University Student Research Challenge | NNH19ZEA001N USRC

University Student Research Challenge (USRC) FAQs

What is the University Student Research Challenge (USRC)?

The University Student Research Challenge (USRC) is a NASA Headquarters discretionary grant opportunity under NASA's Research Opportunities in Aeronautics (ROA) 2019 announcement. It is intended to support student-driven aeronautics innovation through research and development projects proposed by university students.

Which NASA announcement and solicitation is this opportunity part of?

USRC is offered under NASA's Research Opportunities in Aeronautics (ROA) 2019 announcement. The solicitation number is NNH19ZEA001N-USRC.

What CFDA number is associated with this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is listed with CFDA 43.002.

What types of projects does USRC support?

USRC supports aeronautics-related research and development projects that propose new concepts, designs, or technologies. Projects may aim to advance aviation, demonstrate a novel aeronautics capability, or help mature aeronautics-related technologies toward practical use, as long as they align with NASA Aeronautics priorities.

What is the central theme or focus of USRC?

The central theme is student-driven innovation. NASA is specifically seeking fresh aeronautics ideas brought forward by university students.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly open (listed as "unrestricted"), with the program description emphasizing participation by students from accredited U.S. colleges and universities.

Can individuals apply, or do applications have to be submitted by teams?

USRC allows participation by teams or individuals. Proposals may be submitted by either format.

Is this a research grant, a challenge, or both?

USRC blends elements of a traditional research grant with a required, modest cost-share component that is raised through a crowdfunding platform.

What is the crowdfunding requirement, and why is it included?

Applicants are expected to design and launch a crowdfunding campaign to raise a modest cost-share portion of the project. NASA frames the crowdfunding requirement as part of the learning experience, helping students practice communicating technical work to non-experts, setting goals and milestones, and building initiative and accountability similar to entrepreneurship.

Does NASA view crowdfunding only as a funding mechanism?

No. NASA emphasizes crowdfunding as a learning and engagement tool, not just a way to raise money. NASA also notes that crowdfunding can broaden public awareness and make student research more visible beyond academic and government circles.

What changes or updates were made compared to an earlier USRC pilot?

The solicitation reflects updates from an earlier USRC pilot, including that NASA is providing a larger share of the total project funding and that half of NASA's contribution is provided upfront to help teams begin work sooner (for example, materials, testing, or early prototyping).

Is any portion of NASA funding provided upfront?

Yes. Half of NASA's contribution is provided upfront, which can help teams get started sooner on early project needs such as materials, testing, or prototyping.

Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

No. Notices of Intent are not required for this solicitation, which simplifies the process for student applicants and faculty advisors.

When can proposals be submitted?

Proposals may be submitted at any time, but NASA evaluates submissions in defined review cycles.

How does NASA review proposals if submissions are accepted at any time?

Although proposals may be submitted on a rolling basis, NASA evaluates them during specific review cycles tied to listed evaluation dates.

What are the listed evaluation dates for this solicitation?

The evaluation dates listed for this solicitation are October 30, 2019; February 26, 2020; and June 24, 2020.

Is there a closing date listed for the solicitation?

The source data shows an original closing date of October 30, 2019, while also noting that proposals may be submitted at any time and are evaluated in defined review cycles.

What subject areas does the opportunity fall under?

The opportunity is focused on science, technology, and other research and development, specifically in aeronautics.

What is NASA trying to achieve through USRC beyond funding student research?

USRC is designed to support practical, creative aeronautics research while also training students to think beyond the lab by practicing outreach, pitching, and project framing in a real-world funding environment.

What kind of skills does the program expect students to develop through participation?

Based on the program description, students are expected to build skills in public communication of technical work, defining clear goals and milestones, and demonstrating initiative and accountability through the crowdfunding campaign component.