NSF NRT — Research Traineeship (Seed)
Supports graduate training programs in United States universities for interdisciplinary research and STEM innovation.
The NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) programme funds graduate training at US institutions of higher education through innovative, evidence-based approaches that prepare students for careers in STEM fields, with particular emphasis on emerging interdisciplinary research areas. Awards are made to universities or colleges that grant graduate degrees in NSF-supported STEM disciplines; the institution applies on behalf of a faculty-led training programme.
Since the programme's inception, NRT has supported more than 5,000 trainees across 194 projects at 118 US institutions in 46 states, including 39 non-R1 universities and 20 EPSCoR jurisdictions. Total investment across all cohorts exceeds $400 million. The programme is administered by the Division of Graduate Education (EDU/DGE) within NSF. The most recent solicitation was posted 16 August 2024, and the most recent awardee cohort was announced 23 January 2025.
NRT operates on an annual recurring cycle. The typical submission deadline falls in early September, though applicants should verify the current solicitation for exact dates. Awards generally fund a multi-year training programme incorporating research, professional development, and mentoring components. Institutions that previously received NRT funding may apply for subsequent awards subject to NRT programme policies.
Innovative graduate training programs at U.S. universities in emerging interdisciplinary STEM research areas, with emphasis on evidence-based approaches to preparing trainees for diverse career paths.
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