What are IUCRCs?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) invests in Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (IUCRCs) to catalyze pre-competitive use-inspired research, by enabling close and sustained engagement between industry innovators, world-class academic teams, and government agencies.

IUCRCs help industry partners and government agencies connect directly and efficiently with university researchers to achieve three primary objectives:

1. Conduct high-impact use-inspired university research to meet shared and critical industry needs among companies of all sizes;
2. Enhance U.S. global leadership in driving innovative technology development;
3. Identify, mentor, and develop a diverse, highly skilled science and engineering workforce.

IUCRCs perform cutting-edge pre-competitive basic research in science & engineering to drive innovation and societal impact.

IUCRC Framework

Member Eligibility

• IUCRC members may include for-profit and not-for-profit organizations (public or private), state and local agencies, or non-NSF federal agencies.

Representation

• The IUCRC shall have an Industry Advisory Board (IAB) with one representative from each member. All IUCRC members shall sign a single membership agreement approved by NSF.

Choosing Research Projects

• IUCRCs are unique in that all research projects funded by member fees and all projects are selected by the IAB using the voting process defined in the Bylaws.

How it Works

• The NSF provides funding for administrative and management costs.
• Membership fees cover research (0% overhead - all fees go directly to research efforts).
• Universities provide infrastructure and people to conduct research.
• Ultimately, the IUCRC members gain access to pre-competitive research and a highly-skilled workforce.

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