IES has partnered with the National Science Foundation (NSF) in a new funding initiative to encourage scientists to focus on research and development of AI-driven innovations to radically improve human learning and education. This initiative is the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Institutes—Accelerating Research, Transforming Society, and Growing the American Workforce solicitation. NCSER plans to support research under Theme 6 Track B—AI-Augmented Learning for Individuals with Disabilities. This effort is intended to advance AI-driven research and innovations for learners (birth through postsecondary) with or at risk for physical, cognitive, or social and behavioral disabilities, aiming to transform identification, assessment, and support for these learners. Because it will be funded through the American Rescue Plan, proposals must discuss how the work will respond to the needs of learners with or at risk for a disability in an area where the COVID-19 pandemic has further widened existing gaps and/or resulted in decreased access and opportunities for students with disabilities to learn and receive support services.

Please visit the NSF competition website for more information on the solicitation, the webinar (November 16), and frequently asked questions. If you would like to know if your idea is a good fit for this competition, please send a 1–2 page summary and any questions you may have to Dr. Brasiel (Sarah.Brasiel@ed.gov). Phone calls and individual meetings will not be available for this competition, per NSF protocols.