Working with NSF

Discussing your research ideas with Program Officers (PO) before you sit down to write a full proposal will save you valuable time. POs can give you insight into program priorities, and if your topic doesn't fit their program, they often suggest alternatives. Speaking to researchers is an important responsibility for POs, so when reaching out, you are helping them do their job! Ask early, ask often!

Do your homework before you contact a PO, including:

• review the funder's website to learn about its specific scientific priorities and programs; and
• if the funder has a searchable database or other information about awarded grants, utilize these tools to learn about projects it has funded.

When contacting POs, share a brief description of your research or proposed project. Crafting a "one-pager" is a critical investment in your grant-seeking goals. 

• Research Description One-Pager Template

The Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) is the core policy document that applies to all NSF proposals and awards. This document is updated annually, typically in the first few months of the year.

• PAPPG NSF 24-1 effective May 20, 2024

Early career researchers are eligible (and encouraged!) to compete for NSF core grants and special initiatives as well as many other funding mechanisms. The article NSF 101: Funding opportunities for early career researchers describes several of these funding opportunities.

Planning to submit a CAREER proposal? Cornell Research Development provides resources and support to faculty, including trainings and 1-on-1 consultations. 

• See our new NSF CAREER Proposal Tool Kit for workshop recordings, writing templates and tips, and more. (Note: Cornell netID login is required to access the Tool Kit.)
• The Grant Writing Training and Resources provides a variety of resources for faculty.

*Off-campus or off-site research is defined as data/information/samples being collected off-campus or off-site, such as fieldwork and research activities on vessels and aircraft.

REPORTING

All individuals have the right to make a report to the University and to be protected from retaliation for reporting an incident. Cornell has multiple avenues for reporting concerns:

• The online incident reporting system can be used to report various concerns, including bias, discrimination, harassment, and/or sexual and related misconduct.
• The Cornell Ethics and Compliance Hotline is the primary mechanism to confidentially or anonymously report ethics, integrity, or compliance concerns to the university. 
• (607) 255-1111 or dial 911. For health concerns, call Cornell Health 24/7 at (607) 255-5155.
• More information about reporting concerns at Cornell is available on the University Compliance Office reporting page.

Through the Mid-Career Advancement (MCA) program, the NSF is seeking proposals from mid-career scientists at the Associate Professor rank (or equivalent) who wish to substantively advance their research program and career trajectory. A primary objective of the MCA is to ensure that scientists and engineers remain engaged and active in cutting-edge research at a critical career stage replete with constraints on time that can impinge on research productivity, retention, and career advancement. Thus, by (re)-investing in mid-career researchers, NSF hopes to enable a more diverse scientific workforce, including more women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented minorities at high academic ranks.

• MCA FAQs

The NSF requires researchers to justify not only the "intellectual merit" of proposed research, but also the broader impacts: the potential of the research to benefit society. 

• Information about broader impacts

NSF requires mentoring and individual development plans for postdoctoral researchers and graduate students who are supported on projects. A one-page (maximum) mentoring plan must be included for each project proposal. PIs certify that the individual development plans are updated annually and in the final annual report. Cornell offers guidance and resources for writing and implementing these plans on the Mentoring and Individual Development Plans (NSF) page.  

A two-page data management and sharing plan is required for your NSF proposal. It describes how your proposal will follow NSF policy on managing, disseminating and sharing research results. Cornell's Data Services team is a collaborative, campus-wide organization that assists with creating and implementing data management and sharing plans, applying best practices for managing data, and finding data-related services at any stage of the research process. Click here to learn more. 

NSF uses a merit review process to ensure that proposals are reviewed in a fair, competitive, transparent, and in-depth manner. Your experience and in-depth knowledge allow you to provide helpful advice and constructive comments to proposers that can help strengthen their projects. With up to 240,000 reviews per year, NSF needs you! 

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. Attach a 2-page CV with your current contact information.

If you need to find the appropriate NSF Program Officer to contact, go to the NSF Website: www.nsf.gov. Select the Quick Links tab at the top of the home page. This will take you to the selected home page. The "Contact US" column provides contact information for Program Officers and the programs they manage.

For additional information, visit the website - http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/merit_review/index.jsp.