Ethical and Responsible Research (ER2)

Brief Synopsis from Sponsor: Ethical and Responsible Research (ER2) 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 STEM fields that NSF supports. ER2 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?" 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?" 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. 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. 

Please read full opportunity linked above before submitting your application.

Sponsor Funding: 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.

Be aware: Only one proposal may be submitted by an eligible organization, as defined above, in which a member of their organization serves as the PI. UofL will decide which to submit via an internal application process determined by peer review.

Anyone interested in submitting for this program must first submit an internal application to , with copy to the applicable research dean, by 5 p.m. on the date listed above, including the following materials:

  • A summary of the proposal (maximum two pages);

  • A paragraph describing why you would be the most competitive candidate for this program;

  • Your current curriculum vitae;

  • A cover page that contains:

  • The name of this funding opportunity and title of your proposal;

  • Your name, position, and UofL office contact information;

  • Collaborator names, positions, and institutions (if applicable).

Reviewers will judge proposals as they would in any peer review process, so PIs are urged to put forward competitive internal proposals. Along with typical criteria, reviewers will evaluate internal proposals based on their fit with the sponsor’s articulated goals and criteria as well as the UofL strategic goals.

The above internal application materials should be submitted via email as a single .PDF file to by the internal deadline listed above.

If you have any questions, please
Email:
Director of Research Development and Support
Research Development & Strategic Initiatives
Office of the EVP – Research & Innovation
300 E. Market Street, Suite 300
Louisville, KY 40202-1959