Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Research Initiation Initiative | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NSF CISE Research Initiation Initiative?

The Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Research Initiation Initiative is a National Science Foundation (NSF) funding opportunity offered through NSF's Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE). It is designed to help brand-new faculty and equivalent early-career researchers establish research independence soon after starting their first academic position following the PhD, by providing an early push to begin an independent research agenda, generate initial results, and lay the foundation for a longer-term CISE research program.

What is the main goal of this initiative?

The initiative aims to provide meaningful early support so a new investigator can start producing initial research outcomes (including publishable work), begin mentoring students, and position themselves to compete for larger, longer-term awards in CISE-relevant research areas.

Who is this opportunity intended for?

This opportunity is specifically aimed at untenured faculty members or research scientists (or the equivalent) who are very early in their primary academic appointment after completing the PhD.

How early in an appointment does NSF expect applicants to be?

NSF expected that funding would be used by individuals within their first three years in their primary position after the PhD, and in any case no later than five years after completing the PhD.

Is there a strict PhD-to-application time limit mentioned?

Yes. The information provided indicates applicants should be no later than five years after completing the PhD.

What is the key eligibility restriction regarding prior federal funding?

A central eligibility condition is that the applicant must not have previously received any federal grants or contracts as a Principal Investigator (PI) after the PhD. This includes NSF CAREER and any other federal program, regardless of award size (with some exceptions referenced in the full solicitation).

Does prior participation in federally funded research disqualify someone if they were not the PI?

No. The restriction is narrowly focused on PI status. Prior participation on federally funded projects as a co-PI, Senior Personnel, postdoctoral fellow, or other fellow does not disqualify an applicant based on the information provided.

Does non-federal funding affect eligibility?

No. Non-federal support does not count against eligibility as described. Awards, contracts, or gifts from private companies or foundations, state/local/tribal governments, or universities are not treated as disqualifying prior PI funding.

What types of expenses is the grant primarily meant to support?

NSF anticipated that the funds would primarily enable the new PI to support one or more graduate students for up to two years, addressing a common barrier for new faculty launching a research group.

Can the award support postdoctoral researchers?

Yes. Proposals from all institution types may include support for postdoctoral researchers.

Can the award cover travel?

Yes. The program allows travel needed to carry out the work or to disseminate the results.

Can the award be used to purchase research equipment?

Yes. Research equipment is listed among the allowable budget elements described for this initiative.

How does the program address research at primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) and two-year colleges?

For faculty at primarily undergraduate institutions and two-year colleges, the program explicitly recognizes the role of undergraduates in research. Those applicants may use funds to support undergraduate students.

What is the RUI designation and when is it relevant?

Applicants from primarily undergraduate institutions and two-year colleges can apply with the Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) designation. This requires adding an RUI Impact Statement describing how the project integrates research and undergraduate education.

What directorate within NSF offered this opportunity?

The opportunity was offered through NSF's Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE).

What kind of grant is this administratively?

This was described as a discretionary grant opportunity under NSF's research and development funding category.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number listed for this initiative is 16-565.

What CFDA number(s) are associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 47.070.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling listed is $175,000.

How many awards did NSF anticipate making?

NSF anticipated making about 60 awards.

When was the solicitation created and posted?

The solicitation was created and posted on May 13, 2016.

What was the submission deadline?

The closing date for submissions was August 10, 2016.

What research areas are appropriate for this initiative?

The initiative is intended to support scholarship in CISE-relevant areas, consistent with NSF's Computer and Information Science and Engineering scope.

What is the overall purpose of this initiative in a research career pathway?

Based on the description provided, the initiative served as a targeted on-ramp for new CISE investigators who had not yet obtained federal PI-level funding, giving them resources to start building momentum (results, students, publications) and prepare for future competitive federal awards.