View
216
Download
2
Category
Tags:
Preview:
Citation preview
1
Understanding National Science Foundation (NSF) Funding Opportunities
Susan WinterSusan WinterUniversity of MarylandUniversity of Maryland
sjwinter@umd.edu
NSF: A Federal Agency ““……promote the progress of science… advance promote the progress of science… advance
the national health, prosperity and welfare… the national health, prosperity and welfare… secure the national defense…secure the national defense…””
• National Science Foundation Act of 1950National Science Foundation Act of 1950
All fields of science/engineeringAll fields of science/engineering Discipline & cross-disciplineDiscipline & cross-discipline NOT NOT
Medical (NIH) Medical (NIH) ClassifiedClassified
Sources IdeasSources Ideas Science CommunityScience Community Executive PrioritiesExecutive Priorities
President’s Science & Technology Priorities for FY2015 Budget
Promote Economic Growth/Job Creation Improve Health of All Americans Move toward Clean Energy Address Global Climate Change Manage Environmental Resources Ensure National Security
NSF Facilitates Fund Extramural Research Fund Extramural Research Build Research Workforce CapabilityBuild Research Workforce Capability
Grad and UG, Junior FacultyGrad and UG, Junior Faculty Workforce DiversityWorkforce Diversity
Engage Academic Community Engage Academic Community WorkshopsWorkshops
Outreach to General PublicOutreach to General Public Increase International PartnershipsIncrease International Partnerships
Cannot Do Research!Cannot Do Research!
5
NSF Impact
- Annual Budget of over $7.0 Annual Budget of over $7.0 BillionBillion
- Funding Source for Research by Funding Source for Research by US universities US universities
- 20% of all federally supported basic 20% of all federally supported basic researchresearch
- 80% of basic computer science research80% of basic computer science research
(NSF at a Glance – NSF Home page – FY 2010)(NSF at a Glance – NSF Home page – FY 2010)
NSF StructureNSF Structure
National Science
Board
Director Deputy Director
Comp & Info Sci & Eng
Engineerin
g
Geo-Sciences
Math &
Physical Sciences
Educ & Human
Resources
Bio
Sciences
Office of Internat’l
& Integrated Activities
Social, Behav
& Econ Sciences
7
NSF Process Merit Review for Award SelectionMerit Review for Award Selection
ProcessProcess CriteriaCriteria
Select about 10,000 New Awards Select about 10,000 New Awards AnnuallyAnnually
About 45,000 Proposals SubmittedAbout 45,000 Proposals Submitted
Credit: Credit: Garie Fordyce, National Science FoundationGarie Fordyce, National Science Foundation
Research & Education
Communities
Proposal Preparation Time Proposal Preparation Time
Org. submitsvia:
FastLane
NNSSFF
NSFNSFProg.Prog.Off.Off.
Prog,Off.
Analysis.&
Recom.
DDConcur
ViaDGA
Organization
Min. 3
Revs.Req.
DGA Review & ProcessingDGA Review & Processing of Award of Award
Proposal Receipt to DivisionProposal Receipt to Division Director ConcurrenceDirector Concurrence
of Program Officer of Program Officer Recommendation Recommendation
GPGP.A.P.S
NSF Announces
Opportunity
Returned As Inappropriate/Withdrawn
Panel
Both
Award
NSF Proposal & Award Process & Timeline
Decline
90 Days 6 Months 30Days
Proposal Receiptat NSF
DD Concur Award
9
Types of Review
‘‘Mail’ Reviewers plus Panel ReviewMail’ Reviewers plus Panel Review Panel Review (Standing vs. Ad-Hoc)Panel Review (Standing vs. Ad-Hoc) Internal Review OnlyInternal Review Only Sources of Reviewers:Sources of Reviewers:
Program Officer’s knowledgeProgram Officer’s knowledge References in proposalReferences in proposal Web of science; SSRN; Google Scholar, etc.Web of science; SSRN; Google Scholar, etc. Reviewer recommendationsReviewer recommendations Investigator’s suggestionsInvestigator’s suggestions VolunteersVolunteers
Things to Know About Panels
Proposal Pressure Proposal Pressure Dozens of Proposals Dozens of Proposals 1 ½ Days for Discussion 1 ½ Days for Discussion 10% to 20% Funded10% to 20% Funded
Write for:Write for: Scholar Serving as LeadScholar Serving as Lead
Will Present Positive and Negative AspectsWill Present Positive and Negative Aspects Another Scholar Serves as ScribeAnother Scholar Serves as Scribe
Captures Panel DeliberationsCaptures Panel Deliberations Full Panel Who Will Rank All the ProposalsFull Panel Who Will Rank All the Proposals PO Who will Consider Panel Discussion and PO Who will Consider Panel Discussion and
Ranking in Making Funding RecommendationRanking in Making Funding Recommendation
NSF Merit Review Criteria
Intellectual MeritIntellectual MeritAdvancing Knowledge in Some Field of StudyAdvancing Knowledge in Some Field of StudyDescribe How the Project is Specifically Advancing Describe How the Project is Specifically Advancing Science by Developing/Testing Novel Theories, Science by Developing/Testing Novel Theories, Algorithms, Methodology, Instrumentation, Analytic, Algorithms, Methodology, Instrumentation, Analytic, Visualization, … TechniquesVisualization, … Techniques
Broader impactsBroader impactsBenefiting Society – Be specific about Activities!Benefiting Society – Be specific about Activities!
Diversity: Involve, Train, and Mentor Undergrads, Women Diversity: Involve, Train, and Mentor Undergrads, Women & Minorities& Minorities
TrainingTraining Dissemination/Public Awareness/Education and OutreachDissemination/Public Awareness/Education and Outreach InfrastructureInfrastructure
11
Merit Review Elements
1.1. Potential to Advance Knowledge or to Potential to Advance Knowledge or to Benefit SocietyBenefit Society
2.2. Creativity and Originality (“Potentially Creativity and Originality (“Potentially Transformative”)Transformative”)
3.3. Sound Plan for Achieving Goals Sound Plan for Achieving Goals (Including Evaluation of Outcomes)(Including Evaluation of Outcomes)
4.4. Qualifications of the ProposersQualifications of the Proposers5.5. Sufficient Access to ResourcesSufficient Access to Resources
Proposal Opportunities
SolicitedSolicited Core ProgramsCore Programs Special SolicitationsSpecial Solicitations
May Cross NSF BoundariesMay Cross NSF Boundaries
UnsolicitedUnsolicited ““Dear ColleagueDear Colleague”” Letters Letters EAGEREAGER RAPIDRAPID Supplements Supplements WorkshopsWorkshops
Proposal Rules: Grant Proposal Guide
Well-KnownWell-Known Submission: Electronic (Fastlane/grants.gov), SRO RoleSubmission: Electronic (Fastlane/grants.gov), SRO Role Page Limits, Font Size, Margins, etc.Page Limits, Font Size, Margins, etc. Components: Bio-Sketch, Current & Pending, Data Management Plan, Components: Bio-Sketch, Current & Pending, Data Management Plan,
Post-Doc Mentoring Plan, COI Lists…Post-Doc Mentoring Plan, COI Lists…
Lesser KnownLesser Known Letters: Support vs. CommitmentLetters: Support vs. Commitment Cost-Sharing Not AllowedCost-Sharing Not Allowed List of Potential Reviewers (or Non-Reviewers)List of Potential Reviewers (or Non-Reviewers) IRB Exempt or ApprovedIRB Exempt or Approved
Solicitation/Program Specific (Read Carefully!)Solicitation/Program Specific (Read Carefully!) Limits: Proposals per PI or per Institution Limits: Proposals per PI or per Institution Requirements for PartnershipsRequirements for Partnerships
Multiple Disciplines, Industry, InternationalMultiple Disciplines, Industry, International Management PlansManagement Plans
Post-Award Annual ReportsAnnual Reports
Due After 9 MonthsDue After 9 Months Overdue After 12 MonthsOverdue After 12 Months
Block Any Award Actions for You and For Co-PIsBlock Any Award Actions for You and For Co-PIs
Update POUpdate PO
Organize Events to Showcase Research to Academic Organize Events to Showcase Research to Academic AudiencesAudiences
Submit Submit ““Public InterestPublic Interest”” Science Highlights to NSF Science Highlights to NSF
Acknowledge Awards in Publications and PresentationsAcknowledge Awards in Publications and Presentations
Start Working on Future SubmissionsStart Working on Future Submissions
Award Activity and Perf. Eval. (Tenure and Promotion)Award Activity and Perf. Eval. (Tenure and Promotion)
16
Some Tips in Seeking Funding: The Homework
Deductive, Top-down StrategyDeductive, Top-down Strategy www.nsf.gov Funding Opportunities
Find Funding OpportunitiesFind Funding Opportunities How to Prepare Your ProposalHow to Prepare Your Proposal
Read the Program or Solicitation Description Read the Program or Solicitation Description Content vs. BoilerplateContent vs. Boilerplate
Inductive, Bottom-up StrategyInductive, Bottom-up Strategy Search NSF awards for abstractsSearch NSF awards for abstracts Offer to review proposalsOffer to review proposals
Some tips in seeking funding
Discuss your idea with an NSF PO/PD/PM Discuss your idea with an NSF PO/PD/PM 1-2 pg written synopsis 1-2 pg written synopsis Need, Work Being Built Upon, Work to be Need, Work Being Built Upon, Work to be
Done, 5-10 Major ReferencesDone, 5-10 Major References
Get copies of previously funded proposalsGet copies of previously funded proposalsDirectly from the PIDirectly from the PIFrom NSF (FOI: takes much longer)From NSF (FOI: takes much longer)
Institutional Constraints
Like a Journal Editor, but DifferentLike a Journal Editor, but Different POs are Expatriate ScholarsPOs are Expatriate Scholars
Rotators and PermanentRotators and Permanent
Dual Institutional LogicsDual Institutional Logics Want to Fund High Quality Research (Academic) that Want to Fund High Quality Research (Academic) that Addresses Program Objectives (Bureaucratic Politics)Addresses Program Objectives (Bureaucratic Politics)
Funding Funding Rates Vary by Program (Usually 10-30%)Rates Vary by Program (Usually 10-30%) Don’t Like Rejecting Quality ProposalsDon’t Like Rejecting Quality Proposals Don’t Like Funding Dodgy ProposalsDon’t Like Funding Dodgy Proposals Must Spend Out Budget to the Penny Each YearMust Spend Out Budget to the Penny Each Year
Your Program Officer is Your Best Friend.
POs Help Manage Flow of Proposals
Translate the RFP into EnglishTranslate the RFP into English Critique your Conceptual 2-pagerCritique your Conceptual 2-pager Offer Developmental CommentsOffer Developmental Comments Give Candid Advice – Encouragement or Give Candid Advice – Encouragement or
RedirectionRedirection Meet with You in D.C., or at ConferencesMeet with You in D.C., or at Conferences Suggest FramingSuggest Framing
Pre-submission, your PO stands ready to:
POs Want you to Succeed
Communicate Often, Not Just in Annual Communicate Often, Not Just in Annual ReportsReports
Ask your PO’s Advice Ask your PO’s Advice Provide Updates on Progress and ChangesProvide Updates on Progress and Changes Invite your PO to Conference Presentations Invite your PO to Conference Presentations
Based on NSF AwardsBased on NSF Awards Ask your PO, What Could I Do That Would Ask your PO, What Could I Do That Would
Make you a Hero? Make you a Hero?
Post-award, treat your PO like a valued colleague:
Proposal Content Use Language from RFP Criteria as AppropriateUse Language from RFP Criteria as Appropriate Underscore PI Team Prior CollaborationUnderscore PI Team Prior Collaboration
Demonstrates Higher Potential of Success Demonstrates Higher Potential of Success Dispel Suspicion of Shotgun-Marriage of Dispel Suspicion of Shotgun-Marriage of
ConvenienceConvenience
Leverage/Extend Prior Funded ResearchLeverage/Extend Prior Funded Research Specifically Describe how the Proposed Research Specifically Describe how the Proposed Research
Adds Value Above and Beyond Previous ResearchAdds Value Above and Beyond Previous Research
Clear Roles and Expectations for PersonnelClear Roles and Expectations for Personnel Stay within Specified Funding LimitStay within Specified Funding Limit Budget Justification Aligned with Work Plan Budget Justification Aligned with Work Plan
and Timelineand Timeline
What’s in the Proposal? Write it Long, Then Tighten It UpWrite it Long, Then Tighten It Up
Write a Detailed Outline First Write a Detailed Outline First Headings/Subheadings; More Structure is BetterHeadings/Subheadings; More Structure is Better
Tables & Figures for Complex Information Tables & Figures for Complex Information Must be Self-Explanatory; Reference Them; Use for Must be Self-Explanatory; Reference Them; Use for
both Theory & Methodboth Theory & Method
Questions you MUST Directly Address:Questions you MUST Directly Address: What important problem (scientific, societal) will you What important problem (scientific, societal) will you
work on?work on? How is your team uniquely qualified to work on it?How is your team uniquely qualified to work on it? Exactly what “new” work will you do? Exactly what “new” work will you do?
Include a Gantt Chart; Who Does What, When, WhereInclude a Gantt Chart; Who Does What, When, Where
Who’s in the Proposal? Match the Ideas & Scope of WorkMatch the Ideas & Scope of Work
Explain the Alignment in the ProposalExplain the Alignment in the Proposal Choose Team Carefully Choose Team Carefully
Assemble the Smallest Team with all of the Expertise Assemble the Smallest Team with all of the Expertise & Resources You Need & Resources You Need
Multi-Disciplinary/Multi-University vs. Single-Multi-Disciplinary/Multi-University vs. Single-Discipline/Single-UniversityDiscipline/Single-University
Senior Collaborators: Senior Collaborators: Know How to Manage Funded Research Projects & Research Know How to Manage Funded Research Projects & Research
TeamsTeams Resources & InfrastructureResources & Infrastructure Can Be co-PIs or ConsultantsCan Be co-PIs or Consultants
Include Post-doc(s), Graduate Students, Include Post-doc(s), Graduate Students, Undergraduates Undergraduates
What’s in the Budget? Summer Salary (Up to 2 months) of FacultySummer Salary (Up to 2 months) of Faculty Salary (Full or Partial) for Post-Docs, Salary (Full or Partial) for Post-Docs,
Programmers, Support StaffProgrammers, Support Staff Stipend & Tuition for PhD StudentsStipend & Tuition for PhD Students Travel to Collect Data/Disseminate Travel to Collect Data/Disseminate
Findings Findings Equipment and SuppliesEquipment and Supplies OverheadOverhead
25
Some Tips in Seeking Funding
Find a Partner, Colleague, or CollaboratorFind a Partner, Colleague, or Collaborator Get Colleagues to Get Colleagues to ““Pre-ReviewPre-Review”” your Proposal your Proposal Collaborate with Previously Successful PI Collaborate with Previously Successful PI
Adding your Dimension to their WorkAdding your Dimension to their Work Create Partnership for Interdisciplinary Create Partnership for Interdisciplinary
ResearchResearch
Colleague at a Predominantly Undergrad Colleague at a Predominantly Undergrad Institution:Institution: Submit a RUI ProposalSubmit a RUI Proposal
Questions?
• CHS supports research onCHS supports research on Creative ideas and novel theories for Creative ideas and novel theories for
understanding:understanding:• Human-computer and human-human Human-computer and human-human
interactions, collaboration, and competition.interactions, collaboration, and competition.• Role of computing in how humans Role of computing in how humans
communicate, work, learn, and play.communicate, work, learn, and play.• Systems that interact with people using Systems that interact with people using
various modalities.various modalities. Innovative technologies for: Innovative technologies for:
• Computer supported collaboration.Computer supported collaboration.• Human-Computer and human-robot Human-Computer and human-robot
interactions.interactions.• Social computing.Social computing.• Affective computing.Affective computing.• Universal access.Universal access.• Immersive environments.Immersive environments.
Types of Opportunitiess
CoreCore
SolicitedSolicited
Types of Types of IndividualsIndividuals
No External No External ReviewReview
Large Large CentersCenters
iCorpsiCorps
Cyber-Human Systems (CHS)
Applying to Core Programs
Program Solicitations:Program Solicitations: CCF:CCF: NSF 13-579NSF 13-579 CNS:CNS: NSF 13-581NSF 13-581 IIS:IIS: NSF 13-580NSF 13-580
Project Types:Project Types: Large:Large: $1,200,001 to $3,000,000; up to 5 years, collaborative teams$1,200,001 to $3,000,000; up to 5 years, collaborative teams• Medium:Medium: $500,001 to $1,200,000; up to 4 years, $500,001 to $1,200,000; up to 4 years, multi-investigator multi-investigator
teamsteams Small: Small: up to $500,000; up to 3 years, one or two investigator projectsup to $500,000; up to 3 years, one or two investigator projects
CISE-wide Submission Windows:CISE-wide Submission Windows: Large:Large: November 4–19, annuallyNovember 4–19, annually Medium:Medium: September 24–October 15 (2013 only)September 24–October 15 (2013 only) Small: Small: January 2–17, annuallyJanuary 2–17, annually
PI Limit: PI Limit: Participate in no more than 2 “core” proposals/yearParticipate in no more than 2 “core” proposals/year
Coordinated Solicitations
SBE Organization
30
Types of Opportunities Key Social, Behavioral and Key Social, Behavioral and
Economics ProgramsEconomics ProgramsUnsolicitedUnsolicited
SolicitedSolicited
Types of Types of IndividualsIndividuals
No External No External ReviewReview
Large Large CentersCenters
iCorpsiCorps
31
Jan/Feb and Aug/Sept due dates annually
Science of Organizations
Decision, Risk & Management Science
Economics
Law and Social Science
Methodology, Measurement & Statistics
Social Psychology
Sociology
Science, Technology & Society
Geography and Spatial Sciences
Sept due date annually
Science of Science and Innovation Policy
Types of Opportunities Example Standing Opportunities in Example Standing Opportunities in
Other DirectoratesOther Directorates
ENGENG Service Enterprise Systems (SES)Service Enterprise Systems (SES) Systems Science (SYS) Systems Science (SYS) Infrastructure Management and Extreme Infrastructure Management and Extreme
Events (IMEE)Events (IMEE)
UnsolicitedUnsolicited
SolicitedSolicited
Types of Types of IndividualsIndividuals
No External No External ReviewReview
Large Large CentersCenters
iCorpsiCorps
32
Types of Opportunities Promising Current Solicitations for Promising Current Solicitations for
Management ScholarsManagement Scholars
Building Community and Capacity for Data-Building Community and Capacity for Data-Intensive Research in the Social, Behavioral Intensive Research in the Social, Behavioral and Economic and in Education and Human and Economic and in Education and Human Resources Resources
Catalyzing New International Collaborations Catalyzing New International Collaborations (contact the country expert in OISE)(contact the country expert in OISE)
Science, Engineering and Education for Science, Engineering and Education for SustainabilitySustainability
Research Coordination NetworksResearch Coordination Networks
Science Across Virtual Institutes Science Across Virtual Institutes
UnsolicitedUnsolicited
SolicitedSolicited
Types of Types of IndividualsIndividuals
No External No External ReviewReview
Large Large CentersCenters
iCorpsiCorps
33
Cross-DirectorateCross-Directorate Cyberlearning: Transforming Education (CTE) Cyberlearning: Transforming Education (CTE)
Designing and implementing technologies to aid and understand learning.Designing and implementing technologies to aid and understand learning.
Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace (SaTC) Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace (SaTC) Securing our Nation’s cyberspace from malicious behavior, while preserving privacy and promoting Securing our Nation’s cyberspace from malicious behavior, while preserving privacy and promoting usability.usability.
Cross-AgencyCross-Agency Smart and Connected Health (SCH)Smart and Connected Health (SCH)
Transforming healthcare knowledge and delivery, and improving quality of Transforming healthcare knowledge and delivery, and improving quality of life through IT.life through IT.
Core Techniques and Technologies for Advancing Big Core Techniques and Technologies for Advancing Big Data Science & Engineering (BIG DATA)Data Science & Engineering (BIG DATA)
Developing tools to manage and analyze data in order to extract knowledge from data. Developing tools to manage and analyze data in order to extract knowledge from data.
National Robotics Initiative (NRI) National Robotics Initiative (NRI) Developing and using robots that work alongside, or cooperatively with, peopleDeveloping and using robots that work alongside, or cooperatively with, people ..
Sample of CISE Cross-Cutting ProgramsTypes of
Opportunities
Unsolicited
Solicited
Types of Individuals
No External Review
Large Centers
iCorps
Types of Opportunities Grants for Particular Types of Grants for Particular Types of
IndividualsIndividuals
Graduate Research FellowshipsGraduate Research Fellowships
Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants (in SBE)Grants (in SBE)
SBE Postdoctoral Research SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowship ProgramFellowship Program
CAREER AwardsCAREER Awards
UnsolicitedUnsolicited
SolicitedSolicited
Types of Types of IndividualsIndividuals
No External No External ReviewReview
Large Large CentersCenters
iCorpsiCorps
35
Faculty Early Career Development Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program(CAREER) Program
• The NSF’s most prestigious awards in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through:
• outstanding research,• excellent education, and • the integration of education and
research within the context of the mission of their organizations.
Types of Opportunities
UnsolicitedUnsolicited
SolicitedSolicited
Types of Types of IndividualsIndividuals
No External No External ReviewReview
Large Large CentersCenters
iCorpsiCorps
Types of Opportunities Grants with Only Internal ReviewGrants with Only Internal Review
RAPIDs: Grants for Rapid Response RAPIDs: Grants for Rapid Response ResearchResearch
EAGERs: Early concept Grants for EAGERs: Early concept Grants for Exploratory ResearchExploratory Research
INSPIREs: Integrated NSF Support INSPIREs: Integrated NSF Support Promoting Interdisciplinary Research and Promoting Interdisciplinary Research and EducationEducation
Workshops, doctoral consortiaWorkshops, doctoral consortia
REU SupplementsREU Supplements
UnsolicitedUnsolicited
SolicitedSolicited
Types of Types of IndividualsIndividuals
No External No External ReviewReview
Large Large CentersCenters
iCorpsiCorps
37
Types of Opportunities Large Center OpportunitiesLarge Center Opportunities
Science and Technology Centers: Integrative Science and Technology Centers: Integrative Partnerships (STC)Partnerships (STC)
Industry & University Cooperative Research Industry & University Cooperative Research Program (I/UCRC) Program (I/UCRC)
ADVANCE: Increasing the Participation and ADVANCE: Increasing the Participation and Advancement of Women in Academic Advancement of Women in Academic Science and Engineering Careers Science and Engineering Careers (ADVANCE) (ADVANCE)
UnsolicitedUnsolicited
SolicitedSolicited
Types of Types of IndividualsIndividuals
No External No External ReviewReview
Large Large CentersCenters
iCorpsiCorps
38
Types of Opportunities NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps)NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps)
Supplements to current or recently expired Supplements to current or recently expired NSF grants to catalyze commercialization NSF grants to catalyze commercialization of research products.of research products.
Involves mentoring and funding to develop Involves mentoring and funding to develop commercialization optionscommercialization options
The lead can be a studentThe lead can be a student
Building capacity and capability for the long Building capacity and capability for the long runrun..
UnsolicitedUnsolicited
SolicitedSolicited
Types of Types of IndividualsIndividuals
No External No External ReviewReview
Large Large CentersCenters
iCorpsiCorps
39
Finding information: http://www.nsf.gov
Funding opportunities
Upcoming Due Dates
Subscribe to updates
Get NSF Updates by Email
CISE Updates and Announcements: http://www.cise.nsf.gov
Get CISE Updates by Email
Subscribe to receive special
CISE announcements
Featured Programs
New information
Search awards from each program page
44
Award search results
Recommended