1Mobile Computing Systems © 2001 Carnegie Mellon University Writing a Successful NSF Proposal November 4, 2003 Website: nsf.gov

2Mobile Computing Systems © 2001 Carnegie Mellon University National Science Foundation - Background Created in 1950 Aim to promote and advance progress in science and engineering Responsible for overall health of science and engineering across all disciplines, ensuring supply of scientists, engineers, and educators

3Mobile Computing Systems © 2001 Carnegie Mellon University NSF Background (continued) Responsible for 25% of Federal support to academic institutions for basic research Receives 30,000 proposals per year, funds about one-third Over 50,000 scientists and engineers used each year on formal committees or ad hoc reviewers producing 170,000 reviews

4Mobile Computing Systems © 2001 Carnegie Mellon University Step by Step Guide Investigate funding opportunities Select the funding area - Directorate, Division, cross-cutting program. Visit web site for program announcements/solicitations and check for special programmatic requirements. Unsolicited proposals can always be submitted but usually will take up to twice as long to reach a decision Note target dates and deadlines for program Contact the relevant Program Officer with questions

5Mobile Computing Systems © 2001 Carnegie Mellon University Tips Subscribe to custom news service and create a personal profile to inform you of new opportunities. Search Award Abstracts Database for similar projects to see what types of projects were funded.

6Mobile Computing Systems © 2001 Carnegie Mellon University Review Process Panels of peer reviewers »Each reviewer provides evaluation of merits and shortcomings, provides an overall rating »Discussion »Summary of discussion Grants based on merit

7Mobile Computing Systems © 2001 Carnegie Mellon University Merit Review Criteria What is the intellectual merit of the proposed activity? »Advance knowledge within field and across fields. »How well qualified are proposers to conduct project? »Creative and original concepts. »Organization of proposed activity. »Are there sufficient resources?

8Mobile Computing Systems © 2001 Carnegie Mellon University Merit Review Criteria (continued) Broader Impacts »Advanced discovery/understanding while promoting teaching, training, and learning. »Broader participation of underrepresented groups »Enhance infrastructure for research and education »Broad dissemination »Benefits to society

9Mobile Computing Systems © 2001 Carnegie Mellon University What Makes a Good Proposal Best proposals are those to which reviewers respond -”Of course, I wish I had thought of that.” Proposal should answer »Objectives and scientific significance of the proposed work »Suitability of the methods to be employed »Qualifications of the investigator »Effect of the activity on the infrastructure of science

10Mobile Computing Systems © 2001 Carnegie Mellon University Other Elements to Address Integration of Research and Education. Integrating Diversity into NSF programs

11Mobile Computing Systems © 2001 Carnegie Mellon University Advice to Proposal Writers Step 1 - Before you write Getting started »Generate a clear idea of the goals and objectives of the project. »Why will it be a significant improvement over current practice »Relationship of proposed project to work of others Look at Program Announcement »Additional review criteria, format, deadlines Building Coalitions »Intra-university, inter-university, industry

12Mobile Computing Systems © 2001 Carnegie Mellon University Advice to Proposal Writers - continued Step 2 Writing the Proposal Narrative »Be explicit on how it will make an improvement »Include details of experiments »Be specific about proposed activities »How does the work fit in with prior results Step 3 Before Sending Proposal to NSF »Learn about the review process - volunteer for panels »Ask advice of others with experience