NSF Priorities

“the strategic integration of a wide range of expertise, methodologies, and perspectives across disciplines and sectors to address complex scientific challenges and catalyze transformative discoveries.”¹ 

CBIKS’ braiding paradigm fosters a collaborative approach between multiple knowledge systems that challenges traditional disciplinary boundaries and makes space for discovery and innovation that could not be achieved by one knowledge system alone. The braiding approach allows for multiple knowledge systems to maintain their integrity while establishing protocols for collaboration and data sharing. Our publications detailing how braiding works and the necessary foundations of relationality and ethics in collaborative work will guide scientists working to implement Gold Standard Science. 

Including, “data-efficient and high-performance AI techniques and systems; the interpretability, controllability, and steerability of AI systems; and AI adversarial robustness, resilience, and security.” ²

The Data Sovereignty Co-Lab is conducting research around Indigenous innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), including 1) a preliminary analysis of the different areas where Indigenous communities need structured legal and policy support to engage with AI technologies, and 2) models for increasing participation in the data and AI economy, 3) frameworks for ethical interfacing of AI with Indigenous data and Indigenous Languages.

“improves the Nation’s safety and resilience and empowers state and local governments and communities, the private sector, and individuals to advance their mutual preparedness.” ²

CBIKS supports Tribal sovereignty of Nations to design measures for their own preparedness and resilience in areas such as food security, risk assessment, adaptation and resilience to environmental variability. These actions and supports inform solutions that can be implemented by all communities to improve preparedness and ensure resilient futures in a variety of sectors.

“basic and applied R&D in plant health, animal disease prevention, and food safety technologies to strengthen U.S. agricultural resilience and food security.” ²

CBIKS’ focus on addressing the significant and interrelated challenges of environmental variability, protection and care of cultural places, and food security speaks to this priority directly. Food security and agricultural resilience in the face of environmental variability are the focus of many of the on-the-ground examples of braiding from our Regional Research Hubs that are prioritized for publication. By publishing on this CBIKS research, we will explore challenges and promote innovative solutions to strengthen American health, support community resilience, and improve the quality of life for all Americans. 

“advance existing efforts to provide all Americans with access to high-quality STEM education and workforce development pathways throughout their lifetimes.” ²

CBIKS educational and training programs are accessible to a wide range of ages and career stages. CBIKS project teams are intergenerational and allow multiple access points to engage with STEM science activities and programming, including use of emergent and innovative technologies and methodologies.

“cooperative projects that align organizational incentives and advance new public-private partnerships and multisectoral consortia, including engagement with philanthropic organizations… new paradigms for collaboration must be explored to fully leverage existing resources and capabilities.” ²

Braiding Indigenous knowledge and Western science is precisely the new paradigm for collaboration needed to advance this priority. Our publications focused on relationality and ethics in collaboration will contribute to this crosscutting action by providing foundational guidance on how to form cooperative, mutually beneficial projects with research universities, communities, nonprofits, and government agencies. Additionally, our publications on Higher Education Policy will provide further university-specific guidance on best practices in carrying out cooperative projects that align university and community incentives. 

“…inform how students of all levels can enjoy better educational outcomes and emerge from their education prepared for modern demands of the 21st century workforce…” ³

Education and training are CBIKS research priorities and a core aspect of Co-Lab activities and learning. Many Hub projects provide internships, youth programming, training for students, community members, and teachers. Co-labs provide workforce training and support the science of education through educational programming, development of curriculum, and engagement of our student and post doc cohort.  Graduate research assistantships and postdoctoral positions offer advanced workforce training.  Elevating and expanding awareness for Indigenous approaches to education is an important aspect of this priority.

1. OSTP Memo, June 2025: Agency Guidance for Implementing Gold Standard Science in the Conduct & Management of Scientific Activities https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/OSTP-Guidance-for-GSS-June-2025.pdf 
2. OSTP & OMB Memo, September 2025: Fiscal Year 2027 Administration Research and Development Budget Priorities and Cross-Cutting Actions. https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FY27-OMB-OSTP-RD-Priorites-Memo-FINALSIGNED.pdf 
3. NSF FY 2026 Budget Request to Congress. Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Directorate FY 2026 Priorities, page R&RA - 13. https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/40-fy2026.pdf