Opportunity Information: Apply for 18 554
The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), offered the CISE Research Initiation Initiative to help brand-new faculty and research scientists launch an independent research program right after starting their first academic position post-PhD. The core idea is to remove some of the early-career friction that can slow down new investigators, giving them a first, meaningful award that helps them build momentum, publish, and establish a distinct research direction as an independent principal investigator.
This opportunity is aimed at investigators very early in their careers: it is intended for untenured faculty or equivalent research scientists who are within their first three years in a primary academic position after the PhD, and no more than five years past PhD completion in total. A central eligibility requirement is that the applicant must not have previously received any federal grants or contracts as a Principal Investigator (PI) after the PhD, including NSF CAREER or any other federal program, regardless of award size (with certain exceptions referenced in the full solicitation). Importantly, prior participation in federally funded projects in non-PI roles does not disqualify someone. Serving as a co-PI, senior personnel, postdoctoral fellow, or other fellow is explicitly not counted against the eligibility restriction. Likewise, funding from non-federal sources does not count against eligibility, meaning support from private companies, foundations, universities, or state, local, or tribal governments does not prevent someone from applying.
In terms of what the funding is meant to accomplish, the program expects award funds to be used as a true research start-up boost, typically supporting one or more graduate students for up to two years. The solicitation also recognizes that institutions vary in mission and student population. Faculty at primarily undergraduate institutions and two-year institutions can use the funds to support undergraduate researchers, and they may apply with the NSF Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) designation if appropriate, which requires including an RUI Impact Statement. Beyond student support, proposals can also budget for common research enablement needs such as support for postdoctoral scholars, travel essential to the research effort (for example, collaboration, data collection, or dissemination), and research equipment.
Administratively, this is a discretionary NSF grant opportunity in the general category of science and technology research and development (CFDA 47.070). The listed award ceiling is $175,000, and NSF expected to make around 60 awards under this opportunity. The opportunity record shows a creation date of March 29, 2018, with an original closing date of August 8, 2018. Overall, the program is structured as a focused, early independence mechanism: it targets new CISE researchers who have not yet had a chance to lead a federal award as PI, and it provides enough funding to help them generate early results, support trainees, and establish the foundation of an independent, competitive research trajectory.Apply for 18 554
- The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Research Initiation Initiative" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.070.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 29, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 08, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $175,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 60 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - NSF CISE Research Initiation Initiative
What is the NSF CISE Research Initiation Initiative?
The CISE Research Initiation Initiative is a National Science Foundation (NSF) funding opportunity offered through the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE). It is designed to help brand-new faculty and equivalent research scientists quickly launch an independent research program after starting their first academic position post-PhD.
What is the main purpose of this program?
The core idea is to reduce early-career friction that can slow down new investigators. The program aims to provide a first meaningful NSF award that helps an eligible investigator build momentum, publish early results, and establish a distinct research direction as an independent principal investigator (PI).
Who is this opportunity intended for?
This opportunity targets very early-career investigators in CISE, specifically untenured faculty or equivalent research scientists who are new to their primary academic position after completing a PhD.
How early in a career do applicants need to be to qualify?
Based on the information provided, applicants must be within their first three years in a primary academic position after the PhD, and they must be no more than five years past PhD completion in total.
Does the program require applicants to be tenure-track?
The opportunity is intended for untenured faculty or equivalent research scientists. The provided description does not state that the position must be tenure-track, but it does emphasize being in a first primary academic position post-PhD and being early career within the specified time windows.
What is the key PI eligibility restriction regarding prior funding?
A central requirement is that the applicant must not have previously received any federal grants or contracts as a Principal Investigator (PI) after the PhD. This includes NSF CAREER and any other federal program, regardless of award size (with certain exceptions referenced in the full solicitation).
If I was a co-PI on a federal award, am I still eligible?
Yes. The provided information states that serving as a co-PI does not count against the eligibility restriction. The restriction is specifically about having received a federal grant or contract as a PI after the PhD.
If I participated in a federally funded project but was not the PI, am I disqualified?
No. Prior participation in federally funded projects in non-PI roles does not disqualify an applicant. The description explicitly lists roles such as co-PI, senior personnel, postdoctoral fellow, or other fellow as not counting against eligibility.
Does non-federal funding affect eligibility?
No. Funding from non-federal sources does not count against eligibility. The provided information states that support from private companies, foundations, universities, or state, local, or tribal governments does not prevent someone from applying.
What is this funding generally expected to support?
The program expects award funds to function as a true research start-up boost. It typically supports one or more graduate students for up to two years, helping the PI generate results and establish an independent research trajectory.
Can the award support undergraduate researchers?
Yes. The solicitation recognizes that institutions vary in mission and student population. Faculty at primarily undergraduate institutions and two-year institutions may use funds to support undergraduate researchers.
What is the NSF RUI designation and when is it relevant?
Faculty at primarily undergraduate institutions may apply with the NSF Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) designation if appropriate. When using the RUI designation, an RUI Impact Statement must be included.
Can the budget include postdoctoral support?
Yes. The information provided indicates proposals can budget for support for postdoctoral scholars as part of common research enablement needs.
Is travel an allowable cost under this opportunity?
Yes, when it is essential to the research effort. Examples given include travel for collaboration, data collection, or dissemination.
Is research equipment an allowable cost?
Yes. The solicitation description notes that proposals can budget for research equipment as part of research enablement needs.
How much funding is available per award?
The listed award ceiling for this opportunity is $175,000.
How many awards did NSF expect to make?
NSF expected to make around 60 awards under this opportunity.
What type of grant is this?
It is described as a discretionary NSF grant opportunity in the general category of science and technology research and development.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed for this opportunity is 47.070.
When was this opportunity created and when did it close?
The opportunity record shows a creation date of March 29, 2018, with an original closing date of August 8, 2018.
How is this program positioned within an early-career research path?
The program is structured as a focused early-independence mechanism for new CISE researchers who have not yet led a federal award as PI. It provides enough funding to support trainees and research needs so the PI can produce early outcomes and build a foundation for a competitive, independent research program.
Does this program require that an applicant have never been federally funded in any capacity?
No. The restriction is specifically about not having received a federal grant or contract as a PI after the PhD. The provided information explicitly states that federal participation in non-PI roles (such as co-PI, senior personnel, postdoc, or fellow) does not disqualify an applicant.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Midwest Migratory Bird Conservation Program
Previous opportunity: Bioequivalence of Topical Products: Elucidating the Thermodynamic and Functional Characteristics of Compositionally Different Topical Formulations (U01)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 18 554
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (18 554) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Pacific Northwest CESU Apply for G18AS00034 Funding Number: G18AS00034 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $19,196 |
| RESEARCH AT THE FRONTIERS OF X-RAY FREE ELECTRON LASER ULTRAFAST CHEMICAL AND MATERIALS SCIENCES Apply for DE FOA 0001904 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001904 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING IN ISOTOPE PRODUCTION Apply for DE FOA 0001896 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001896 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Community Living and Participation for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Apply for HHS 2018 ACL NIDILRR RTCP 0262 Funding Number: HHS 2018 ACL NIDILRR RTCP 0262 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $875,000 |
| Project on Advanced Systems and Concepts for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (PASCC) Apply for USAFA PASCC BAA 2016 CALL 0003 Funding Number: USAFA PASCC BAA 2016 CALL 0003 Agency: Department of Defense, Air Force Academy Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program Apply for HHS 2018 ACL CIP ATTF 0298 Funding Number: HHS 2018 ACL CIP ATTF 0298 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| 2018 Mathematical Multifaceted Integrated Capability Centers (MMICCs) Apply for DE FOA 0001900 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001900 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| NIJ FY18 Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence-Inventory, Tracking, and Reporting Program (SAFE-ITR) Apply for NIJ 2018 13742 Funding Number: NIJ 2018 13742 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $5,500,000 |
| Baltimore Washington Parkway Cultural Landscape Report Apply for NOI NPSP18AS00121 Funding Number: NOI NPSP18AS00121 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $120,000 |
| Proof of Concept Commercialization Pilot Program Innovation Corps @ Department of Defense (I-Corps @ DoD) Fiscal Year 2018 Apply for W911NF 18 S 0004 Funding Number: W911NF 18 S 0004 Agency: Department of Defense, Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $70,000 |
| DoD Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Therapeutic Idea Award Apply for W81XWH 18 ALSRP TIA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 ALSRP TIA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Therapeutic Development Award Apply for W81XWH 18 ALSRP TDA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 ALSRP TDA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Materials and Chemical Sciences Research for Quantum Information Science Apply for DE FOA 0001909 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001909 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Gulf Coast CESU Apply for G18AS00035 Funding Number: G18AS00035 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $35,250 |
| DEP for the Nation: State Plans Apply for USGS 18 FA 0052 Funding Number: USGS 18 FA 0052 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $95,000 |
| DoD Ovarian Cancer Clinical Development Award Apply for W81XWH 18 OCRP CDA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 OCRP CDA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Ovarian Cancer Pilot Award Apply for W81XWH 18 OCRP PA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 OCRP PA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Ovarian Cancer Investigator-Initiated Research Award Apply for W81XWH 18 OCRP IIRA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 OCRP IIRA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Ovarian Cancer, Ovarian Cancer Academy- Early-Career Investigator Award Apply for W81XWH 18 OCRP OCA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 OCRP OCA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Ovarian Cancer, Omics Consortium Development Award Apply for W81XWH 18 OCRP OMCDA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 OCRP OMCDA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "18 554", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.