NSF Proposal Writing GuidelinesOverviewSlide 3ComponentsSlide 5Slide 6Other Important FactorsOther Important FactorsSlide 9Slide 10Slide 11Slide 12Slide 13Tips for SuccessNSF Proposal Writing GuidelinesOverviewComponentsOther Important FactorsTips for Success www.nsf.govOverviewAddress these 2 factors in your proposal:1. Research QualityWhat are your strengths?How will you be innovative in your approach?2. Impact of the ResearchBroader impact on education through life-long learning, K-12 outreach, teacher training, etc.Broader impact on society through the environment, economy, energy, etc.OverviewDiscuss these issues:1. Who else is working in your field on this topic?2. What recent awards have been made?3. What has been published?4. Is there any interest from industry?5. Explain why your research is needed.6. Explain how you will conduct the research.7. Discuss any collaborations.ComponentsCover pageIdentify NSF program on second line of the cover pageAvoid acronymsState if you are sending the proposal to another agencyYou cannot submit the same proposal to two NSF programsComponentsPage 1, Project Summary, is the MOST important page. It may be the only page that people read!State your research objectives.Explain how you will do the research and why it is needed.Broader impact on education and society?What are your particular strengths?Will there be any collaboration with industry or other universities?Be concise and persuasive!ComponentsPages 2-15Explain your research planAcknowledge what others in the field are doingDiscuss your prior workExplain how you are validating your resultsDiscuss how you’ll handle obstaclesImpact on education, society, economy, environment?Other Important FactorsFastLaneAll proposals are to be submitted through FastLane. Make sure you indicate the right NSF unit. If the proposal is for the GOALI program, make sure that GOALI is in the first word of the title. www.fastlane.nsf.govOther Important FactorsStick to the 15 page limit.Do not include appendices, unless specifically stated that they are allowed.CollaborationsSeparate proposals from each institutionEach has its own budgetOther Important FactorsProposal Processing at NSF:Identify specific program and divisionGenerally takes 4½-6 monthsClassify proposalsDetermine the size of the sub-panel and the date to meet and review proposals*Peer Review* - recruit a mix of panelists from academia, industry, etc.Program AssistantsOther Important FactorsIf your proposal is awarded a NSF grant, you will be required to submit progress reportsStandard – basic grant fundedContinuing – funding by annual incrementsFinal ReportSubmit no later than 90 days after the grant funding endsAll reports go through FastLaneOther Important FactorsSupplemental Funding can be awarded for these purposes:To assure completion of the original workInternational Travel Expenses, common reason for request of supplemental fundingResearch Experience for Undergrads (REU)Research Experience for Teachers (RET)Ask for funding in advance (submit through FastLane)Contact your program directorOther Important FactorsThere are no cost extensions, but you can ask for more time.1st extension – go to the Office of Research2nd extension – can be done through FastLaneJustify your need for an extensionMust ask for it before the grant endsOther Important FactorsNSF grants are to universities, not the professor.Grants can be transferred to a different university.Tips for SuccessIf your proposal is declined, you are in the majority. Over 80% are declined.Persevere! Think about re-submitting.Be a reviewer! Excellent way to see how the system worksVolunteer by contacting a program directorReviewers are moderately
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