AccelNet is a program managed by NSF’s Office of International Science and engineering (OISE) that facilitates the coordination and planning of international research on a global challenge that requires coordinated international efforts. AccelNet projects may be from any scientific or engineering discipline that NSF funds and may take place in almost every country. AccelNet currently funds several projects involving the biological sciences, including projects on Arctic permafrost, marine metabolism, montane ecosystems, food-energy-water nexus, sustainability, bat biodiversity, and neurobiology. We would welcome additional proposals exploring global challenges related to the biological sciences.

 AccelNet is similar to a Research Coordination Network (RCN) in terms of the kinds of activities it funds but differs from the RCN in its size and scope.  Whereas an RCN is one network of researchers, AccelNet is a geographically distributed federation of networks, or a Network of Networks (NoN).  A NoN uses the principles of Team Science to work together effectively, often across many time zones, in multiple languages, and incorporating many disciplines.

Accelnet differs from the OISE PIRE program in that PIRE funds international research collaborations, while Accelnet funds the connections among existing research networks to identify and coordinate efforts to address knowledge gaps and research needs.

Be sure and visit the AccelNet Program page for more information, including links to a webinar about the program and upcoming office hours. Please don’t hesitate to contact one of the cognizant Program Officers, shown below. Full proposals are due October 10, 2022.