Match you research to funding source. 5
NSF funds basic science research Basic scientific research is grounded in a broader theoretical framework. It focuses on one or a few questions grounded in that broader framework. It uses scientifically sound approaches to assess the viability of answers to those questions. Its focused results also contribute to enhancement of broader theoretical knowledge. 6
Within an agency or foundation, find the program for your research or phase of career. GSS Geography and Spatial Sciences - Senior Competition regular proposals - CAREER early career grants - DDRI Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement grants Ask about the about the coreview process!! 7
In addition to its standing programs, NSF has many special funding opportunities HSD RAPID EAGER RUI/ROA CDI Check the NSF Web site for more information or contact relevant program officers
The SEES (Science, Engineering, and Education for Sustainability) initiative offers many opportunities for geographers. SEES established in Fiscal Year 2010 as a cross NSF investment. Portfolio of existing and new programs (RCN, SRN, Fellows, SEP, PIRE, CNH track, etc.) Encourage systems-based approaches Highlights NSF s unique role 9
In crafting your proposal, work towards a focused, clear research design. Background and literature for theoretical background and lacuna. Pose research questions and/ or define hypotheses to be tested. Select methods to answer questions or test hypotheses. Analysis of data. Answer the questions and/or test hypotheses. New information and contributions to theories and literatures. 10
Design your research to include adequate attention to specifics regarding testing hypotheses or answering research questions. Be explicit not suggestive. Focus on what you will do. (Not too much on the background!) Have a solid research plan in which you connect RQs with methods and analysis. HOW will you answer the posed question or test the stated hypotheses? 11
In crafting a proposal, ask the following questions: 1) Why should anyone care? 2) Is this a problem worth investing in and if so, then why? 3) What is the current state of knowledge? 4) How will your research build on and contribute to this body of knowledge? 5) How types of methods best serve your inquiry and is there anything novel about them? 6) How might society benefit from your research? 13
There are many parts to an NSF proposal. Cover sheet Project Summary (one page; specifically addresses intellectual merit & broader impacts) Table of Contents Project Description (15 pages max regular & CAREER proposals; 10-12 DDRI) References cited Biographical Sketch(es) Budget Budget Justification Current & Pending Support Facilities, Equipment, & Other Resources Data Management Plan [relatively new!] Post-doc mentoring plan Special Information & Supplementary Documentation 15
Giving yourself enough time allows you to craft a proposal. 3 months before the deadline 1 month before the deadline 2 weeks before the deadline 1 week before the deadline 5 months after the deadline Develop prospectus for proposal and run your idea past relevant agency program officers. Complete what you think is a very solid first draft of the entire proposal. Share it with colleagues and ask for honest, constructive advice. Use comments to revise the proposal one or two more times. Forward the proposal to your sponsored research office (SRO) so that they can complete their work and submit the proposal a day or two before the deadline You should by this time have heard from your program officer about the status of your proposal. 16
Provide evidence that you (and your team) are qualified to undertake the proposed research. Preliminary work. Language and cultural competency. Technical expertise. Networks and connections in order to access data or conduct the fieldwork. 17
The best budget is one appropriate for the proposed research BUT falls in-line the average awards made. For every possible expenditure, ask yourself: Is this expenditure necessary? -- or -- Would the research be diminished substantially if this expenditure is not made? If you answer "Yes" to these questions include the item in the budget. If you answer "No," leave the item out. 18
Reviewers become irritated by proposals that are difficult to read. Dense text that is impossible to read because the font is so small and line spacing is dense and there is absolutely no white space. Hiding the purpose of the research deep in the narrative. Very technical narrative and/or extensive use of jargon. Factual or arithmetic errors. Vagueness or circular arguments. 19
Your proposal is reviewed by three groups of people try to think like them! Ad-hoc reviewers - specialists Advisory panel members - generalists Program Officers seeking to invest in the best science 20
Familiarizing yourself with NSF s Review Criteria improves the competitiveness of your proposal. Intellectual Merit Broader Impacts [Data Management Plan] 22
What is the Intellectual Merit of the proposed project? How important is the proposed activity to advancing knowledge and understanding within its own field and across different fields? How well qualified is the proposer (individual or team) to conduct the project? To what extent does the proposed activity suggest and explore creative, original and potentially transformative concepts? How well conceived and organized is the proposed activity? Is there sufficient access to resources? 23
Other review considera0ons Likelihood of Success 1 2 3 4 5 Low High Poten0al to be Transforma0ve 1 2 3 4 5 Low High
What are the Broader Impacts of the proposed project? How well does the activity advance discovery and understanding while promoting teaching, training, and learning? How well does the proposed activity broaden the participation of underrepresented groups (e.g., gender, ethnicity, geographic, etc.)? Will the results be disseminated broadly to enhance scientific and technological understanding? What may be the benefits of the proposed activity to society? 25
Data Management Plan The types of data, samples, physical collections, software, curriculum materials, and other materials to be produced in the course of the project; The standards to be used for data and metadata format and content (where existing standards are absent or deemed inadequate, this should be documented along with any proposed solutions or remedies); Policies for access and sharing including provisions for appropriate protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, intellectual property, or other rights or requirements; Policies and provisions for re-use, re-distribution, and the production of derivatives; and Plans for archiving data, samples, and other research products, and for preservation of access to them. 26
Most proposals are declined because the research design is poorly connected Failed to establish a sound theore5cal framework and/or is poorly related to relevant research. Did not specify research methods in sufficient detail or has flawed research plans. Plans for data analysis were insufficient. Theore5cal frameworks were sound and research plans are solid, but did not match each other.
What to do if your proposal is declined ü Read comments once, put in drawer, go out for favorite adult beverage. ü When you re calm and ready, get a sense of what went wrong, whether to revise and resubmit, and how to close the deal the next 7me.
What to do if your proposal is declined ü Call program officer when you can handle a frank discussion don t get snarky the toes you step on today may be the backside you need to kiss tomorrow Are the cri7cisms correctable? Are they more general? ü Understand the resubmission process and its requirements must you respond to comments directly, will same reviewers see revised proposal?
Next steps ü If you didn t get a wave- off from PO, follow instruc7ons and resubmit at the first opportunity. ü If you did get waved off, ask whether another program is a bever fit. If the answer is no try another project. ü Be careful appealing a rejec7on may not be the best idea.