GROWING CONVERGENCE RESEARCH | 24 527

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NSF Growing Convergence Research (GCR) - Opportunity 24-527

1) What is the NSF Growing Convergence Research (GCR) grant?

NSF Growing Convergence Research (GCR) is a National Science Foundation discretionary grant opportunity that supports ambitious, high-risk, high-reward research projects. The program specifically funds convergence research teams working on complex scientific challenges or urgent societal needs, where solving the problem requires deep integration across multiple disciplines from the very beginning.

2) What does NSF mean by "convergence research" in this program?

In this solicitation, convergence research is not simply multiple disciplines working side-by-side. NSF expects a deliberately integrated approach where disciplines, methods, data, and even professional languages are blended from the start to create something genuinely new. The proposal should show intentional integration that is central to the research strategy, not an add-on.

3) What kinds of projects is GCR designed to support?

GCR is designed for bold, transformative projects that pursue a specific, compelling problem and show that solving it requires deep cross-disciplinary integration. Projects are expected to tackle real scientific or technical bottlenecks and propose integrated approaches that could shift the direction of a field, enable new lines of inquiry, or produce technologies with broad scientific or societal impact.

4) How is GCR different from a typical interdisciplinary project?

The key difference is the depth and intentionality of integration. GCR expects teams to blend methods, data, frameworks, and communication across fields as part of a unified plan from the start. The program also emphasizes creating new frameworks, tools, ways of communicating, or even new research communities as part of the convergent effort.

5) What does NSF mean by "bold and transformative" for GCR proposals?

NSF is looking for proposals that are ambitious and frontier-pushing, with a credible plan to overcome important bottlenecks using integrated, creative approaches. The work should be positioned to change what is possible in an area, rather than simply extending existing work in an incremental way.

6) Does GCR prioritize early-stage or untested convergent approaches?

Yes. The solicitation emphasizes cultivating the early foundations of convergent approaches. Teams are encouraged to explore novel avenues that have not been previously investigated and that sit at the leading edge of what deep cross-disciplinary integration can accomplish.

7) How long is the award period and how is it structured?

The award is structured as a five-year plan split into two stages. Teams submit a plan for Phase I (years 1 to 2) and Phase II (years 3 to 5). Funding begins with Phase I only, and continued support into Phase II is not automatic.

8) Is Phase II funding guaranteed if Phase I is funded?

No. Phase II support is contingent on an assessment near the end of year 2. Only projects demonstrating exceptional progress (under NSF merit review standards and solicitation-specific convergence criteria) and presenting a strong plan to continue advancing convergence research may be invited to receive up to three additional years of support, subject to availability of funds.

9) What is the "reverse site visit" mentioned in the solicitation?

Near the end of year 2, funded teams undergo a major progress assessment through a reverse site visit. This typically includes a formal progress report and a team presentation to reviewers or site visitors. This checkpoint is a key part of the decision process for potential Phase II funding.

10) What are the budget limits for GCR?

Budget caps are set by phase. Phase I is limited to a maximum of $1.2 million total. Phase II is limited to up to $2.4 million total. If a project advances to Phase II, the combined ceiling across both phases is $3.6 million over five years.

11) How many awards does NSF expect to make?

NSF expects to make about 10 awards under this solicitation.

12) What is the funding opportunity number and title?

The funding opportunity title is "Growing Convergence Research" and the funding opportunity number is 24-527.

13) What is the application deadline listed for this opportunity?

The original closing date listed is February 10, 2025.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based organizations that are directly connected to research or education activities. Eligible organizations include accredited U.S. institutions of higher education (two-year and four-year, including community colleges) with a U.S. campus, applying on behalf of their faculty. Eligible organizations also include non-profit, non-academic entities such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar U.S.-based organizations.

15) What are the Principal Investigator (PI) appointment requirements?

Principal Investigators must hold full-time appointments in research or teaching roles at U.S.-based campuses or offices of eligible organizations.

16) Can a proposal include work performed at an international branch campus?

Yes, but additional justification is required. If a proposal involves funding work at an international branch campus of a U.S. institution (including through subawards or consultants), the proposal must explain why the overseas location provides a clear benefit and why the work cannot be carried out at the U.S. campus.

17) Does GCR need to cross NSF directorate or division boundaries?

Yes. Proposals must make a strong case that the work crosses NSF directorate or division boundaries. This reflects the program's goal of supporting truly cross-cutting, deeply integrated convergence research.

18) Can the same idea be submitted if another NSF program already covers it?

GCR proposals must make the case that the work is not already well served by another existing NSF program or solicitation. A competitive submission should clearly position why GCR is the right fit for the project.

19) What is NSF looking for beyond solving the immediate research problem?

NSF intends GCR to seed and grow durable, deeply integrated collaborations. Projects are expected not only to address the immediate target problem, but also to help create reusable approaches, shared infrastructure, and lasting cross-disciplinary connections that can unlock future discoveries.

20) How is this opportunity categorized and what CFDA numbers are associated with it?

The opportunity is listed as a discretionary grant within the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" category. It is associated with multiple NSF CFDA numbers: 47.041, 47.049, 47.050, 47.070, 47.074, 47.075, 47.076, and 47.083, reflecting its cross-cutting nature.