Engineering Research Initiation (ERI)

The Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) program seeks to build engineering research capacity across the nation by investing in new academic investigators who have yet to receive sufficient research funding from Federal Agencies. The program aims to broaden the base of investigators involved in engineering research and is limited to investigators that are not affiliated with "very high research activity" R1 institutions. The program supports new investigators as they initiate their research programs and advance in their careers as researchers, educators, and innovators. Key points to consider: • The program is open to Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) not currently classified as a Doctoral University with "Very High Research Activity" (R1 institutions) according to the 2021 Carnegie Classification. • The PI of an ERI proposal must hold a doctoral degree in a field supported by NSF and must hold an appointment at an ERI-eligible institution. • Postdoctoral fellow researchers are not eligible to serve as PI on an ERI proposal. • The estimated funding for this program is $11,000,000, with an award floor of $200,000 and no award ceiling.