graduate research fellowship program operations center nsf graduate research fellowship program ...

Graduate Research Fellowship Program Operations Center

NSF Graduate NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Research Fellowship

ProgramProgramwww.nsfgrfp.orgwww.nsfgrfp.org

National Science FoundationNational Science FoundationNational Science FoundationNational Science Foundation

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org

Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/

• Three years of PORTABLE support• $32,000 Stipend per year (planned)• $12,000 Educational allowance to institution

• May be used over 5 year period

• International research opportunities

• Access to XSEDE cyberinfrastructure resources

GRFP Key BenefitsGRFP Key BenefitsGRFP Key BenefitsGRFP Key Benefits



• U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents

•Early-career students – fewer than two years previous graduate study in the past two years.

• Pursuing research-based PhD (or MS) in NSF field

• Enrolled in accredited U.S. institution by Fall 2014

GRFP EligibilityGRFP EligibilityGRFP EligibilityGRFP Eligibility



• Chemistry• Computer and Information

Science and Engineering• Engineering• Geosciences• Life Sciences• Materials Research• Mathematical Sciences• Physics and Astronomy• Psychology • Social Sciences • Science, Technology, Engineering

and Mathematics Education (research-focused)

GRFP Supported DisciplinesGRFP Supported DisciplinesGRFP Supported DisciplinesGRFP Supported Disciplines



NotNot Supported by NSF GRFP Supported by NSF GRFPNotNot Supported by NSF GRFP Supported by NSF GRFP

• Business administration or management

• Social work• Medical, dental, law, or public health

programs • Joint science-professional degree

programs, e.g., MD/PhD, JD/PhD, etc.• Education (except research-focused

STEM Education programs)• See Solicitation (www.nsfgrfp.org)



November 4, 2013: Engineering / Materials Research / Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering

November 5, 2013: Mathematical Sciences – Chemistry – Physics/Astronomy

November 7, 2013: Social Sciences – Psychology – STEM Education November 8, 2013: Life Sciences – Geosciences

November 14, 2013: Reference letter deadline

All deadlines are at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

*NSF 2013 Application *NSF 2013 Application Deadlines*Deadlines*

*NSF 2013 Application *NSF 2013 Application Deadlines*Deadlines*



NSF FastLane

• Personal, Relevant Background, and Future Goals Statement

(3 pages)

• Graduate Research Statement (2 pages)

• Transcripts, uploaded into FastLane

• Three letters of reference required

• Additional information required for some candidates See Solicitation for eligibility requirements (available on www.nsfgrp.org)

Complete ApplicationComplete ApplicationComplete ApplicationComplete Application



Two National Science Board-approved Review Criteria:

• Intellectual Merit: this criterion encompasses the potential to advance knowledge

• Broader Impacts: this criterion encompasses the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes

Review CriteriaReview CriteriaReview CriteriaReview Criteria



Panelists may consider the following with respect to the Intellectual Merit Criterion:

“The potential of the applicant to advance knowledge based on the totality of the content in the application, including the strength of the academic record, the proposed plan of research, the description of previous research experience or publication/presentations, and references.”

Intellectual MeritIntellectual MeritIntellectual MeritIntellectual Merit



Panelists may consider the following with respect to the Broader Impacts Criterion:

“the potential for future broader impacts as indicated by [past and present] personal, professional, and educational experiences [including service, leadership, and outreach].”

Broader ImpactsBroader ImpactsBroader ImpactsBroader Impacts



• Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement

• Graduate Research Statement

• Reference Letters• Transcripts

Intellectual Merit and Broader Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts AssessmentImpacts Assessment

Intellectual Merit and Broader Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts AssessmentImpacts Assessment



Theme of the Statement:

How do you envision graduate school preparing you for a career that allows you to contribute to expanding scientific understanding as well as broadly benefit society?

•You should strive to portray the key aspects of your intentional preparation for a successful graduate career and to discuss concisely your aims for graduate study.

•Your writing should be clear and engaging to a scientific but non-specialist reader.

•You should convey your enthusiasm and passion for your field of study/research.

Personal, Relevant Background Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement (3 and Future Goals Statement (3

pages)pages)


pages)pages)



• MOTIVATION AND EDUCATIONAL TRAJECTORY: Describe [clearly and specifically] your personal, educational and/or professional experiences that motivate your decision to pursue advanced (graduate) study in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).

• PREVIOUS RESEARCH: Include specific examples of any research and/or professional activities in which you have participated. Present a) a concise description of the activities, b) highlight the results and c) discuss how these activities have prepared you to seek a graduate degree. Specify your role in the activity including the extent to which you worked independently and/or as part of a team. Note any presentations/publications.

• PERSONAL AND SCIENTIFIC BROADER IMPACTS: Describe the contributions of your activity to advancing knowledge in STEM fields as well as the potential for broader societal impacts


pages)pages)


pages)pages)



Present an original research topic that you would like to pursue in graduate school.

•Describe the a) research idea, b) your general approach, as well as c) any unique resources that may be needed for accomplishing the research goal (i.e., access to national facilities or collections, collaborations, overseas work, etc.) You may choose to include important literature citations.

•Address the potential of the research to a) advance knowledge and understanding within science as well as b) the potential for broader impacts on society. The research discussed must be in a field listed in the Solicitation (Section X, Fields of Study).

Graduate Research Plan (2 Graduate Research Plan (2 pages)pages)

Graduate Research Plan (2 Graduate Research Plan (2 pages)pages)



Reference Letters

• Choose at least three appropriate reference writerso Research mentors and advanced course instructors

are besto Rank recommenders in order of strengtho List up to 5 recommenders (only top 3 will be read)

• Give them ample time to prepare their letters

• They should know you as a scientist and personally

• Share your application materials and the merit review criteria (good letters address Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts)

RecommendersRecommendersRecommendersRecommenders



• NSF Panelists spend approximately 20 to 25 minutes reviewing your application file – from start to finish.

• You must aim to make it as easy as possible for panelists to see your strengths – your essays must be:o Clearly writteno Excellently organizedo Highly responsive to requirementso Strongly focused on demonstrating your

intellectual merit and broader impacts

• YOU MUST HAVE ESSAYS REVIEWED BY OUTSIDE READERS

Evaluation of applicationsEvaluation of applicationsEvaluation of applicationsEvaluation of applications



• (For undergrads) Finalize your Grad School application plans in conversations with your mentors.

• Nail down 3 appropriate recommenders – TALK to them about your plans and request that they review and critique your application essays.

• Brainstorm your NSF “Graduate Research Plan” statement with mentors and research your topic carefully.

• Make a full inventory of your “Broader Impacts” activities and include them wherever appropriate in your essays.

Summer 2013 Steps To TakeSummer 2013 Steps To TakeSummer 2013 Steps To TakeSummer 2013 Steps To Take



www.nsfgrfp.org

http://grfpessayinsights.missouri.edu/

Or search “grfp essay insights”

Best Online Advice SitesBest Online Advice SitesBest Online Advice SitesBest Online Advice Sites

graduate research fellowship program operations center nsf graduate research fellowship program ...

Documents

information sciences

researchbased phd

additional information

grfp eligibility slide

years previous graduate

life sciences geosciences

complete application

nsf fastlane personal