Ethical and Responsible Research | 23 630

Opportunity Information: Apply for 23 630

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Ethical and Responsible Research (ER2) program is a discretionary grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number 23-630) that supports fundamental research on what responsible and ethical conduct of research (RECR) is, what helps it flourish, and how it can be strengthened across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The central focus is not simply creating training materials, but generating evidence and deeper understanding about the behaviors, norms, incentives, and environments that shape research integrity. ER2 is designed to reach STEM researchers, practitioners, and educators at any career stage, with the goal of improving both how research is conducted and how ethical research practices are taught and reinforced.

The program is interested in research that tackles core questions such as what actually counts as responsible and ethical research and why those standards matter in practice. It also invites work that compares RECR norms across different disciplines and settings, including differences between academia, industry, and nonprofit research, or between different states, regions, and countries. A key theme is learning across contexts: identifying how ethical expectations vary, what those differences reveal, and which approaches can translate effectively from one environment to another. ER2 also emphasizes understanding the organizational side of integrity, encouraging studies of which policies, workplace structures, incentive systems, leadership approaches, and local contexts tend to promote or undermine ethical and responsible STEM research, and the mechanisms behind those effects.

Another major set of topics involves the interpersonal and cultural dimensions of research environments. Proposals may examine ethical issues connected to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; the role of bias and culture in decision-making; transparency and openness in research practice; and the influence of mentoring and other interpersonal behaviors on research conduct. ER2 is also concerned with how ethical cultures are created and maintained over time, and how effective practices can be transferred, adapted, and integrated into new research or learning settings without losing their impact. In other words, it supports work that goes beyond identifying problems and instead explains what makes certain interventions or norms durable and portable.

NSF strongly encourages proposals that come from, or include substantial collaboration with, organizations in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions, minority-serving institutions, womens colleges, and organizations that primarily serve persons with disabilities. International collaborations are also encouraged when they add clear value through unique expertise, facilities, resources, or locations that strengthen the research, with applicants expected to follow NSF guidance on international collaboration described in the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). The opportunity was created on September 30, 2023, with an original closing date of January 25, 2024, and NSF anticipated making about 15 awards. The listed award ceiling is shown as 0, which typically signals that applicants should rely on the solicitation and NSF guidance for realistic budgeting expectations rather than a fixed maximum posted in the summary record.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Ethical and Responsible Research" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.041, 47.049, 47.050, 47.070, 47.074, 47.075, 47.076, 47.079, 47.083, 47.084.
• This funding opportunity was created on Sep 30, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 25, 2024. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 15 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for 23 630

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: