Navigating the NSF-BSF
Opportunity
Dr. Linda Hyman
Division Director, BIO/MCB
[email protected]
Today’s Talk
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Overview
– National Science Foundation – 30,000 mile view
– Organizational Structure of BIO Directorate, MCB Division, and MCB
Clusters
Funding Opportunities
– BSF
– Other international programs
NSF Merit Review Criteria and Process
– Intellectual Merit
– Broader Impacts
Tips on how to write a good grant
– Navigating the web site
– Do’s and don’ts
Questions
OVERVIEW
National Science Foundation – 30,000 mile view
Organizational Structure of BIO Directorate, MCB
Division, and MCB Clusters
NSF at a Glance
• Established as an independent agency under the Executive Branch (NSF Act
of 1950)
- To promote the progress of science; to advance the national health,
prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense
• Supports basic science, engineering and science education
• Budget: ~$7 billion
• Makes 11,000 new awards from > 40,000 submissions with approximately
23% success rate
• Funds approximately 24% of federally funded research at colleges and
universities
• Supports ~200,000 faculty, researchers, fellows, students at 1,922 colleges,
universities and other institutions
• About half of program officers are “rotators”
NSF at a Glance
NSF Strategic Goals
• Discovery—advance frontiers of knowledge
• Learning—cultivate an inclusive S&E workforce
• Research infrastructure—investment in advanced instrumentation,
cyberinfrastructure, tools, etc.
• Stewardship—support excellence in S&E research and education
NSF Funding
NSF Versus NIH
Similarities
•Based on peer review
•Overlapping scientific
interests
•Integration of separate
organizational units
(Directorates versus
Institutes)
Differences
•Missions (basic science vs.
biomedicine)
•Review criteria
•Details of review process
•Role of program directors
(review vs. program)
•Process of award
recommendations
•Budgets (NSF<NIH) and
award durations
Organizational Structure of NSF
Discipline-based
Cross-disciplinary programs
Rotators and permanent staff
Organizational Structure
Organizational Structure within BIO
BIO Mission: to enable discoveries for understanding life
Biological Infrastructure (DBI)
Supports infrastructure for contemporary research in biology
• Research Resources
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Muriel Poston, Division Director
Biological Informatics
Biological Research Collections
Biological Field Stations and Marine Labs
Instrument Development
Digitization of Biodiversity Collections
• Human Resources
– Research Experiences for Undergraduates
– Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
– Research Coordination Networks
Source: About Biological Sciences (BIO) webpage
Available at: http://www.nsf.gov/bio/about.jsp#orgchart
Division of Environmental Biology (DEB)
Supports research on origins, functions, relationships,
interactions, and evolutionary history of populations, species,
communities, and ecosystems
• Ecosystem Science
Paula Mabee, Division Director
• Evolutionary Processes
• Population and Community Ecology
• Systematics and Biodiversity Science
Source: About Biological Sciences (BIO) webpage
Available at: http://www.nsf.gov/bio/about.jsp#orgchart
Division of Integrative Organismal System (IOS)
Supports research aimed at understanding organisms as units of
biological organization, with emphasis on systems-level
approaches to the study of their development, function, behavior,
and evolution
• Behavioral Systems
Heinz Gert de Couet, Division Director
• Developmental Systems
• Neural Systems
• Physiological and Structural Systems
• Plant Genome Research
Source: About Biological Sciences (BIO) webpage
Available at: http://www.nsf.gov/bio/about.jsp#orgchart
Division of Molecular and Cellular
Biosciences (MCB)
Supports fundamental research and related activities
designed to promote understanding of complex living systems
at the molecular, subcellular, and cellular levels
Linda Hyman, Division Director
• Molecular Biophysics
• Cellular Dynamics and Function
• Genetic Mechanisms
• Systems and Synthetic Biology
Source: About Biological Sciences (BIO) webpage
Available at: http://www.nsf.gov/bio/about.jsp#orgchart
Division of Molecular and Cellular
Biosciences (MCB)
MCB supports quantitative, predictive, and theory-driven
research and related activities designed to decipher the
molecular underpinnings of complex living systems.
MCB encourages proposals that address major biological
questions using approaches at the intersections of biology
with other disciplines.
MCB Funding
$132 million annual budget (FY 15)
>1,300 proposals
~196 new awards in FY15
~15% funding rate (includes EAGERs, INSPIRES, conferences & workshops) in FY15
~13% funding rate for “standard” research proposals
~180 CAREERS received each year
~70 RUI proposals received each year
~15-20 conference/workshop proposals received each year
~20 supplement requests received each year
Cellular Dynamics and Function Cluster
Research Priorities
• Predictive understanding of the behavior of living cells through
integration of modeling and experimentation
• Integrative cellular function across broad spatiotemporal
scales, from single molecules to whole cells
• Origin, evolution and function of cells, organelles and
microcompartments
Cellular Dynamics and Function
Panel Organization
• Signal Transduction
• Cytoskeleton & Motility
• Organelle Biogenesis and Trafficking
• Cellular Dynamics
• Membrane Dynamics and Transport
Examples of Recently Funded Projects
Cellular Dynamics and Function Cluster
Current Program Directors
Gregory Warr
Richard Cyr
Charles Cunningham
Steve Clouse
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Genetic Mechanisms Cluster
• Overarching themes
– Understanding how genetic information is propagated, maintained
and utilized
– Using theoretical and experimental approaches that integrate
structural, biochemical, genetic and ‘omics information
– Studying coordination of processes that have traditionally been
considered distinct
• Priority research areas
– Gene expression, including epigenetics and RNA-mediated
expression
– Chromosome dynamics, DNA replication, repair, recombination and
inheritance
– Evolution of genes and genomes
Genetic Mechanisms Cluster
• Gene Expression 1: Protein synthesis and translation-mediated
regulation
• Gene Expression 2: RNA synthesis, processing and decay
• Epigenetics and RNA-mediated Regulation: Chromatin-based
regulation and dynamics; synthesis and function of small and noncoding RNAs
• Mechanisms of Inheritance: DNA replication, repair, recombination
and inheritance
• Molecular and Cellular Evolution: Evolution of genes and
genomes; experimental evolution of new cellular and protein functions
Genetic Mechanisms
Current Program Directors
Arcady Mushegian
Karen C. Cone
Casonya Johnson
William B. (Bill) Eggleston
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Molecular Biophysics Cluster
“Encourages interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology with
the physical sciences and it gives high priority to projects that
quantitative and predictive and use an integrated approach involving
both theory and experiment.”
General Research Topics:
• Structure, function, and dynamics of biomolecules
• Biomolecular interactions and mechanisms
• Energy transduction
• Development of new tools and technologies (in areas supported by the
cluster)
• Improving and manipulating enzymes
Molecular Biophysics Cluster
A few current areas of emphasis
• Understanding effects of crowding on biomolecular structure,
stability, and function: moving towards cellular milieu. Martin
Gruebele at Illinois is funded for his work on studying molecular
events in real time in cell-protein folding in cell.
• Understanding physical principles of how non-living organic
molecules become living in cellular milieu—how chemistry
becomes biology. Ken Dill at Stony Brook is funded as an INSPIRE
project.
• Understanding how molecular information is deciphered at the
cellular level. Jose Onuchic is funded for his studies on cell
decision-making as an INSPIRE award.
Molecular Biophysics Cluster
Current Program Directors
Engin Serpersu
Wilson Francisco
Ranajeet Ghose
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Systems and Synthetic Biology Cluster
Research Priorities
• Comprehensive understanding of biological systems through an
integrated theoretical framework guided by mathematical &
physical principles
• Systems-level, theory-driven analysis of regulatory, signaling &
metabolic networks
• Synthetic biology to address fundamental biological questions
including the origin of life, minimal cell, emergent behavior in
complex systems, robustness in design & organization
• Tool development to facilitate systems & synthetic biology studies
Systems and Synthetic Biology
Panel Organization
• Metabolic Systems
• Microbial Systems and Communities
• Gene regulatory networks/multi-scale integration
• Synthetic biology
Systems and Synthetic Biology Cluster
Research Focus: Explore the fundamental principles of biology (the rules of life) using the
tools of Systems and Synthetic biology.
EXPLORING THE DESIGN SPACE THAT CAN SUPPORT
LIFE
1542118, Chaput
1553041, Guo
1545158, Chang
1443228, Dawson
Leading Edge: Uncovering rules of life by modeling and building life-mimicking systems; systems approaches to
examine mechanisms of regulation and control of biological processes; development of new paradigms at
intersection of biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering to explore the “Rules of Life.”
Systems and Synthetic Biology
Current Program Directors
Larry Halverson
Anthony Garza
Devaki Bhaya
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Cross-Cutting Research Areas
with High Priority in all MCB Clusters
RoL
Integrating Across Scales: Integrating knowledge from single molecules to
molecular machines and from networks to cellular and organismal complexity
Methods & Resources: Developing technologies for MCB research, including
biophysical and computational methods for broad application and genetic resources
for model systems
Molecular & Cellular Evolution: Discovering mechanisms and theoretical
underpinnings of evolutionary changes in molecules, genomes, and cells
Synthesizing Life-like Systems: Using synthetic molecular parts and processes to
understand the transition from simple to complex and to build novel living systems
Genomes to Phenomes: Integrating theoretical, computational, and high-throughput
experimental approaches aimed at understanding and predicting how the genome
(and epigenome) gives rise to the phenotype
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Funding Opportunities
• Regular Research Awards
• Supplementary Funding
• Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) Awards
• Research Coordination Networks (RCN) Awards
• Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Awards
• Grants for Rapid Response Research (RAPID) Awards
• Early-Concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) Awards
• Interdisciplinary Research and Education (INSPIRE) Awards
• Ideas Labs
• Science Across Virtual Institutes (SAVI)
• International Collaborations (NSF–BBSRC and NSF–BSF)
• Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers Program (I/UCRC)
Funding Opportunities:
Regular Research Proposals
• Quantitative, predictive, theory-driven
• Address questions relevant to any research area in the MCB
Division (often at the interface)
• Encouraged to apply integrative approaches to address major
biological questions (including theory, methods and technologies
from physical sciences, mathematics, computational sciences, and
engineering)
• Require substantial preliminary data
• Typical award duration: 3-5 years
US NSF/BIO/MCB – US-Israel BSF Collaboration
Funding Opportunities:
BSF-NSF Israel Collaborative Research Opportunity
• NSF and the US-Israel Binational Science Foundation (BSF)
have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on
Research Cooperation.
• Goal is to help reduce some of the current barriers to working
internationally
• US researchers may receive funding from the NSF and
Israeli researchers may receive funding from the BSF
International Opportunities
Partnerships for International Research & Education (PIRE): funds
international partnerships with larger, longer-term awards in which research and
educational activities build on institutional strengths. These partnerships expand
global networks to create lasting international linkages with foreign institutions,
leverage international investments and provide collaborative experiences
involving U.S. researchers at all career levels. Israel is not currently a PIRE
partner country.
International Research Experiences for Students: provides international
research opportunities for U.S. students and early-career scientists and
engineers
International workshops, conferences and networking opportunities: funds
opportunities to bring US and international scientist together to form cutting edge
scientific partnerships (no name yet)
NSF MERIT REVIEW CRITERIA
AND PROCESS
Two Merit Review Criteria
I.
Intellectual Merit: the potential to advance
knowledge
II. Broader Impacts: the potential to benefit society and
contribute to the achievement of specific, desired
societal outcomes
Merit Review:
Intellectual Merit—The “I”s have it
• Innovative, interesting vs incremental
• Creativity, originality, potentially transformative concepts
• Potential to advance knowledge and understanding within and
across fields
• Conceptualization and organization
• Qualifications of investigators
• Access to resources
Merit Review: Broader Impacts
• Discovery while promoting teaching, training and learning
• Participation of underrepresented groups
• Enhancement of infrastructure for research and education
• Broad dissemination
• Benefits to society
www.broaderimpacts.net
Examples of Broader Impacts
• Training and mentoring students at all levels HS, UG, G, PD
• Mentoring junior faculty
• Presenting seminars, organizing workshops & conferences
• Writing articles aimed at non-specialists; writing textbooks
• Broadening participation – supporting members of under-represented
groups or minority-serving institutions, support interactions among
research intensive, 4-year, and 2-year institutions
• Working with HS teachers and influencing curriculum development
• Outreach to K-12, general public
• Not one size fits all – do something you like!
Other Requirements
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Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) is
required for any new full proposal involving undergraduates,
graduate students, or postdocs
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Proposing institution must certify RCR training
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Other certifications incl. IACUC/AWA & IRB
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1-page postdoc mentoring plan required (or proposal will be
RWR)
• Data Management Plan required:
• supplementary document of up to two pages
• Includes description of data/materials produced, data
standards used, policies for data sharing, plan for archiving,
etc.
HOW TO WRITE
A GOOD GRANT
Important Factors to Consider
Types of proposals and submissions
• Solicited vs. unsolicited proposals
- Solicitation is a document describing program
- Unsolicited programs include “core programs,”
• Dear Colleague Letters (DCLs)
- Usually announce a new funding opportunity or program
emphasis
• Deadlines vs. Target Dates
- Firm vs. flexible
- No deadlines for some proposals (small grants, workshops)
More specifically…
Proposal Preparation
• Read the solicitation!
- Informs about specific proposal format, PI eligibility, budget
limits, etc.
• Read the GPG (Grant Proposal Guide)!
- Informs about general proposal format, review process, etc.
- “Non-compliant” proposals are “RWR” (returned without review)
- Disease related proposals are “RWR”
• Up to 40% non-compliance in some programs
• Doubts? Confusion? Questions?
- Contact the cognizant program officer
Follow the instructions:
Grant Proposal Guide (GPG)
Who Evaluates Your
Proposal?
Overview of Review Process
Principal Investigator
• Identify relevant NSF program
• Develop proposal & load into NSF
Fastlane
• Get feedback before you submit
Program Director
• Reads your proposal
• Determines if it is relevant to program
• Develops thematic Panels
• Assigns your proposal to a Panel
• Recruits the Panelists
• Assigns reviewers to proposal based on
interest & expertise of panelist
Program Director
• Approves Panel Summary
• Evaluates panel recommendations
• Makes analysis & recommendation
(award, decline)
Review Panel
• Composed of the Reviewers
• Discuss Strengths/Weaknesses of
Intellectual Merit & Broader Impacts
• Assigned “Scribe” writes Panel Summary
• Ranks your proposal
Individual Reviewers (at least 3)
• Prepare written reviews based on NSF
Criteria (Intellectual Merit, Broader
Impacts)
• Have expertise in subject of proposal
• Faculty (mostly), Gov’t (sometimes)
How the Panel Rates Your Proposal
• High Priority
– Strongest in both
intellectual merit and
broader impacts
– Most likely to contain
transformative ideas
• Medium Priority
– Strong in both intellectual
merit and broader impacts,
but...
• Low Priority
– Weaknesses in intellectual
merit or broader impacts or
both and/or
– Likely to have incremental
impact
• Non-competitive
– Seriously flawed in some
fundamental way and/or
– Missing some crucial element
or idea
The next step…
Proposal preparation, submission, ad hoc review, panel
review, award & decline notification, and award
management, are all done through FastLane
www.Fastlane.nsf.gov
What makes a proposal competitive?
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A timely and compelling idea
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Sound justification for the work
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Testable hypothesis(es) with predictions, tests
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Clear, succinct experimental design and realistic scope of work
• Knowledge of subject area, pertinent literature
• Sound scientific rationale and theoretical context
• Experience in essential methodology
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Preliminary data or record of publication
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Clear management plan
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Goals for future work
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Written clearly and carefully proofread
The following elements should be considered for
INTELLECTUAL MERIT and BROADER IMPACTS
1. What is the potential for the proposed activity to:
a) INTELLECTUAL MERIT: advance knowledge and understanding
within its own field or across different fields; and
b) BROADER IMPACTS: benefit society or advance desired societal
outcomes?
2. To what extent do the proposed activities suggest and explore creative,
original, or potentially transformative concepts?
3. Is the plan for carrying out the proposed activities well-reasoned, well
organized, and based on a sound rationale? Does the plan incorporate a
mechanism to assess success?
4. How well qualified is the individual, team, or institution to conduct the
proposed activities?
5. Are there adequate resources available to the PI (either at the home
institution or through collaborations) to carry out the proposed activities?
Merit Review Panel
• Panel composed of researchers active in field;
often funded by NSF
• Usually 2-3 panelists provide written reviews and
also read mail reviews
• Panel ranks proposal (e.g., High Priority, Medium
Priority, Low Priority, Not Competitive)
Factors Considered by Division Directors in
Concurring Awards
• Compelling, high impact science
• Fit in program’s scientific portfolio
• Impact on institution/state
• Diversity inclusiveness
• Educational impact
Why Do Some Proposals Fail to Get Funding?
• Absence of innovative ideas or hypotheses
Will provide only an incremental advance
Not exciting or cutting edge
• Errors
Unclear or incomplete expression of aims
Faulty logic or experimental design
Less than rigorous presentation
• Unrealistic, sloppy or incomplete
• Resources and facilities not in place
PI qualifications/expertise not evident
Necessary collaborations not documented
Data Management Plan
Required for all NSF proposals
Describes
•Products of the research
•Data and metadata formats
•Policies and practices for data access and sharing
•Plans for others to use your data
•Plans for archiving and preserving access
NSF DMP Basics
• No more than two pages
• Uploaded as a Supplementary Document
• Evaluated as part of Intellectual Merit or Broader Impacts, or
both
Postdoctoral Mentoring Plan
Required for NSF proposals if a postdoc is requested in the
budget
• Provides planning process to identify professional
development needs and career objectives for your
postdocs
Goal is to help your postdoc identify
• Long-term career options
• Short-term needs for improving performance
• A plan for meeting the goals
NSF PMP Plan Basics
• No more than 1 page (for the entire project)
• Uploaded as a supplementary document
• Evaluated as part of Broader Impacts
1. Target Audience: BROAD! Principal Investigators, college
and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and non-scientists.
2. Blog Content
 Sharing Science: Highlight the research or recent publication
of a discovery by MCB-Funded Investigators
 Getting to know MCB: New Program Directors (PDs), staff and
interns
Awards received by PDs and staff
Job Announcements: MCB positions available at NSF
Broader Impacts: Explain broader impacts criterion and
highlightsFollow
outstanding
us at: nsfmcb.wordpress.com
examples of broader impacts from MCB PIs
Questions?
Chemistry Versus MCB
Chemistry
•Fundamental chemistry
involved in the function of
biomolecules.
•Fundamental chemistry
of molecules used in
probing biological
systems.
MCB
•General Principles of the
relationship between
structure, dynamics and
function of biomolecules
•Fundamental principles
governing biomolecular
interactions and
mechanisms