About the IGERT Program

IGERT is the National Science Foundation’s flagship interdisciplinary training program, educating U.S. Ph.D. scientists and engineers by building on the foundations of their disciplinary knowledge with interdisciplinary training.

Collaborative research that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries and requires teamwork provides students with the tools to become leaders in the science and engineering of the future. Diversity among the students contributes to their preparation to solve large and complex research problems of significant scientific and societal importance at the national and international level. IGERT students obtain the personal and professional skills to succeed in the careers of the 21st century. Since 1998, the IGERT program has made 260 awards to over 110 lead universities in 43 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. IGERT has provided funding for nearly 5,000 graduate students.

The new IGERT solicitation seeks new models in graduate education in which students are engaged in an environment that supports innovation; learn through hands-on experience how their own research may contribute in new ways to benefit society; and learn the processes for the successful implementation of their contributions.

To learn more about the IGERT program, please visit the IGERT.org website. There, you can search the Find an IGERT section to find information about the different IGERT programs at universities across the country. Browse the Showcase for a window into the innovative work and accomplishments of these programs.

If you are interested in proposing a new IGERT on your campus, see NSF’s current solicitation.