The NSF Convergence Accelerator has released a new funding opportunity for three new research tracks: Enhancing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (Track H), Sustainable Materials for Global Challenges (Track I), and Food & Nutrition Security (Track J). 

• Track H will focus on improving the quality of life and access to employment and opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWD) and will convene researchers in the fields of social sciences, behavioral sciences, engineering, computer science, ethics, and economics. In 2015, the CCC put on a workshop “Prompting  Strategic Research on Inclusive Access to Rich Online Content and Services” to address challenges and opportunities surrounding access to online content and services, including rich, non-text content for those with disabilities. You can see the workshop report here.
• Track I will focus on improving the life expectancy of non-reusable materials and transitioning to using reusable and recyclable materials when possible to create more economically and environmentally sustainable products. This will be accomplished by convening research and advancements in the fields of fundamental materials science and materials design and manufacturing. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) of Australia has partnered with the NSF Convergence Accelerator on this track, and Australian researchers are encouraged to submit proposals alongside US researchers.
• Track J’s goals are to support the health of the US population, to combat climate change caused by agriculture practices and food production, and to assist vulnerable communities, such as women, youth, and disadvantaged communities with food procurement and choosing nutritional diets. This research track will convene innovators in, but not limited to, the fields of education, nutrition, agriculture, social and behavioral sciences, computer science, ethics, and economics.

The NSF Convergence Accelerator assembles multi-disciplinary teams to tackle societal and scientific challenges and develop comprehensive solutions to those problems in far less time than if experts were working separately from one another. 

Researchers and professionals from academia, industry, government, nonprofit, and other organizations are encouraged to submit their proposals via one of two pathways: Solicitation, NSF 22-583, or Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), NSFBAA-CA22-02. A letter of intent is due by May 31st, and the full proposal deadline is July 20th at 5 pm the submitter’s local time.

Two informational webinars will be held on May 4th from 1-2:30 pm ET and May 5th from 3-4:30 pm ET, to go over the structure and requirements of proposals, and to answer any questions. You can register for either of the webinars here. You may also submit questions at any time to Convergence-Accelerator@nsf.gov.

For more information on the funding opportunity and each of the three research track topics, please read the solicitation here.