Thread by @asngrads, Aaaaand here we go! The @NSF Workshop for ECRs is about to [...]

Aaaaand here we go! The @NSF Workshop for ECRs is about to start!

#ECR2

Starting with BIO Program Director Matthew Herron outlining the goals of the @NSF Directorate of Biological Sciences, which include enabling discoveries for understanding life on the planet, moving biological knowledge forward, and fostering partnerships across disciplines. #ECR2

Primarily discussing Division of Environmental Biology (DEB), which includes the fields of evolutionary biology & ecology.

Feel free to reach out to program officers when deciding which field to apply to!

An outline of the many programs found in DEB can be found here!
https://www.nsf.gov/funding/programs.jsp?org=DEB

#ECR2

@NSF BIO has virtual office hours for DEB & MCB that happen monthly! You can log on and ask questions about grants and other opportunities. You can find out about these here:

https://nsf.gov/social/

#ECR2

It's a good idea to browse the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide before beginning your first @NSF grant. It'll help familiarise you with guides and regulations for grants that you can apply to. #ECR2

https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp

If you have an idea or any questions, contact program officers! They're happy to answer questions.
#ECR2

It's also a good idea to talk to the research or grant writing office at your institution. They will have insight into how these processes work or who to apply to.
#ECR2

How are grants assessed?

Primarily on Intellectual Merit (IM), and Broader Impacts (BI). IM describes the state of the field and how your proposed research fits within it and answer important questions. Make sure to clearly state hypotheses and predictions.

BI is about how the science has the potential to benefit the society in which it is conducted. #ECR2

Five Elements of of Successful Research Proposal
1. Great idea
2. Fit with current research expertise and career development
3. Includes a clear, concise strategies with a timeline
4. Availability of materials
5. Assessment plan - did you achieve your goals?
#ECR2

Writing a good proposal/project summary requires a balance between specificity and generality - not all reviewers on your panel will have the level of knowledge you do.

#ECR2

For the project summary, think about being concise and be ready to fine tune as you go. Feel free to contact program directors for feedback!

#ECR2

You project summary will be the first thing that most folks see. It's your chance to make a first impression - make sure to be flexible and ready to change it as you further develop your proposal.

#ECR2

Project Description comes next in a proposal. It should ask a clear/fundamental question, show how the research will move the field forward, and also have a clear conceptual framework.
#ECR2

The proposal , a section that should include an Introduction; Preliminary Data (only if you have it!); hypotheses, alternative hypotheses, and predictions; a research plan; collaborators (only if you need them!)
#ECR2

Collaborators are great and you can all work to achieve your research goals, however they should be strategically chosen.

#ECR2

A note on graphics:
"Presentation is critical."

You want everything to be clear and readable. Squinting should not be a part of a reviewers reading.

#ECR2

For those looking for post doc grants as you're exiting your PhD, this is website for you!

https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503622&org=DBI&from=home

#ECR2

Common mistakes in the IM section:
- work done before or unaware of recent advances in the field
- vague descriptions of work
- conversely, it can be too narrowly focused
- approach doesn't address hypothesis
- resource or expertise is lacking (find good collaborators!)
#ECR2

Broader Impacts (BI) time!

Most commonly proposed BI portion of @NSF grants are teaching, training, and learning (either in universities or in k-12 setting)

#ECR2

Proposals often judged to be more meritous if the BI is integrated into the proposed research.

#ECR2

It doesn't have to be original! The research should be novel, but you can take advantage of pre-existing programs on local campuses to do outreach, education, etc.

It's good to show previous success in the area that you're proposing your BI in.

#ECR2

Be clear on who you're trying to reach with your BI and include an assessment plan.

#ECR2

Include money for BI in the budget - it is great to have money included for paying teachers who take workshops, supplies for outreach and other BI-related activities.

Approach your BI with the same rigour and passion you approach your research with!

#ECR2

Rounding out the Project Description, let's talk about Results from Prior Support!

Useful to look at the guidelines linked earlier in the thread. Need to list the most relevant collaborators and awards from which the data is generated. Here, still need to address IM & BI.

#ECR2

Some hints for Project Description:
- Write for your audience!
- Read successful proposals
- Check embedding of figures and their quality
- Make it easy to identify merits of project
- Spellcheck & proofread!
- When the writing is done, read the solicitation one last time
#ECR2

The Postdoctoral Mentoring Plan is important - how is their career helped by participating in your research?

Without its inclusion, the proposal can be returned without review.

#ECR2

Data Management Plans are specific to directorate but should be tailored to your own research. Instructions for each division can be found on the PPAPG website:

https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappg19_1/index.jsp

#ECR2

And we're done! Thanks to all the @NSF program officers who have shared their knowledge and their expertise and to @eco_genome for facilitating a great panel.

There are two more #ECR2 events happening next week and you can find them here: https://www.evolutionmeetings.org/schedule.html

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