Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology | 23 595

NSF CREST (Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology) - FAQs

1) What is the NSF CREST program?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) program is a discretionary grant opportunity designed to strengthen the research capacity of Minority-serving institutions (MSIs) by creating or expanding center-level efforts that closely connect cutting-edge STEM research with education and workforce development.

2) What is the main purpose of CREST Centers?

CREST Centers are intended to help eligible institutions build sustainable, nationally competitive research enterprises while increasing the participation and success of students who have been historically underrepresented in STEM. Centers are expected to generate new knowledge in NSF-supported research areas and build stronger pathways into advanced STEM study and careers.

3) What types of outcomes does NSF expect from a CREST Center?

Based on the opportunity description, NSF expects CREST Centers to:

• Generate new knowledge in NSF-supported research areas
• Raise the research productivity and visibility of participating faculty
• Integrate research with education and workforce development (not treat them as separate tracks)
• Create clearer, better-supported pathways for students into advanced STEM education and careers
• Increase participation and success of groups historically underrepresented in STEM
• Build momentum beyond the award by attracting sustained non-CREST funding (federal, state, and private-sector)

4) How does CREST connect research and education?

A strong CREST proposal is expected to show a genuine integration of research and education. In practice, that means the center should be designed so that research activities, student training, mentorship, and workforce development reinforce one another rather than operating as separate components.

5) What NSF division houses the CREST program, and why does that matter?

CREST sits within NSF's Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM (EES). That placement signals that alignment with EES goals is central, including developing a diverse STEM workforce and improving institutional structures that support both equity and excellence.

6) Who is CREST meant to serve and support?

CREST is designed to strengthen MSI research capacity and to increase participation and success for students who have been historically underrepresented in STEM. Centers are also expected to engage faculty, students, and postdoctoral researchers from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM at every level of the center.

7) What kinds of participation barriers should a CREST Center address?

The opportunity description highlights common participation and workforce barriers such as recruitment into STEM, retention through key transition points, quality mentorship, and professional development. CREST Centers are expected to implement evidence-based, innovative strategies that directly address these barriers.

8) What are the main award tracks under this CREST opportunity?

The opportunity includes two main multi-year center tracks: Phase I and Phase II. It also includes a supplement mechanism (CREST Partnership Supplements) available only to current CREST Center awardees.

9) What is a Phase I CREST Center award?

Phase I CREST Center awards provide five years of support to conduct research on a specific NSF-supported topic and to build the people, partnerships, and systems needed for long-term competitiveness.

10) What is a Phase II CREST Center award?

Phase II is a continuation option for invited Phase I Centers. It allows the center to keep advancing research in the same disciplinary area, extending the center's trajectory as it matures.

11) Can a past CREST awardee apply again?

Yes. The notice states that an institution that previously held a CREST award may, if invited under the applicable process, propose either a Phase II continuation in the same disciplinary area or a new Phase I center in a significantly different disciplinary area.

12) Are preliminary proposals required?

Yes. Preliminary proposals are required for both Phase I and Phase II.

13) Is an NSF invitation required before submitting a full proposal?

Yes. Institutions must receive an NSF invitation before submitting a full proposal for both Phase I and Phase II, so applicants should plan around a two-step submission process and timeline.

14) What are CREST Partnership Supplements?

CREST Partnership Supplements are available only to current CREST Center awardees. They are intended to help existing centers establish or strengthen collaborations that increase research and education impact on a theme of national significance.

15) Who can apply for a CREST Partnership Supplement?

Only current CREST Center awardees are eligible for CREST Partnership Supplements.

16) What kinds of partners are encouraged for CREST Partnership Supplements?

The notice highlights partnerships with:

• Other active CREST Centers
• Nationally or internationally recognized research centers (including NSF-supported centers)
• Private-sector research laboratories
• K-12 schools
• Informal science organizations such as museums and science centers

17) What is the goal of partnerships supported through the supplement mechanism?

The goal is to deepen the center's network, expand access to specialized expertise or infrastructure, and strengthen pathways that connect research, training, and broader STEM participation.

18) Who is eligible to submit a CREST proposal?

Proposals may be submitted only by MSIs that:

• Offer graduate degrees in NSF STEM areas, and
• Have enrollments of 50 or more students who are members of minority groups underrepresented among those holding advanced degrees in science and engineering

The opportunity also invites institutions that meet the same 50-student enrollment criterion and primarily serve populations of students with disabilities.

19) How can an institution verify eligibility?

Eligibility can be verified using the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), maintained by the US Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics.

20) Are collaborative proposals submitted by multiple institutions allowed?

No. If the project includes partnering institutions, their support must be requested through subawards within the submitting institution's proposal. Separately submitted collaborative proposals are not accepted under this opportunity.

21) What are the Principal Investigator (PI) requirements?

The Principal Investigator must hold a full-time faculty appointment at the applicant institution.

22) What is the sponsoring agency and funding instrument?

The sponsoring agency is the National Science Foundation (NSF). The funding instrument listed is a grant.

23) What is the activity category and CFDA number listed for this opportunity?

The activity category is science and technology and other research and development. The CFDA number provided is 47.076.

24) What is the funding opportunity number for this CREST notice?

The funding opportunity is labeled as Funding Opportunity Number 23-595.

25) When was this opportunity created, and what closing date is shown?

The notice indicates it was created May 25, 2023, and shows an original closing date of December 6, 2024.

26) Does the provided text list the award ceiling or the expected number of awards?

No. The supplied text does not specify an award ceiling or an expected number of awards.

27) Where should applicants look for current budget ranges, scope expectations, and review criteria?

The notice indicates applicants should rely on the official NSF solicitation and program guidance for the most current information on budget ranges, project scope expectations, and review criteria.

28) What does NSF mean by building a sustainable and nationally competitive research enterprise?

In the context provided, this means building center-level capacity, systems, partnerships, and research momentum that increase competitiveness and visibility, and positioning the institution to attract sustained non-CREST funding from federal, state, and private-sector sources after or alongside the CREST award.