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NSF Engineering Research Centers: ERC Strategy & Readiness

YRD resources for Yale teams exploring ERC-caliber center concepts

NSF anticipates issuing the next ERC solicitation in 2026. This page supports early strategy, readiness assessment, and concept development for Yale teams considering a future ERC pursuit. Future solicitation requirements may change.

Start Here: Build the Center Case

Before a future solicitation is released, Yale teams can begin answering the questions that determine ERC competitiveness: What becomes possible only because this is a center? Who needs it? What system or capability is the center building toward? Why Yale, why this team, and why now?

The toolkit below is designed to help teams move from interest to informed strategy.

ERC Strategy & Readiness Toolkit

Use these resources to understand ERC competitiveness, assess whether a concept is center-caliber, and prepare for a YRD strategy consultation.

Core ERC Strategy Resources

ERC Strategy Session Materials

  • NSF ERC Strategy Session Recording

    Recording of the NSF ERC Strategy Session, featuring strategic guidance and resources to help Yale teams assess readiness and develop competitive ERC

  • NSF ERC Strategy Session Slides

    Slides from the NSF ERC Strategy Session, including guidance on ERC positioning, concept development, readiness, and preparing for a future Gen-4 comp

Official NSF ERC Resources

Ready to explore an ERC concept?

YRD can help Yale teams pressure-test center fit, clarify strategic gaps, and identify next steps before a future NSF ERC solicitation is released.

Request a YRD Strategy Consultation