Graduate Research Fellowship Program

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Graduate Research Fellowship Program
National Science Foundation
Graduate Research Fellowship Operations Center
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Graduate Research Fellowship Program Benefits

• 5 Year Award -- 121.500
• Three years of support over five year graduate
  enrollment period
• 30,000 stipend per year
• 10,500 cost-of-education allowance paid to
  institution (tuition typically waived)
• International research opportunities
• Supercomputer access

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Eligibility

• College seniors, 1st or 2nd year graduate
  students

• U.S. Citizens, Nationals or Permanent Resident
  Aliens

• Pursuing research-based Masters or PhD

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NSF-Supported Fields

• Chemistry
• Computer Information
• Science and Engineering
• Engineering
• Geosciences Life Sciences
• Economics
• Mathematical Sciences
• Physics and Astronomy
• Science Education
• Psychology (non-clinical)
• Social Sciences (non-clinical)

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The Rating Sheet
This is everything you are rated on -
Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts criteria!
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Demonstrating the Two NSF Review Criteria

• Intellectual Merit

Demonstrated intellectual ability and other
accepted requisites for scholarly scientific
study, such as the ability (1) to plan and
conduct research (2) to work as a member of a
team as well as independently (3) to interpret
and communicate research
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Demonstrating the Two NSF Review Criteria
Broader Impacts
Contributions that (1) effectively integrate
research and education at all levels, infuse
learning with the excitement of discovery, and
assure that the findings and methods of research
are communicated in a broad context and to a
large audience (2) encourage diversity, broaden
opportunities, and enable the participation of
all citizens - women and men, underrepresented
minorities, and persons with disabilities - in
science and research (3) enhance scientific and
technical understanding and (4) benefit society.
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Broader Impacts Unraveled

• Includes
• Fostering diversity on all levels (across
  disciplines, gender, race, economical,
  geographical, etc)
• Active community involvement
• Involvement with underrepresented groups
• Integration of research and education
• Diversity of experience includes international
  experience
• Awareness of researchs potential societal impact
  
• Awareness of resources and programs
• Leadership roles
• Genuine and reflective essays
• Passion

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Developing a Competitive Application
The Personal Statement (2 Pages)

• Fascination with research area (Intellectual
  Merit)
• Examples of leadership unique characteristics
  brought to field of study
• Personal experiences individual strengths
  (Broader Impacts)
• How the NSF-GRFP would contribute to career goals

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Developing a Competitive Application
Previous Research Experience Essay (2 Pages)

• Applicable experiences, relevant to research
• Key questions, methodology, findings
  conclusions
• Team and/or independent work
• Mention all publications, posters, presentations,
  awards, recognition, etc.

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Developing a Competitive Application
The Proposed Research Plan (2 Pages)

• Original inquiry introduce general theory,
  importance, and motivation
• How you have prepared
• Perceived scope of work during graduate study and
  beyond
• Detailed plan, but avoiding being overly specific
• Demonstrate researchs Broader Impacts

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Insight From An Experienced Panelist

• Common Mistakes
• Poor Broader Impacts
• Choice of prestigious school over
  research-appropriate school/program
• Weak LORs
• Weak personal statement

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Important Dates

• Deadlines Mid November
• 15th Interdisciplinary
• 16th Engineering
• 18th Mathematics, CISE, Chemistry, Physics
• 19th Social Sciences, Psychology,
  Geosciences, STEM Education
• 22nd Life Sciences
• Awards Announced April