NSF CAREER Grant Tips
Franco BasileDepartment of Chemistry
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Preliminary data…preliminary data…preliminary data
• Most important aspect of proposal– Reduce reviewer “skepticism”– Increase feasibility of project goal(s)– Best if in the form of peer-reviewed publications– Collaborations with top people in your field a plus!
What not to do…– “PowerPoint data”
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Organize your projects
Prioritize in terms of projected success and available preliminary data
• Examples:a) Detection of microorganismsb) Instrumentation developmentc) Thermal degradation of proteins
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Talk to your (future) program officer
• Pickup the phone and call him/her. Introduce yourself and your research…make them aware you exist!
• invite yourself! buy a plane ticket to DC and visit NSF (it’s their job to talk to you)
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Read reviewers’ comments and act(…and develop a thick skin)
• You must address reviewers’ comments in your next proposal
• Most reviewers are sincere and want to help you succeed
In my case…they asked for more preliminary data!
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Don’t get discouraged…
• It took me 3 trials to get the grant
questions: [email protected]
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