Partnerships in Astronomy & Astrophysics Research and Education | 24 516

Opportunity Information: Apply for 24 516

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering the Partnerships in Astronomy and Astrophysics Research and Education (PAARE) grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number 24-516) to support formal, long-term partnerships that strengthen astronomy and astrophysics research and education while expanding participation in the field. The central aim is to improve both the quality of research training and the overall environment in which that training happens by creating authentic, sustained pathways into the research enterprise for students and faculty. A major emphasis is broadening participation by deliberately including individuals from groups that have been historically underrepresented in astronomy and astrophysics, and by encouraging proposals that draw from the full spectrum of talent across society.

PAARE is designed around partnerships that meaningfully involve institutions seeking to create or expand student and faculty research opportunities in astronomy and astrophysics. These partnerships are expected to do more than offer short-term experiences; they should be structured to increase recruitment, retention, and long-term success for participating students and faculty, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. In practical terms, NSF is looking for collaborations that build or strengthen research capacity at the partner institutions, while also fostering a culture that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable. The program therefore sits at the intersection of research development and education/workforce development, with a clear expectation that the partnership model will improve institutional conditions and outcomes over time.

Eligibility to submit proposals is limited to specific U.S.-based applicant types. Eligible applicants include non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations located in the United States when they are directly associated with educational or research activities. Eligible applicants also include accredited U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), including both two-year and four-year institutions (community colleges are explicitly included), as long as they are accredited and have a campus located in the United States and are submitting on behalf of their faculty members. Federally recognized Tribal Nations are also eligible, defined as American Indian or Alaska Native tribes, bands, nations, pueblos, villages, or communities acknowledged by the Secretary of the Interior under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994.

There is an additional compliance-related note for U.S. IHEs with international branch campuses. If a proposal includes funding that would flow to an international branch campus of a U.S. IHE (including through subawards or consultant arrangements), the applicant must clearly explain the benefits of performing work at the international branch campus and justify why those specific project activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus. This signals that the program is primarily oriented toward U.S.-based capacity-building and participation goals, while still allowing international branch campus involvement when it is genuinely necessary and well-justified.

From an administrative standpoint, PAARE is a discretionary NSF grant opportunity categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, with CFDA number 47.049. The opportunity lists an original closing date of February 18, 2025, and anticipates making about five awards. The award ceiling is not specified in the provided listing, so applicants typically need to consult the full solicitation and related NSF guidance to understand budget expectations, recommended project scales, and any program-specific limits or norms. Overall, PAARE is positioned to fund a small number of substantial partnership projects that are intentionally built for long-term impact in both research capacity and equitable participation in astronomy and astrophysics.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Partnerships in Astronomy & Astrophysics Research and Education" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.049.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-12-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-02-18. (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 5 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for 24 516

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