Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology Postdoctoral and Student Researcher and Visiting Fellow Measurement Science and Engineering Program | Apply Online

FAQs: NIST CNST Postdoctoral and Student Researcher and Visiting Fellow Measurement Science and Engineering Program (2014 NIST CNST 01)

What is this funding opportunity?

This was a discretionary funding opportunity from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), through its Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST), to establish and run a coordinated research and training effort called the "Postdoctoral and Student Researcher and Visiting Fellow Measurement Science and Engineering Program."

What was the main purpose of the program?

The purpose was to create a structured pathway for postdoctoral researchers, students, and visiting fellows to conduct hands-on nanoscale science and technology work on site at CNST, while strengthening collaborative research that supports CNST's measurement science and nanofabrication mission.

What kind of award mechanism was used?

The opportunity was issued as a cooperative agreement, which typically means NIST expected substantial involvement during the project rather than only providing funding with minimal interaction.

What does "substantial involvement" by NIST imply in this context?

Based on how the opportunity is described, substantial involvement meant close coordination with CNST staff and alignment with CNST priorities, particularly work connected to nanoscale measurement science and nanofabrication efforts that leverage CNST facilities.

Who could apply for this grant?

Eligibility was limited to accredited institutions of higher education located in the United States and its territories.

Are individual postdocs, students, or visiting fellows allowed to apply directly?

No. The participants supported by the program would be postdoctoral researchers, students, and visiting fellows, but the applicant organization needed to be an eligible U.S. institution of higher education that could partner with CNST to design and implement the program.

Where would the research and training activities take place?

The opportunity emphasized on-site practical experience at CNST, indicating that trainees and visiting researchers would conduct hands-on work at CNST and engage directly with specialized tools, processes, and measurement workflows available there.

What types of activities were expected to be supported?

The award was intended to help create an organized program that places researchers in an advanced federal research environment where they can contribute to and learn from state-of-the-art measurement methods, fabrication approaches, and the development of standards and enabling technologies relevant to nanotechnology.

How does the program relate to CNST's mission?

The program was framed around strengthening collaborative research that directly supports CNST's measurement science and nanofabrication mission, especially research that advances measurement and fabrication methods at the nanoscale and leverages CNST's nanofabrication facility.

What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The funding activity category was listed under science and technology and other research and development.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement stated there was no cost sharing or matching requirement, so applicants were not required to provide a non-federal match as a condition of consideration.

What was the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number was 2014 NIST CNST 01.

When was the opportunity posted?

The posting date was April 1, 2014.

What was the application deadline?

The deadline was May 1, 2014.

What were the submission deadlines for electronic vs. paper applications?

Electronic applications were due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 1, 2014. Paper applications had to be received by NIST by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 1, 2014.

What was NIST's policy on late applications?

The notice stated that late applications would not be reviewed or considered.

Is this funding opportunity still open?

No. The opportunity was archived on June 2, 2014, which indicates it is no longer open, though it remains available for record and reference.

Where could applicants find the full announcement details?

The notice referenced an additional information link labeled "2014 NIST CNST 01 Full Announcement/FFO document," which would have contained detailed program requirements, expected scope of work, application components, review criteria, and specific expectations for recruiting, managing, and supporting researchers placed at CNST.

Who was the listed point of contact for help obtaining the full announcement?

NIST listed Christopher Hunton, Grants Technical Assistant, as the point of contact. Phone: 301-975-5718.

What kind of research environment would participants be placed into?

Participants were expected to be placed in an advanced federal research environment at CNST, with access to state-of-the-art measurement methods and a modern nanofabrication facility that supports nanoscale research, fabrication approaches, and related standards and enabling technologies.

How was collaboration described in the opportunity?

The opportunity emphasized close coordination with CNST staff and alignment with CNST priorities, aiming to strengthen collaborative research that directly supports CNST's nanoscale measurement science and nanofabrication mission.