Download - Writing for an NSF Career Award
Sandra H. HarpoleFebruary 6,2012
Dr. George Hazzelrigg◦ Competitive Proposal Writing◦ www.research.lsu.edu/files/item38877.pdf
Dr. Elizabeth VanderPutten◦ Why This is Such a Great Time to be in Education◦ www.research.lsu.edu.item39157.pdf
NSF’s most prestigious award for assistant professors
Funds academic career development of new faculty – not a research award
Based on a developmental plan◦ “well argued specific proposal for activities that
will build a firm foundation for a lifetime of integrated contributions to research and education”
Five-year award with minimum award of $400,000
Designed to provide stable support at level and duration to build foundation for a lifetime of integrated contributions to research and education
Very competitive – about 400 of 3,000 proposals are funded each year
Deadline: July each year
What is your expertise? Your interests? What are your life/career goals? What are your resources? Do you have a strategic plan?
◦ Where are you now?◦ Where do you want to be in 5, 10, 20 years?◦ How do you get there?
Innovative, researchable project sufficient for five years of work
Built on existing literature with strong potential to contribute to that literature
Has appropriate methodologies for research questions
Reflects expertise and passion of principal investigator
Brings excitement of research to education Is consistent with mission and goals of the
university Is innovative but builds on the work of
others Is doable Reflects the expertise as well as limitations
of principal investigator Is capable of being evaluated
90% work with graduate students to submit peer reviewed papers.
Only 8% work with graduate students who have internships in business.
Almost 80% involve undergraduates in research with 6% of the students getting industrial internships.
About 50% work with K-12 teachers or students
Have a strategic plan Build on your strengths Differentiate your proposed research from
your PhD. Thesis work and other sponsored research
Perform thorough literature search and exploratory research before writing proposal◦ Journal articles (update with personal contact)◦ NSF Grant Proposal Guide
Establish and maintain your contacts
Read, critique and use research about STEM education◦ Science, Nature, Journal of Research in Science
Teaching, professional societies Read some National Research Council’s
Synthesis work in education◦ How People Learn◦ Adding It Up◦ Knowing What Students Know◦ Scientific Research in Education◦ Learning Science in Informal Environments
Read the request for proposals (RFP) carefully
Contact program directors early Don’t make the research and education
proposed too broad or too narrow. Write to the reviewers
◦ What is the research about (research objective)?◦ How will you conduct the research (technical
approach)?◦ Can you do it (you and your facilities)?◦ Is it worth doing (intellectual merit and broader
impact)?
Work with others Develop budget based on the research and
education plan◦ Do not ask for too much or too little money
Follow the guidelines carefully Have someone review your proposal Proof and proof again Prepare IRB if human subjects are involved
www.research.lsu.edu/files/item38877.pdf
Sandra H. Harpole [email protected] 662-325-2922