 2020

 

https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2020/nsf20041/nsf20041.jsp?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click