funding opportunities at the national science foundation sally o’connor and diane okamuro...
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Funding Opportunities at the National Science Foundation
Sally OSally O’’Connor and Diane OkamuroConnor and Diane Okamuro
Strategies for Success
BIO/DBIBIO/DBI703-292-8470703-292-8470
Presentation Overview of NSFOverview of NSF
Competitive Proposals and Competitive Proposals and the Review Processthe Review Process
Programs of InterestPrograms of Interest
NSF Mission
““To promote the progress of science; to To promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national and welfare; to secure the national defensedefense””
--NSF Act of 1950--NSF Act of 1950
THE NSF Structure
Population & Evolutionary Processes
Population & Evolutionary Processes
Directorate for Biological Sciences(BIO)
Dr. Mary Clutter, Asst. Director
Directorate for Biological Sciences(BIO)
Dr. Mary Clutter, Asst. Director
Information and Automation Resources Unit
(IAR)
Information and Automation Resources Unit
(IAR)
Division of Environmental
Biology(DEB)
Division of Environmental
Biology(DEB)
Ecological BiologyEcological Biology
EcosystemScience
EcosystemScience
Division of Integrative
Organismal Biology(IOB)
Division of Integrative
Organismal Biology(IOB)
BehavioralSystems
BehavioralSystems
Developmental Systems
Developmental Systems
Environmental &Structural Systems
Environmental &Structural Systems
ResearchResources
ResearchResources
HumanResources
HumanResources
Division ofBiological
Infrastructure(DBI)
Division ofBiological
Infrastructure(DBI)
Division of Molecular and
Cellular Biosciences
(MCB)
Division of Molecular and
Cellular Biosciences
(MCB)
BiomolecularSystems
BiomolecularSystems
Cellular SystemsCellular Systems
Genes and GenomeSystems
Genes and GenomeSystems
Emerging Frontiers (EF)
Plant GenomeResearch Program
National Ecological Observatory Network
Plant GenomeResearch Program
National Ecological Observatory Network
Systematic Biology &Biodiversity Inventories
Systematic Biology &Biodiversity Inventories
Functional & Regulatory Systems
Functional & Regulatory Systems
Division of Molecularand Cellular Biosciences
(MCB)
Biomolecular Systems ClusterBiomolecular Systems Cluster
Cellular Systems ClusterCellular Systems Cluster
Genes and Genomes Systems ClusterGenes and Genomes Systems Cluster
Supports research and related activities that contribute to a fundamental understanding of life processes at the molecular, sub-cellular, and cellular levels
Division of Integrative Organismal Biology (IOB)
Behavioral Systems Cluster
Developmental Systems Cluster
Environmental & Structural Systems Cluster
Functional & Regulatory Systems Cluster
Emphasizes systems critical to the form, function,development, and evolution of organisms
Division ofEnvironmental Biology
(DEB)
Ecological Biology Cluster Ecological Biology Cluster
Ecosystem Science Cluster Ecosystem Science Cluster
Population and Evolutionary Processes Population and Evolutionary Processes Cluster Cluster
Systematic Biology and Biodiversity Systematic Biology and Biodiversity Inventories ClusterInventories Cluster
Supports fundamental research on populations, species, communities, and ecosystems
Division of BiologicalInfrastructure (DBI)
Human Resources ClusterHuman Resources Cluster Research Resources ClusterResearch Resources Cluster Plant Genome Research ProgramPlant Genome Research Program National Ecological Observatory NetworkNational Ecological Observatory Network
supports varied activities that provide infrastructure for contemporary research in biology including research resources and human resources
Frontiers in Integrative Biological Research (FIBR)Large-scale integrative projects - up to $5 Million for up to five years
Research Coordination Networks (RCN)Research efforts across disciplinary, organizational, institutional, and geographical boundaries
Nanoscale Science & Engineering (NANO)Exploitation of physical, chemical, and biological properties of systems in the range of 0.1 - 100 nanometers; nanobiosensors
Other Programs – See EF homepage
Emerging Frontiers
(Cross Directorate)
Types of Proposal SubmissionTypes of Proposal Submission
No deadlines No deadlines (e.g. workshops, SGERs)(e.g. workshops, SGERs)
DeadlinesDeadlines
Target datesTarget dates
Submission Submission WindowsWindows
Preliminary Preliminary proposalsproposals
Solicited vs. Unsolicited
•Solicited proposals have a published Program Solicitation / Program Announcement
•Unsolicited proposals are associated with regular research programs (check websites and GTP)
Where do you submit your ideas?
http://www.nsf.gov
Directorate Division Programs Information on NSF contacts, award
abstract, program description, deadlines
Guide to Programs (GTP)
Grant Proposal Guide (GPG)
Sign up for “My NSF”
Preparing a Preparing a CompetitiveCompetitive Proposal Proposal
andand
The Review ProcessThe Review Process
A Good ProposalA Good ProposalA good proposal is a good idea, well A good proposal is a good idea, well expressed, with a clear indication of expressed, with a clear indication of
methods for pursuing the idea, methods for pursuing the idea, evaluating the findings, and making evaluating the findings, and making
them known to all who need to know.them known to all who need to know.
A A CompetitiveCompetitive Proposal is… Proposal is…
Responsive to the Program Announcement
Appropriate for the Program
All of the above
What to Look for in a What to Look for in a Program AnnouncementProgram Announcement
Goal of programGoal of program EligibilityEligibility Special requirementsSpecial requirements
Read the Program Announcement Carefully
Pay special attention to:
For any questions… call your Program Officer
NSF Review Criteria
Criterion 1 - What is the Criterion 1 - What is the intellectual meritintellectual merit of the proposed activity? of the proposed activity?
This criterion addresses the overall quality of the This criterion addresses the overall quality of the proposed activity to advance science and engineering proposed activity to advance science and engineering through research and education.through research and education.
Criterion 2 - What are the Criterion 2 - What are the broader impactsbroader impacts of the proposed activity? of the proposed activity?
This criterion addresses the overall impact of the proposed This criterion addresses the overall impact of the proposed activity.activity.
Obtain a copy of a successful proposal. Check AwardAbstracts search page. Things change, get a recent award.
Getting Started Take your best research ideas for which Take your best research ideas for which
you have some preliminary datayou have some preliminary data Develop hypotheses and experiments to Develop hypotheses and experiments to
take the next step(s).take the next step(s). Consider feasibility in a 36 to 60 month Consider feasibility in a 36 to 60 month
windowwindow Consider what assistance you will need Consider what assistance you will need
given teaching and other time given teaching and other time commitmentscommitments
Prepare a plan of attackPrepare a plan of attack
Getting Started
Communicate with a program officerCommunicate with a program officer Assist in program selectionAssist in program selection Provide advice about how to proceedProvide advice about how to proceed
Examine prior NSF awards in similar Examine prior NSF awards in similar areasareas Visit Visit www.nsf.gov.. Link to award information through Link to award information through
BIO Award SearchBIO Award SearchSearch by subject, institution, PI Search by subject, institution, PI
namename
Grant Proposal Guide (GPG)
GUIDANCE AND REGULATIONS GUIDANCE AND REGULATIONS - - Preparing and submitting proposalsPreparing and submitting proposals
DESCRIBES PROCESSDESCRIBES PROCESS - - for for declinations, returns withdrawals, and declinations, returns withdrawals, and awards; significant grant awards; significant grant administrative highlights.administrative highlights.
Research & Education Communities
Proposal Preparation Time
Org. submitsviaFastLane N
SF
NSFProg.Off.
Prog,Off.
Anal.&
Recom..
DDConcur
ViaDGA
Organization
MERITREVIEW
DGA Review & Processingof Award
Proposal Receipt to DivisionDirector Concurrence of Program Officer Recommendation
GPGAnnouncement
Solicitation
NSF AnnouncesOpportunit
y Returned Without Review/Withdrawn
Panel
Both
Award
NSF Proposal & Award Process & TimelineNSF Proposal & Award Process & Timeline
Decline
90 Days 6 Months 30 Days
Proposal Receiptat NSF
DD Concur Award
NSF Decision-making for Unsolicited ProposalsINSTITUTION
AssignmentTo
Program
Merit Review Process
Program OfficerRecommendation
DivisionDirectorReview
Division ofGrants andAgreements
Mail reviews
Panel review
Proposal Submission via
Fastlane AWARD
DECLINE
Returned
Without Review
What does ‘Merit Review’ really mean?
NSF invests in the great ideas from capable people as
determined by competitive merit review.
Merit Review Criteria
Criterion 1: What is the intellectual merit of the proposed activity?
Criterion 2: What are the broader impacts of the proposed activity?
Criterion 1: Intellectual Merit
Potential to Potential to advance knowledgeadvance knowledge and and understanding within and across fieldsunderstanding within and across fields
CreativityCreativity and and originalityoriginality of ideas of ideas Conceptualization and Conceptualization and organizationorganization Qualifications Qualifications of investigators of investigators Access to Access to resourcesresources Established Established expertiseexpertise or expert or expert
collaborationscollaborations
Criterion 2: Broader Impacts
Advancement of discovery and Advancement of discovery and understanding while understanding while promoting promoting teaching, training and learningteaching, training and learning
Participation of Participation of underrepresented underrepresented groupsgroups
Enhancement of Enhancement of infrastructureinfrastructure for for research and educationresearch and education
Dissemination of resultsDissemination of results to enhance to enhance scientific and technological understandingscientific and technological understanding
Benefits to societyBenefits to society
How can I be successful in obtaining
funding?
Tips for Success
Review proposals that have been fundedReview proposals that have been funded Contact PIContact PI’’ss
Have more than one person read your Have more than one person read your proposal prior to submission proposal prior to submission Peers AND scientists not in your area.Peers AND scientists not in your area.
If Rejected – Try AgainIf Rejected – Try Again Talk with the Program OfficerTalk with the Program Officer Pay attention to ReviewerPay attention to Reviewer’’s comments s comments Attend a Grant-writing workshop Attend a Grant-writing workshop
Proposals may be reviewed in Proposals may be reviewed in panel, using mail review (ad hocs), panel, using mail review (ad hocs), or a combination of bothor a combination of both
The review process usually takes The review process usually takes about six months to a decision about six months to a decision
Understand Review Process
NSF Panel Review(most research divisions)
The panel is an advisory committee composedof ~10-20 people depending on # of proposals
Each proposal must receive at least 3 reviews
In panel, each reviewer describes his/her viewsof the proposal to the rest of the panel
The panel as a whole then discusses the proposal
The proposal is then placed in a funding recommendation category (e.g. Fund, Fund if Possible, Do not fund)
Proposal Funding Recommendations
The Program Director makes funding recommendations to the Division Director based on:
The advice of the panel
Budgetary constraints
Other programmatic considerations (geographic distribution, type of institution, PI demographics, potential high payoff, etc.
Getting on a Panel
Contact your program directorContact your program director E-mail your CV to your program directorE-mail your CV to your program director Include your contact informationInclude your contact information Indicate your areas of expertiseIndicate your areas of expertise Follow up with a phone callFollow up with a phone call Be polite, pleasant, and persistent (donBe polite, pleasant, and persistent (don’’t t
give up)give up)
Additional Funding Strategies
Determine if the main emphasis of the proposed work is research or teaching
Consult the NSF website and Guide to Programs tolocate a likely program (“home” for your project)
Call the Program Director to determine if your project is appropriate
Awards Abstracts Search Page
Programs of Interest
B I OB I O
E H RE H R
Cross-CuttingCross-Cutting
Foundation-WideFoundation-Wide
EHR Directorate Division of Undergraduate
Education Advanced Technological Education Due Oct 18, 2005
Emphasis on 2-yr collegeSupports curriculum development, faculty developmentPathways from secondary schools to 2-yr colleges, and 2-yr to 4-yr institutionsImprovement of instruction and better preparation of students for entry into high-tech jobs and into
4-yr institutions
EHR Directorate Division of Undergraduate
EducationCourse, Curriculum, and Laboratory
Improvement (CCLI)Due Jan 24, 2006
Research on STEM teaching and learning
Educational innovations – developing and disseminating materials
Small exploratory projects comprehensive projects
EHR Directorate Division of Undergraduate
EducationInterdisciplinary Training for
Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Sciences
Due Mar 29, 2006
“enhance undergraduate education and training at the intersection of the biological and mathematical sciences and to better prepare undergraduate biology or mathematics students to pursue graduate study and careers in fields that integrate the mathematical and biological sciences”
EHR Directorate Human Resource Development
(HRD)Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU UP)Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST)Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUP)Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP)Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP)Model Institutions for Excellence (MIE)
Broaden the Participation of Scientists from Under-represented Groups
Assist members to become actively engaged in research as independent investigators
Estimated Awards (15 - 25) – about $3 Million annually
Research Initiation Grants (RIG)
In Biological Sciences
Solicitation 05-581Due Date: July 5, 2005
Broaden the Participation of Scientists from Under-represented Groups
Targets Scientists other than Beginning Investigators to Enhance Career Development
Improve Competitiveness for Research FundsAcquire New Skills/Tools for Contemporary Research
Estimated Awards (15 - 25) – about $3 Million annually
Career Advancement Awards (CAA)
In Biological Sciences
Solicitation 05-581Due Date: July 5, 2005
Research Opportunity Awards (ROA)
Provide support for faculty from PUIs to participate in Provide support for faculty from PUIs to participate in ongoing, NSF-funded research projects for ongoing, NSF-funded research projects for
limited periods, usually a summerlimited periods, usually a summerGoal -- Provide research experience for faculty to Goal -- Provide research experience for faculty to enhance research at home institution and host lab, enhance research at home institution and host lab, improve research & teachingimprove research & teaching
Funded as supplements to active NSF grantsFunded as supplements to active NSF grants Salary or stipend for undergraduate faculty Salary or stipend for undergraduate faculty Travel to host lab and/or to attend a meetingTravel to host lab and/or to attend a meeting Research suppliesResearch supplies
Making connections with an NSF grantee:Making connections with an NSF grantee: Network at scientific meetingsNetwork at scientific meetings Consult NSF FastLane list of awards in relevant Consult NSF FastLane list of awards in relevant
programprogram Contact NSF Program Director in your area of interest Contact NSF Program Director in your area of interest
(Consult the NSF web site for contact information)(Consult the NSF web site for contact information)
Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI)
Designed to support Research in Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions (PUI)
RUI is a mechanism, not a separate funding stream
~ 10% of proposals submitted to BIO research programs are RUIs
“RUI” should be designated in the title of the proposal
Five page (max) “RUI impact statement” must accompany proposal
Check http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm for announcement (NSF-wide)
Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI)
Supports research by faculty with active involvement of undergraduate students
Strengthens the research environment in departments that are oriented primarily toward undergraduate instruction
Integrates research and education at predominantly undergraduate institutions
Target Dates in January and July
Cross-disciplinary Research at Undergraduate Institution
(CRUI)
Research program involving teams of Research program involving teams of investigators (bio and non-bio)investigators (bio and non-bio)
Investigating biological questions from Investigating biological questions from multi-multi- disciplinary perspectivedisciplinary perspective Training of undergrads included in plansTraining of undergrads included in plans Four-year awards, approx $1-1.5 MFour-year awards, approx $1-1.5 M
Solicitation to be postedDue Date: about Mar 2006
Two programs in the BIO directorate
Run in alternate years
UMEB: Undergraduate Mentoring in Environmental Biology
C-RUI: Cross-Disciplinary Research at Undergraduate Institutions
Contact is Sally O’Connor ([email protected])
UMEB and CRUI
Undergraduate Mentoring in
Environmental Biology (UMEB)
Research training program for under-Research training program for under-represented minority studentsrepresented minority students
Strong research component, preferably Strong research component, preferably field field basedbased
Year-round mentoring and enhancement Year-round mentoring and enhancement activitiesactivities
Four-year awards, $600,000Four-year awards, $600,000Solicitation 05-558
Due Date: May 18, 2005
Supports teacher-scholars who will become the academic leaders of the 21st century
Supports plans that effectively integrate research and education
BIO minimum of $100,000/year for 5 years
Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER)
Solicitation 05-579Due Date: July 19, 2005
Major ResearchInstrumentation (MRI)
Acquisition or development of major research Acquisition or development of major research instrumentation instrumentation
Maintenance and technical support associated Maintenance and technical support associated with these instrumentswith these instruments
Proposals may be for a single instrument, a large Proposals may be for a single instrument, a large system of instruments, or multiple instruments system of instruments, or multiple instruments that share a common research focusthat share a common research focus
Coordinated thru the Office of Integrative Coordinated thru the Office of Integrative Activities (NSF-Activities (NSF-wide)
Emphasis must be on research
Deadline Date: Fourth Thursday in January Annually Program Solicitation: NSF 05-515
Research Experiences
for Undergraduates (REU)
Two mechanisms: Sites and SupplementsTwo mechanisms: Sites and SupplementsResearch training program for undergradsResearch training program for undergradsSites: Usually 10 weeks in summer for 10 Sites: Usually 10 weeks in summer for 10
studentsstudentsHands-on participation in research leading Hands-on participation in research leading
to presentations and publicationsto presentations and publications
Solicitation NSF 05-592
Due Date: ~ Aug 15 annualy
Small-scale, exploratory, high-risk/high-impact
Contact the NSF program officer(s) most germane to the proposal topic before submitting a SGER proposal
Project description 2 to 5 pages, $200,000 budget maximum
Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER)
Opportunities for Supplementing Ongoing Awards
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)supports undergraduate researchers
Research Opportunity Award (ROA)for faculty at predominantly undergraduate
institutions to participate in NSF-supported projects Research Experiences for Teachers (RET)
builds long term collaborative relationships between K-12 teachers of science and mathematics and the NSF research community
Research Apprenticeship for Minority High School Students (RAMHSS) supports HS student research
Funding StrategiesVisit NSF
Types of people that visit NSF- Researchers/Science Educators- Office of sponsored research personnel- Deans/Administrators
If you anticipate being in the DC area, call your Program Director(s) and make an appointment(s)
Investigate setting up a special group visit
Getting Support
NSF PublicationsNSF Publications Program Program
AnnouncementsAnnouncements Grant Proposal Grant Proposal
GuideGuide Web PagesWeb Pages Funded Project Funded Project
AbstractsAbstracts Reports, Special Reports, Special
PublicationsPublications
Successful Colleagues - Successful Colleagues - on campus or at similar on campus or at similar institutioninstitution
Mentors on CampusMentors on Campus Previous PanelistsPrevious Panelists Serve As ReviewerServe As Reviewer Sponsored Research Sponsored Research
OfficeOffice Successful ProposalsSuccessful Proposals Program OfficersProgram Officers
IncumbentIncumbent Former RotatorsFormer Rotators
A DeclinationHow to Gain from the Experience
Success rate for most programs is ~30%Success rate for most programs is ~30%
Read the written Reviews and the Panel SummaryRead the written Reviews and the Panel Summary •What guidance was provided for improvements?What guidance was provided for improvements?•Did reviewers misunderstand your intentions?Did reviewers misunderstand your intentions?•Were reviewers from outside your field confused?Were reviewers from outside your field confused?•Was proposal submitted to the wrong NSF program?Was proposal submitted to the wrong NSF program?•Remember reviews were tempered by panel discussionRemember reviews were tempered by panel discussion•Your Program Director or faculty mentors Your Program Director or faculty mentors can help you interpret the reviewscan help you interpret the reviews
Call the Program Director for guidance and interpretation
Summary Start early – give yourself enough timeStart early – give yourself enough time and follow rules in GPGand follow rules in GPG
Proposals should be cogent, appropriate, and Proposals should be cogent, appropriate, and
justifiedjustified Study reviews carefully (award or declination)Study reviews carefully (award or declination)
Anticipate some frustration (and remember 3Ps)Anticipate some frustration (and remember 3Ps) If declined - after reading If declined - after reading
your reviews (take some time to think about them)your reviews (take some time to think about them) If awarded - follow up on reporting and find out about If awarded - follow up on reporting and find out about
supplemental funding (stay in touch with PD)supplemental funding (stay in touch with PD)
Anticipate criticisms (better –Anticipate criticisms (better – invite criticisminvite criticism ))
Read the PARead the PA
Call your Program DirectorCall your Program Director
Get feedback on your proposal from your colleaguesGet feedback on your proposal from your colleagues
http://www.nsf.gov/mynsf/
Keeping Abreast of NSF Opportunities
“My NSF” Custom News(set your own profile – weekly email update)