Research@UIC > Funding Opportunities > Finding Funding > Limited Competitions > NSF Informal Science Education (ISE)

NSF Informal Science Education (ISE)

Program Summary

NSF's ISE program invests in projects that develop and implement informal learning experiences designed to increase interest, engagement, and understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by individuals of all ages and backgrounds, as well as projects that advance knowledge and practice of informal science education.  Projects may target either public audiences or professionals whose work directly affects informal STEM learning.

Awards

Project Proposals: $100K to 3 Million for up to five years
Informal Science Resource Center: Maximum of $5 million for up to five years
Planning grants: Maximum of $75K for two years
Conference, symposia, and workshop grants: $50K to $250K for up to two years
Supplements: $200K or 20% of the original award, whichever is less

Preliminary Proposals are required before a Full Proposal can be submitted.

Submission Limits
Preliminary Proposals: 3 can be pending at any one time
Full Proposals: 3 can be pending at any one time
Planning or Conference proposals:  3 can be pending at any one time

Additional Information
http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2006/nsf06520/nsf06520.htm

Deadlines

Letter of Intent

1. By submitting this form, applicant attests that s/he has read and meets the sponsor's eligibility criteria for this program.
2. Item 3 must be signed by Unit Head of lead PI to acknowledge cost share requirements and limitations noted above.
3. OVCR may reserve submission slots for previously submitted but unfunded proposals that received highly competitive ratings from the external sponsor. These will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Vice Chancellor.  For consideration, scanned copies of your complete reviews (not just summary) must be included with LOI.

LOI form: http://tigger.uic.edu/depts/ovcr/research/funding/forms/0600.doc

Limited Competition Instructions

Submit one electronic copy of a White Paper containing the following to RDS@uic.edu:

1. One (1) Page cover page with following information:

1. Name & departmental affiliation of PI, Co-PIs, senior personnel
2. Sponsor and sponsor program name 
3. Title of White Paper
4. PI contact information
5. Unit Business Manager or Grant Coordinator contact information

2. Three (3) page narrative addressing:

1. How your proposal addresses the intent of Program Announcement
2. What PI & team expect to accomplish
3. Expected overall significance

Note: Three-page limit is inclusive of tables, figures, or other graphical data. You may add up to one additional fourth page to be used exclusively for references. Narrative must be in standard font no smaller than 12-point. Single spacing allowed. Minimum margin is ½ inch on all sides.

3. Attach the following for each PI:

1. Two page CV
2. 1 page current and pending support

4. Optional (to be included in transmittal email): 

1. Identify potential individuals to review proposal - reviewers should not have a personal stake in outcome of this competition.
2. Identify reviewers to exclude - this information will remain confidential.
3. Note if this is a resubmission.  If so, attach any peer review comments received from either external sponsor or a prior UIC internal competition.

Questions

Questions should be referred to RDS@uic.edu

Last updated: Thursday, May 17, 2012.