The National Science Foundation released a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) for the first, pilot NSF Convergence Accelerator (C-Accel) activity, which aims to fund approximately 60 Phase 1 projects at up to $1 million each, with proposals due in the spring of 2019 and projects to start no later than the fall. In 2020, Phase 1 projects will be eligible to apply for Phase 2 C-Accel support, for up to $5 million.
The NSF C-Accel pilot seeks to transform how NSF supports the most innovative science and engineering to accelerate use-inspired convergence research in areas of national importance by facilitating convergent team-building capacity around exploratory, potentially high-risk proposals. The initiative reflects NSF’s commitment to be at the cutting edge, supporting fundamental research while encouraging rapid advances through partnerships between academic and non-academic stakeholders. It will begin with three convergence tracks that align with two of NSF’s 10 Big Idea themes: (1) Harnessing the Data Revolution for 21st-Century Science and Engineering and (2) the Future of Work at the Human-Technology Frontier.
These three tracks are:
- An Open Knowledge Network (as part of Harnessing the Data Revolution)
- AI and Future Jobs (as part of Future of Work)
- A National Talent Ecosystem (as part of Future of Work)
The DCL provides more detailed information about participating in the pilot Convergence Accelerator efforts. The first step in participation, submission of a Research Concept Outline, is due April 15, with full proposals due by June 3.
Webinars to answer questions about the submission process or about C-Accel broadly will be held on March 27 and April 3 at 2 p.m.
Here are the join details for the March 27th webinar.
Event URL: https://nsf2.webex.com/nsf2/onstage/g.php?MTID=e3d25e2e029f58605834cd41b6a1d1583
Meeting ID/Event number: 905 653 349
Event Password: Ca2019!
Audio Conference:
To receive a call back, provide your phone number when you join the event, or call the number below and enter the access code.
USA Toll
+1-510-210-8882
Show all global call-in numbers
Access code: 905 653 349
Here are the join details for the April 3rd webinar.
Event URL: https://nsf2.webex.com/nsf2/onstage/g.php?MTID=e04d3fd93478e4f349d47b0dc6db31fb0
Meeting ID/Event number: 902 798 511
Event Password: Ca2019!
Audio Conference:
To receive a call back, provide your phone number when you join the event, or call the number below and enter the access code.
USA Toll
+1-510-210-8882
Show all global call-in numbers
Access code: 902 798 511
Follow @NSF_OIA on Twitter for C-Accel updates. For more info, about the details of this DCL, contact C-Accel@nsf.gov