February 20, 2024

Dear Colleagues:

With this Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), the National Science Foundation (NSF) notifies the community of the continuation of a collaboration with Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) to offer supplemental funding to support NRT trainees to pursue additional training in Ireland. This supplemental funding opportunity supports graduate students in research-based master's and doctoral degree programs to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to pursue a range of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. Trainees will benefit from mentorship and experiential learning in one of SFI's Centres for Research Training (CRTs). This opportunity is expected to enhance students' professional development and contribute to a more globally engaged U.S. workforce.

BACKGROUND

This DCL seeks to offer NRT trainees professional development opportunities including enhanced research skills, broadened professional networks, enhanced experiential learning, and expanded career opportunities through international collaboration with institutions, researchers, and the private sector in Ireland.

SFI CRTs build on research excellence and provide cohorts of outstanding future research leaders with the skills and knowledge required to address the future challenges of an ever-changing work environment. More information about the CRT and an overview of the six current CRTs can be found at SFI Centres for Research Training.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED

Supplemental funds can be used for reasonable expenses such as those associated with international travel to Ireland, accommodation and living expenses, local travel costs, attending and/or presenting at a professional society meeting/conference, participating in a workshop, or engaging in career development training, as long as the activity enhances technical or professional development skills and is well justified.

ELIGIBILITY

This opportunity is open only to organizations with active NRT awards that have completed the first year of their award and are not in a no-cost extension year. Eligible students may be NRT-funded or non-NRT-funded trainees in an active NRT program.

Eligible organizations may not submit more than one supplemental funding request in response to this DCL.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING AMOUNT

These supplemental funding requests should not exceed $24,000 and are expected to provide support for one or more graduate students for training experiences of 4-12 weeks in Ireland at an identified SFI CRT.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING REQUEST PREPARATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

Each supplemental funding request must follow the guidance specified in the NSF Proposal Award Policies Procedures Guide (PAPPG) Chapter VI.E.5.

Principal Investigators (PIs) are encouraged to review the current CRTs in Appendix I to assist in identifying the most appropriate partner.

In addition to the requirements specified in the PAPPG, the supplemental funding request must include the following:

• A letter of support from the primary NRT institution, briefly describing participating NRT trainee(s) accomplishments to date, how this opportunity would provide enhanced benefits to the trainee(s) and collaborating institutions, and details about the purpose and amount of support provided to the student(s) while abroad;
• A letter of support from the primary CRT host institution in Ireland, confirming the trainee's mentor, plans for the trainee's activities, and the research/office space, equipment, and other support that will be provided to the trainee;
• A statement of motivation from each participating NRT student trainee, describing what they hope to achieve through the opportunity.

NSF welcomes requests that include the participation of the full spectrum of diverse talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). See the Introduction section of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) for additional information.

SUBMISSION AND REVIEW

Supplemental funding requests submitted in response to this DCL will be subject to internal NSF review only, unless they require external review as mandated by the PAPPG. Relevant information about the supplemental funding requests which are under consideration for funding, along with the corresponding reviews, may be shared with representatives from SFI as appropriate.

Supplemental funding requests should be submitted by the following deadline: March 21, 2024 (due by 5 p.m. submitter's local time).

Sincerely,

James L. Moore III
Assistant Director, Directorate for STEM Education

Susan Marqusee, Assistant Director
Directorate for Biological Sciences

Dilma Da Silva, Acting Assistant Director
Directorate of Computer and Information Science and Engineering

Susan S. Margulies, Assistant Director
Directorate for Engineering

Alexandra R. Isern, Assistant Director
Directorate for Geoscience

C. Denise Caldwell, Acting Assistant Director
Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Sylvia M. Butterfield, Acting Assistant Director
Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences

Erwin Gianchandani, Assistant Director
Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships

Alicia J. Knoedler, Office Head
Office of Integrative Activities

Kendra Sharp, Office Head
Office of International Science and Engineering