Research Training Programs in The Education Sciences

Overview

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) provides scientific evidence to improve education practice and policy and shares that evidence in ways that can be used by educators, parents, policymakers, researchers, and the public.

In this request for applications (RFA), NCER invites applications for the Research Training Programs in the Education Sciences (ALN 84.305B). For FY 2027, NCER is accepting applications under two programs: 

1. Early Career Development and Mentoring Program for Education Research (Early Career) 
2. Methods Training for Education Research (Methods Training) 

NCER training programs prepare individuals to conduct education research that advances knowledge within the field and addresses issues important to education policymakers and practitioners. NCER aims to fund rigorous research that helps solve significant education problems and that is relevant to the teaching and learning needs of the population of the United States. NCER’s ability to support high quality research depends on the field’s ability to train and support talented researchers, statisticians, and evaluators who bring different backgrounds, perspectives, interests, and experiences to address complex education problems. NCER also seeks to broaden the education research workforce by offering professional development and training opportunities for individuals at multiple career stages in a variety of institutions and education settings across the country.

Your application must be directed to one of the two training programs listed below and meet the requirements set out for the relevant program as described in Part II in order to be sent forward for scientific peer review. 

The Early Career program provides support for an integrated research and career development plan for early career investigators at institutions of higher education or non-academic research organizations who are developing education research careers. The awards provide support for research and career development (including salary for protected time to conduct research and engage in career development activities) that includes training under the guidance of an experienced mentor or mentors. The Early Career program also offers the option for early career investigators employed by institutions of higher education not classified as R1 to request additional funding for grant administration and management. 

The Methods Training program funds training to help current education researchers, including state and local education agency research staff, maintain and enhance their research and analysis skills in order to conduct rigorous and relevant education research.

Multiple Submissions--You may submit applications to more than one of the IES FY 2027 Research Training programs so long as you meet the requirements below.

• An institution may submit multiple applications to the Early Career Program as long as the PI is different for each application and there is no overlap in mentors.
• An institution may submit multiple applications to the Methods Training Program if they are substantively different from one another and have no overlap in key personnel.

[See full NOFO for updated and additional information on eligibility.]

Early Career Award Limits. The maximum award for Early Career grants has been increased to $500,000. Additionally, Early Career PIs at institutions that are not R1 institutions may request, with justification, up to an additional $200,000 (maximum of $50,000 a year) to support the costs of grant administration and management.

Mentor Training Award: Award Limits Applications must conform to the following limits on duration and cost: The maximum duration is 3 years; The maximum cost is $800,000 (total cost = direct costs + indirect costs).

Letter of Intent: September 3, 2026; The letter of intent is non-binding and optional but strongly recommended.