NSF Refreshes Reporting Rules for Bold Science Grants
Published Date: 3/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Science Foundation is renewing and updating the reporting rules for researchers funded by the Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation program. This affects scientists who get grants to explore bold, new engineering ideas. Comments on these changes are open until May 8, 2026, and the updated rules will stay in place for up to three years, helping keep the program fresh and focused without adding extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Award Size and Duration Limits
EFRI project teams may receive support of up to $2,000,000 total spread over four years, pending availability of funds. Awards are anticipated to last four years.
Team Composition Requirement for Awards
EFRI awards require multidisciplinary teams with at least one Principal Investigator and two Co‑Principal Investigators. The anticipated award duration is four years.
Annual 5‑Year Outcomes Reporting
If you lead or work on an Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) grant, you must submit additional outcomes information each year for up to 5 years after the award. NSF estimates about 7 hours per report, about 100 reports per year, for a total of 700 hours per year; submissions go through an NSF data collection website.
NSF Use of Collected Outcomes Data
NSF will use the collected outcome data for internal reports, historical records, performance reviews by peer site visit teams, program studies and evaluations, and for securing future funding for the EFRI program.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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