August 4, 2011

This letter is to call your attention to an opportunity that is within the scope of the existing Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. The REU program is an NSF-wide program that includes the Directorate for Education and Human Resources. The rationale for the program, as expressed in the solicitation, is that "research experience is one of the most effective avenues for attracting talented undergraduates to, and retaining them in, careers in science and engineering, including careers in teaching and education research." The focus of this REU Site opportunity is research in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) education.

Accordingly, the Directorate for Education and Human Resources is interested in encouraging the submission of proposals for new REU Sites that would engage undergraduate students in conducting STEM education research. Proposals are welcome from investigators at institutions of higher education in STEM disciplinary departments or schools/colleges of education, as well as from investigators in other organizations concerned with STEM education research, such as science centers and national facilities.

This is not a special competition or new program. Relevant proposals should be submitted to the existing REU program on its annual deadline according to the instructions found in the solicitation, which is accessible on the program’s Web page at https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5517. Investigators are welcome to contact an EHR REU program officer by e-mail at reu.ehr@nsf.gov or by phone at 703-292-7155 to discuss their idea for an REU Site focusing on STEM education research.

Sincerely,

Joan Ferrini-Mundy
Assistant Director for Education and Human Resources
National Science Foundation