NSF: Cultivating Cultures for Ethical STEM (CCE STEM)

Cultivating Cultures for Ethical STEM (CCE STEM) funds research projects that identify (1) factors that are effective in the formation of ethical STEM researchers and (2) approaches to developing those factors in all the fields of science and engineering that NSF supports. CCE STEM solicits proposals for research that explores the following: ‘What constitutes responsible conduct for research (RCR), and which cultural and institutional contexts promote ethical STEM research and practice and why?' Factors one might consider include: honor codes, professional ethics codes and licensing requirements, an ethic of service and/or service learning, life-long learning requirements, curricula or memberships in organizations (e.g. Engineers without Borders) that stress responsible conduct for research, institutions that serve under-represented groups, institutions where academic and research integrity are cultivated at multiple levels, institutions that cultivate ethics across the curriculum, or programs that promote group work, or do not grade. Do certain labs have a ‘culture of academic integrity'? What practices contribute to the establishment and maintenance of ethical cultures and how can these practices be transferred, extended to, and integrated into other research and learning settings?

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.

CCE STEM 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 students with this knowledge. In some cases, projects will include the development of interventions to ensure responsible research conduct.

Number of Applications
One
Amount of Funding

Estimated Number of Awards: 6 to 8

Anticipated Funding Amount: $3,150,000
Estimated total annual funding amount is $3,150,000 - subject to the availability of funds. The maximum amount for 5-year awards is $600,000 (including indirect costs) and the maximum amount for 3-year awards is $400,000 (including indirect costs). The average award is $275,000.

Eligibility

Applicants are encouraged to consult with their Associate Deans for Research prior to internal submission to assure they meet eligibility criteria and their projects meet stated program objectives.

For complete eligibility requirements, please see the NSF Program Solicitation.

Submission Process

Step 1

No later than 5:00pm on November 9, 2018. Please attach the following materials as a single PDF document in an email to Stephanie Endy, at stephanie.endy@case.edu:

  1. Cover letter listing PI Name, Department, and school or college, all Key Personnel on the project, and the project title.

  2. NSF-style biosketch for the PI.

  3. One page description of the project including a description of the intellectual merit and broader impact of the project.

Materials should be submitted as a single PDF attachment in an email sent to Stephanie Endy at stephanie.endy@case.edu.

Step 2

Final nominees will be notified of their selection by November 30, 2018

Step 3

Final proposal must be received by the Office of Research Administration by February 15, 2019, at 5:00pm EST.

Step 4

Final proposal must be received by the sponsor by February 22, 2019, at 5:00pm EST.

Deadlines

Abstract or LOI to ORA Chosen Proposal Announced ORA Final Proposal Due Date Sponsor Submission Deadline Days Until Due
11/09/2018 11/30/2018 02/15/2019 02/22/2019 CLOSED