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NSF Research Coordination Networks (RCN) Program FAQs

What is the NSF Research Coordination Networks (RCN) program designed to do?

The NSF RCN program is designed to move a research or education area forward by funding the coordination work that helps a community function as a true network. The emphasis is on building the infrastructure of collaboration so many independent efforts can align, share, and synthesize knowledge in a way that accelerates progress across a field.

Does RCN fund new experiments or primary research projects?

No. The program description emphasizes that RCN does not pay for new experiments or primary research. Instead, it supports coordination mechanisms such as convenings, communication structures, synthesis activities, and shared standards and practices.

What kinds of activities does RCN typically support?

RCN support is aimed at the mechanisms of coordination. Examples described include bringing investigators together, sharing information and tools, aligning efforts across institutions and disciplines, enabling synthesis, coordinating training and learning, and producing shared outcomes such as workshops, working groups, roadmaps, shared cyberinfrastructure practices, and community standards for data and metadata.

What does NSF mean by "network-driven" and "theme-driven" proposals?

Based on the description provided, proposals are expected to be driven by the needs and activities of a community network (not a single lab or project) and organized around a clear unifying focus. That focus could be a major research question, a shared methodological challenge, a common technology platform, or a community need such as standardizing data practices.

What makes a strong RCN proposal, based on this opportunity description?

Strong proposals typically explain how the network will coordinate ongoing or planned work across many groups, accelerate learning and training across the community, and produce shared outcomes that help the broader field move forward (for example: workshops, working groups, roadmaps, shared practices, and community standards).

Is RCN intended to support mature, already-established networks?

No. The opportunity description states that RCN is not intended to fund networks that already exist in mature form, and it is not meant to underwrite the normal activities of established collaborations. The emphasis is on enabling new, broader, more integrative connections and shared frameworks.

What kinds of boundaries does NSF want RCN networks to cross?

The program is especially interested in networks that cross boundaries such as disciplinary silos, organizational types, geographic regions, and even national borders. The description also notes an explicit interest in launching new collaborations and, where appropriate, international partnerships.

Are innovative networking approaches encouraged?

Yes. The solicitation explicitly encourages innovative approaches to networking, including novel collaborative technologies and creative strategies for building and maintaining active communication across a distributed community.

What are the main tracks mentioned for this opportunity?

Two tracks are described: (1) a general (non-targeted) RCN track submitted through participating NSF directorates and programs, and (2) a targeted track called RCN UBE (Undergraduate Biology Education).

Which NSF directorates and areas participate in the general RCN track?

The general RCN track is described as spanning participating NSF directorates and programs in Biological Sciences (BIO), Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), Geosciences (GEO), Engineering (ENG), and Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE).

How do deadlines work for general (non-targeted) RCN proposals?

Submission dates for general RCN proposals can vary depending on the specific NSF program receiving the proposal. Applicants are expected to consult the relevant NSF program website for deadlines and guidance.

What is the targeted RCN UBE track?

RCN UBE (Undergraduate Biology Education) is a targeted track intended to strengthen linkages between BIO and NSF's Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR). It focuses on topics that can improve participation, learning, or assessment in undergraduate biology education.

How does RCN UBE relate to NSF's IUSE initiative?

Because it centers undergraduate STEM education, the description notes that RCN UBE aligns with NSF's broader Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) initiative.

Are proposals accepted anytime under this listing?

The information provided indicates that RCN UBE "Incubator Track" proposals are accepted anytime, and that proposals in general are accepted anytime under the current listing. However, applicants are also advised to confirm program-specific timelines and requirements, especially for the general track where deadlines can vary by receiving program.

How many awards does NSF anticipate making under this opportunity?

NSF anticipated about 25 awards, based on the funding details provided.

What is the estimated total funding amount for this opportunity?

The estimated total funding amount described is $12.5 million.

What is the award size range for individual RCN grants?

Individual awards range from a minimum (floor) of $50,000 to a maximum (ceiling) of $500,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The description states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

What is the funding instrument and activity category?

The funding instrument is a grant. The activity category is listed as science and technology and other research and development.

Who is eligible to apply for this RCN opportunity?

Eligibility covers two main groups: (1) US-based universities and colleges (including accredited two-year and four-year institutions such as community colleges) applying on behalf of faculty, and (2) US-based non-profit, non-academic organizations associated with research or educational activities.

What are examples of eligible non-profit, non-academic organizations?

Examples provided include independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations involved in research or educational activities.

Does the opportunity indicate interest in international coordination?

Yes. The program description explicitly notes interest in networks that cross national borders and, where appropriate, launching international partnerships. The inclusion of NSF's Office of International Science and Engineering (reflected in the CFDA listing) also matches this cross-cutting, potentially international coordination interest.

Which CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA numbers listed are 47.041 (Engineering), 47.050 (Geosciences), 47.070 (CISE), 47.074 (Biological Sciences), 47.075 (SBE), 47.076 (Education and Human Resources), and 47.079 (Office of International Science and Engineering).

In plain terms, what is NSF trying to fund through RCN?

Based on the description, NSF is funding the connective tissue of a field: the people, practices, communication pathways, coordination structures, and shared standards that help a community work together at scale, without directly funding the underlying research projects themselves.