ECR's Building Capacity for STEM Education Research (ECR: BCSER) solicitation supports projects that build individuals' capacity to carry out high quality STEM education research that will enhance the nation's STEM education enterprise and broaden the pool of researchers that can conduct fundamental research in STEM learning and learning environments, broadening participation in STEM fields, and STEM workforce development.
Specifically, ECR: BCSER supports activities that enable researchers to expand their areas of expertise and acquire the requisite knowledge and skills to conduct rigorous research in STEM education. Career development may be accomplished through investigator-initiated professional development and research projects or through institutes that enable researchers to integrate methodological strategies with theoretical and practical issues in STEM education.
For FY 2022, applicants are invited to apply under the following tracks:
- Individual Investigator Development in STEM Education Research track (ECR: BCSER: IID)- Intends to support individual investigators – both experienced and new to STEM education research- – in engaging with professional development activities that will build their capacity to advance knowledge of STEM education.
- Institutes for Methods and Practices in STEM Education Research track (ECR: BCSER: IMP)- Intended for institutes that would provide training and support in the use of cutting-edge methodological techniques and/or research practices to advance participants' knowledge, skills and competencies in STEM education research. Proposals to design and deliver institutes may present a comprehensive array of activities such as courses, online modules, summer workshop sessions, seminars, symposia, or mentoring opportunities. For more eligible proposal activities please refer to the application guidelines.
- Conferences Proposals seeking support to conduct well-focused conferences and workshops related to the ECR: BCSER goals may also be submitted. Proposals should include a conceptual framework for the conference or workshop, draft agenda, possible participant list, the outcomes or products that will result from the conference, and how these products serve the goals of the ECR capacity-building competition. Proposals focused on skills for the future of STEM education research are of particular interest. Investigators are encouraged to contact a cognizant EHR Program Officer prior to submission.
Previously funded projects can be seen at https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=7980&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=trueresults.