Research on Innovative Technologies for Enhanced Learning

The Research on Innovative Technologies for Enhanced Learning (RITEL) program is administered by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and aims to support foundational research on the design and integration of emerging technologies in educational environments. With a strong focus on advancing both the science of learning and technological innovation, this program promotes interdisciplinary approaches that incorporate learning sciences, computer and information sciences, cognitive and behavioral sciences, engineering, and human-centered design. RITEL is positioned as a highly exploratory and synergistic program intended to incubate new ideas that address the rapidly evolving nature of technology-enhanced education. RITEL seeks proposals that respond to authentic educational needs and demonstrate how novel technologies can transform learning and teaching. Funded research should investigate technologies such as artificial intelligence, immersive and augmented reality, robotics, and intelligent learning environments, but must do so through the lens of education. It is insufficient to simply develop or apply existing technology; projects must simultaneously advance research in teaching and/or learning and in the associated technology domains. The program targets STEM learning and foundational competencies that support STEM, such as communication, collaboration, and socio-emotional skills, and it supports all learner populations and learning settings, including formal, informal, and workplace-based environments. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based two- and four-year institutions of higher education, independent non-profit research or educational organizations (e.g., museums, observatories, and laboratories), and federally recognized Tribal Nations. Special conditions apply for U.S. institutions with international branches. Proposals must be submitted by organizations on behalf of individual faculty members or researchers. Individuals may only be listed as a principal investigator or senior personnel on one proposal per submission date. While there is no limit on organizational submissions, strict adherence to personnel restrictions is enforced. The program will provide an estimated total of $25 million in funding for approximately 20 to 25 awards. Each project may receive up to $900,000 in funding over a three-year period. Voluntary committed cost-sharing is not permitted. Awards will be made as standard grants, and budgets must include travel for the principal investigator to attend a two-day annual PI meeting in Washington, D.C. Proposal deadlines occur annually, with the next deadline on November 4, 2025. Submissions must be made through either Research.gov or Grants.gov by 5 p.m. local time of the submitting organization. RITEL does not require letters of intent or preliminary proposals. Required documents include a detailed project description integrating research in both education and technology, a collaboration and management plan, and a personnel and partner organization list. Proposals will be reviewed using NSF’s standard merit review criteria—intellectual merit and broader impacts—along with alignment to the program’s specific goals. For general inquiries about this program, applicants may contact the RITEL team at [email protected] or call 703-292-8620. Technical support is also available through Research.gov and Grants.gov help desks. The program encourages early engagement and inclusive participation from a wide range of stakeholders to ensure equitable and responsible development of educational technologies.