NSF opportunity for growing STEM access for Persons with Disabilities


September 28, 2023

Broadening participation in STEM is crucial for scientific discovery and innovation. Recent estimates suggest that persons with disabilities represent at least 26% of the American population. NSF seeks to increase the engagement of persons with disabilities (PWD) in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. 

Through a new opportunity, NSF invites conference proposals and supplemental funding requests that address the intersections between disability and fundamental science to increase access to, and equity in, STEM research and training among persons with disabilities.

Learn more in Dear Colleague Letter: STEM Access for Persons with Disabilities (STEM-APWD) (NSF 23-160).

The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

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