NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program nsfgrfp

1. National Science Foundation NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Programwww.nsfgrfp.org Graduate Research Fellowship Program Operations Center

2. GRFP Key Benefits • 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

3. GRFP Eligibility • 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

4. GRFP Supported Disciplines • 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)

5. Not 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)

6. *NSF 2013 Application Deadlines* 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 at8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

7. Complete Application 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)

8. Review Criteria • 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

9. Intellectual Merit • 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.”

10. Broader Impacts • 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].”

11. Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts Assessment • Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement • Graduate Research Statement • Reference Letters • Transcripts

12. Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement (3 pages) • 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.

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

14. Graduate Research Plan (2 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).

15. Recommenders • Reference Letters • Choose at least three appropriate reference writers • Research mentors and advanced course instructors are best • Rank recommenders in order of strength • 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)

16. Evaluation of applications • 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: • Clearly written • Excellently organized • Highly responsive to requirements • Strongly focused on demonstrating your intellectual merit and broader impacts • YOU MUST HAVE ESSAYS REVIEWED BY OUTSIDE READERS

17. Summer 2013 Steps To Take • (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.

18. Best Online Advice Sites • www.nsfgrfp.org • http://grfpessayinsights.missouri.edu/ • Or search “grfp essay insights”