How long are NSF proposals?

The proposed duration for which support is requested must be consistent with the nature and complexity of the proposed activity. Grants are normally awarded for up to three years but may be awarded for periods of up to five years.

How do I review an NSF proposal?

If the proposal is complete and conforms to NSF requirements, NSF Program Officers identify at least three external reviewers to review the proposal. The review may be conducted by ad hoc reviewers, a panel of experts, or a combination of both. For some programs, site visits are also conducted.

Are NSF reviews Anonymous?

Reviews are used by NSF Program Directors to inform funding decisions; and anonymous copies are made available to all proposers. Reviews are not disclosed to persons outside NSF except to the principal investigator.

How do I become a reviewer for NSF?

To become an NSF reviewer, send an e-mail to the NSF program officer(s) of the program(s) that fits your expertise. Introduce yourself and identify your areas of expertise, and let them know that you are interested in becoming a peer reviewer.

Does NSF allow hyperlinks in proposals?

Question: Is it acceptable to include website links in the preliminary and final proposals? NSF Response: URLs that provide information related to the proposal or the proposing organization are not permitted. These include director, co-director, and senior managers designated as Key by the proposing organization.

Can NSF grants be renewed?

Grantees are not authorized to extend an award that contains a zero balance. The grantee shall notify NSF, providing supporting reasons for the extension and the revised period of performance, at least ten calendar days prior to the end date specified in the grant to ensure accuracy of NSF’s grant data.

What is traditional peer review process?

Traditional peer review is usually single or double blind. Single blind review, where the reviewers are aware of the authors’ identities, but the authors are not aware of the reviewers’ identities, is the most common.

How does an NSF review panel work?

Each reviewer is suppose to read the proposals before the meeting, and enter comments. A typical review load is 5-15 proposals, and, while some reviewers try to read them all the night before (!) usually they’ll be read over two weeks to a month or so.

How does NSF get money?

Most NSF grants go to individuals or small groups of investigators, who carry out research at their home campuses. Other grants provide funding for mid-scale research centers, instruments, and facilities that serve researchers from many institutions.

How long does it take for NSF to review a proposal?

After scientific, technical and programmatic review, the NSF Program Officer recommends to the cognizant Division Director whether the proposal should be recommended for an award or declined for funding. Due to the large number of proposals received, the review and consideration process can take up to six months.

What are the benefits of being an NSF reviewer?

For example, reviewers gain first hand knowledge of the peer review process; learn about common problems with proposals; discover strategies to write strong proposals; and, through serving on a panel, meet colleagues and NSF program officers managing programs related to your interests.

How do I become an NSF peer reviewer?

To become an NSF reviewer, send an e-mail to the NSF program officer (s) of the program (s) that fits your expertise. Introduce yourself and identify your areas of expertise, and let them know that you are interested in becoming a peer reviewer. It is most helpful if you also attach a 2-page CV with current contact information.

What is the NSF merit review process?

Through its merit review process, the National Science Foundation (NSF) ensures that proposals submitted are reviewed in a fair, competitive, transparent, and in-depth manner.