Past Opportunity
NLRA 2021-8
National Lab Research Announcement
Leveraging the ISS National Lab to Enable Digital Engagement For K-12 and Higher Education
The purpose of this ISSInternational Space Station National Lab Research Announcement (NLRAThe abbreviation for an ISS National Lab Research Announcement. NLRAs are one of the ISS National Lab’s primary mechanisms to solicit proposals in specific research areas.) is to solicit applications for programs, products, and public-private partnerships focused on educational objectives related to the ISS National Lab. This announcement is open to U.S.-based entities (academic, government, commercial, not-for-profit institutions) seeking to establish or expand programs and products in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for students of all ages.
NLRA / NSF Solicitation #:
NLRA 2021-8
NLRA Open Period:
4/20/2021 – 7/19/2021
Strategic Focus:
Education and
Workforce Development
Research Area:
Watch the webinar to learn about this opportunity
Student scientists work in a plant lab
Media Credit: Dream Up
Concepts submitted in response to this announcement must specifically state how proposed initiatives will target and reach underrepresented demographics—and must also address at least one of the following goals:
- Expanding ISS National Lab programs and offerings to increase digital engagement participation in new or existing partner programs.
- Creating K-12 and/or higher education initiatives that enable students to explore education and career opportunities associated with space-based research and development or the growing economy in low Earth orbit(Abbreviation: LEO) The orbit around the Earth that extends up to an altitude of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Earth’s surface. The International Space Station’s orbit is in LEO, at an altitude of approximately 250 miles..
- Enhancing space-based K-12 or higher education programming through digital engagement.
Steps to Applying for This Research Opportunity
This solicitation is open to U.S.-based institutions (academic, government, commercial, or nonprofit) with a vested interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and workforce development.
This research announcement will follow a two-step proposal submission process. Before being invited to submit a full proposal, all interested investigators must first complete and submit for review a Step 1: Concept Summary.
** Please verify that none of the information submitted is subject to the export control laws of the United States, such as the EAR or the ITAR; if any information is subject to such laws, please mark all pages containing such information and identify the appropriate export control jurisdiction and classification. **
Thank you for your interest in conducting research leveraging the ISS National Lab! For questions regarding this research announcement, please contact info@ISSNationalLab.org and reference NLRA2021-7 in the subject line.