Research Training Groups in the Mathematical Sciences

The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers the Research Training Groups in the Mathematical Sciences (RTG) program through its Division of Mathematical Sciences within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences. This initiative aims to enhance the nation's scientific capacity by increasing the number and preparedness of U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents who pursue careers in mathematical sciences across academia, government, and industry. RTG projects are designed to strengthen graduate education and promote collaborative research training, fostering sustainable training environments at institutions of higher education. The RTG program welcomes proposals from accredited U.S.-based institutions of higher education that offer doctoral degrees in mathematical sciences. Collaborative projects are allowed, with the stipulation that the lead institution must be a doctoral-granting entity. While the primary focus is graduate-level research training, RTG teams may also include undergraduate and postdoctoral participants. The RTG structure emphasizes vertical research integration and hands-on professional development through activities such as internships, teaching, seminars, and mentorship. Submissions that align mathematics and statistics with emerging domains like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and cybersecurity are especially encouraged in the 2024-2025 cycle. Each RTG project must be led by a Principal Investigator with a team of at least two and no more than eleven additional senior personnel. The RTG program stipulates clear planning for participant recruitment, retention, and mentoring, as well as post-award sustainability to maintain institutional research capacity beyond the funding period. Trainees must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents. Proposals must include detailed documentation on institutional support, evaluation strategies, project management, and plans for dissemination and mentoring. Applicants are not required to submit letters of intent or preliminary proposals. Full proposals must adhere to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide and may be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov. Proposals must follow specific formatting instructions and include sections such as a project description, trainee data, recruitment plans, broader impacts, and performance assessment strategies. A mentoring plan is mandatory for all graduate and postdoctoral participants. The RTG program offers standard or continuing grants with an annual budget of $12 million. Awards typically range from $400,000 to $600,000 per year, depending on the scope and inclusion of trainees at multiple levels. The funding period spans three to five years, with approximately three to ten awards anticipated. No cost-sharing is permitted. Proposals are evaluated based on NSF’s merit review criteria, including intellectual merit, broader impacts, and RTG-specific requirements such as mentoring quality and institutional commitment. Applications for the 2024 cycle are due by August 13, 2024, with the same deadline recurring annually on the second Tuesday of August. For more information, applicants may contact program officers Swatee Naik (snaik@nsf.gov), Stefaan G. De Winter (sgdewint@nsf.gov), or other listed personnel. Technical assistance is available via the Research.gov Help Desk (1-800-381-1532) or Grants.gov Contact Center (1-800-518-4726).