International Research Experiences for Students

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Office of International Science and Engineering, administers the International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program, aimed at fostering international research experiences for U.S. science and engineering students. The program aligns with NSF’s goal to develop a globally engaged STEM workforce, enhance U.S. leadership in scientific research, and bolster the country's economic competitiveness. The IRES initiative promotes collaborative research and professional development by supporting U.S. student participation in scientific research at foreign sites, with mentorship from international researchers. The program invites proposals from U.S.-based institutions of higher education and nonprofit non-academic organizations such as museums, observatories, and research labs. Each IRES project must center on a unifying research theme that supports cohort-based student engagement, typically involving 5 or more students per year, each with individual research projects under the umbrella theme. A distinct feature is the encouragement for varied formats, including virtual and hybrid models, to ensure continuity in international collaboration even when travel is restricted. Foreign collaborators contribute as mentors but are not eligible for NSF funding under this grant. Grants are awarded as standard or continuing grants, with funding of up to $150,000 per year for up to five years, though most projects are typically three years in duration. Funding is primarily designated for student support including travel, stipends ($600–$700 per week), and related logistical costs, with minor allocations allowed for PI salaries. Subawards to foreign institutions or international branches of U.S. institutions are not permitted. Proposals should also detail plans for broader participation, including efforts to recruit students from underrepresented backgrounds, and must include robust student preparation, mentorship, and post-trip professional development strategies. The application process requires full proposals submitted through either Research.gov or Grants.gov, adhering to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. No letters of intent or preliminary proposals are required. Application deadlines are February 5 and October 28, 2024, with the program recurring annually on the fourth Monday in October. Proposals must include elements like detailed project summaries, broader impact statements, foreign collaboration letters, and plans for program evaluation and dissemination. Applications are reviewed based on NSF’s merit review criteria—Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts—along with IRES-specific considerations such as student recruitment strategies, the quality of foreign mentorship, and the potential for impactful student development. Program officers to contact for questions include Kristin Kuyuk, Allyson Kennedy, and Naoru Koizumi, all reachable via [email protected]. The anticipated number of awards is 20 to 25 for fiscal year 2024, with a total expected funding pool of approximately $12 million.