Other Ways To Engage with NIST

As the United States’ National Metrology Institute, NIST is fundamentally a research laboratory focused on measurement science, standards, and technological innovation. Unlike the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the National Science Foundations (NSF), NIST is not a funding agency. Instead NIST focuses on collaborative research with industrial and academic partners. NIST has several programmatic mechanisms that it utilizes to facilitate that collaboration. Those mechanisms are:

Measurement Science and Engineering (MSE) Research Grants – A broad area announcement that covers all fundamental research opportunities at NIST. Applications are reviewed and accepted throughout the year. Funding projects typically are research collaborations that involve a NIST program or principal investigator.

To find the current MSE NOFO on grants.gov. Search grants for "NIST MSE" to find the most recent posting. You can then search NIST's current research direction at NIST. We encourage you to reach out directly to staff conducting research that is in alignment with your proposal and start a discussion.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) issues an annual Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for SBIR Phase I proposals. Science and technology-based firms with strong research capabilities in any of the areas listed in the NOFO are encouraged to participate. Phase II awards are limited to small businesses that have successfully completed Phase I projects. Please see SBIR Resources for more information on the specifics of the program.

Fire Research Grants (Add a little writeup on each of these)

NIST Professional Research Experience Program (PREP)- NIST’s Professional Research and Experience Program (PREP) provides valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to researchers at various stages of their studies and careers. This official collaboration between participating universities and NIST aims to provide research opportunities to students and graduates.

Postdoctoral Students (NRC Postdocs) - NIST’s postdocs research quantum science, study AI, explore the latest in environmental science, and more. NIST partners with the National Academies/National Research Council (NRC) on a competitive postdoctoral program.

To find the current MSE NOFO on grants.gov. Search grants for "NIST MSE" to find the most recent posting. You can then search NIST's current research direction at NIST. We encourage you to reach out directly to staff conducting research that is in alignment with your proposal and start a discussion.

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) - NIST summer interns have improved MRI technology, studied medications, and more. Spend your summer with us for 11 weeks of hands-on lab experience with world-class mentors in one of NIST’s six labs or other offices.

Graduate Students (GMSE) - Get hands-on experience in NIST’s world-class laboratories. NIST is seeking graduate and doctoral students from diverse backgrounds for our funded research opportunities through the Graduate Student Measurement Science and Engineering Fellowship (GMSE) Program.