Research Coordination Networks (RCN)

The Research Coordination Networks (RCN) program aims to advance different scientific fields, inspiring new research directions and educational methods. Through the program, groups of researchers are facilitated to connect, coordinate, and communicate their research initiatives, training programs, and educational activities across varied disciplinary, organizational, geographic, and international boundaries. The RCN program thus creates a platform for fostering new collaborations, including international partnerships, and addressing interdisciplinary topics.

The program is particularly open to innovative ideas for implementing novel networking strategies, using collaborative technologies, training, broad participation, and developing standardized data and metadata practices. However, it should be clarified that RCN grants do not intend to support already established networks or collaborations. Neither do they support primary research activities. Instead, these grants are designed to provide resources for researchers to share ideas, coordinate research activities, develop community standards, and in general, advance science and education through communication.

The RCN directed networking activities should be centered around a specific theme for the collaboration to have a clear focus. This could be, for instance, a broad research question, a unique technology or a novel approach to solve current challenges. Besides, researchers (Principal Investigators, PIs) are urged to devise approaches facilitating participants from diverse geographic locations to a chosen theme.

The program extends across various directorates, including Biological Sciences (BIO), Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), Geosciences (GEO), STEM Education (EDU), Engineering (ENG), Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE), and Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP). Proposals for the RCN program will be accepted across these directorates, albeit PIs should consult program officers from pertinent directorates to discuss the fittingness of an RCN topic before submission. Notably, prior consultation is mandatory for proposals submitted to the CISE, ENG, SBE, and TIP directorates.

Moreover, the NSF Growing Research Access for Nationally Transformative Equity and Diversity (NSF GRANTED) program invites potential RCN proposals aiming at enhancing the capabilities of higher education institutions in developing, submitting, and managing research proposals and awards. There are also other NSF solicitations that welcome proposals similar to RCN but with narrowly defined themes. PIs are strongly encouraged to contact the corresponding Program Officer before submitting an RCN proposal.