Panel session - NSF panels: A reviewer’s perspective

Funding in general and NSF funding in particular are becoming more and more competitive. Proposals are often vying for limited funds. In this environment, competitive proposals must reflect careful attention to program guidelines. NSF program directors have consistently been active in promoting funding opportunities and in providing pointers for writing successful proposals. While this outreach is invaluable, experienced reviewer perspectives would be helpful to guide future proposal writers. This panel is intended to present such a perspective and provide insights from experienced reviewers. The panelists are PIs on NSF grants and have several years experience as NSF panel reviewers at both DUE and CISE. They will present their experiences, common mistakes, and provide pointers from a reviewer perspective. According to the National Science Foundation Grant Proposal Guide, a proposal should explicitly address “Intellectual Merit” and “Broader Impacts” criteria. Assessment is also considered to be a key component of a quality proposal. Three panelists will address these issues. In addition to being an experienced PI and reviewer, the fourth panelist is currently serving as a program director at NSF. He will reflect on other panelists’ presentations, address additional criteria, and present the perspective of a program director. It is also our goal to engage the audience and encourage participation by others who have experience in this area.