​​​​​​​NSF Ethical and Responsible Research (ER2) Program: Harvard Pre-Proposal Deadline

Date: 

Monday, November 15, 2021 (All day)


NSF Ethical and Responsible Research (ER2) Program
Harvard Pre-Proposal Deadline: November 15, 2021

FAS/SEAS/OSP Deadline: February 14, 2022
Sponsor Deadline (if nominated): February 22, 2022
Award Amount: $600,000 maximum for 5-year awards; $400,000 maximum for 3-year awards

The Ethical and Responsible Research (ER2) program accepts proposals for innovative research projects that contribute to understanding what it takes to foster ethical STEM research in all STEM fields, including within interdisciplinary, inter-institutional, and international contexts. ER2 research projects will use basic research to produce knowledge about what constitutes or promotes responsible or irresponsible conduct of research, and how to best instill this knowledge into researchers and educators at all career stages. Projects can include qualitative and/or quantitative approaches, and mixed methods approaches are encouraged. Successful proposals typically have a comparative dimension, either between or within institutional settings that differ along these or among other factors, and they specify plans for developing interventions that promote the effectiveness of identified factors.

This year the solicitation will also provide support for two new funding categories:

  1. Conference proposals designed to bring together researchers and students to foster new ER2 research and the development of new ethical standards for STEM research. ER2 conference support is typically around $30,000 in direct costs. While conference proposals may be submitted at any time, they should generally be submitted a year in advance of the proposed event. 
  2. Project Incubation proposals that provide funds for STEM researchers and administrators from multiple organizations to collaborate to develop and submit a full ER2 STANDARD Grant. Proposers must span at least two organizations. Those who intend to submit a proposal must consult with a cognizant NSF Program Officer before submitting to ascertain the suitability of the envisioned activity. Project Incubation proposals provide only one year of support, and support is typically around $60,000 in direct costs.

This is a limited submission opportunity and Harvard may put forward only one nominee to submit a proposal. The Office of the Vice Provost for Research will conduct the internal competition to select the Harvard nominee. To be considered for the Harvard nomination, potential applicants must submit an internal pre-proposal via the link above. Please note ER2 conference proposals are not subject to this limitation. Additional information about this opportunity can be found in the NSF RFP.