Navigating NSF Programs Esin Gulari Dean, College of Engineering & Science Clemson University

Essential Conditions for Submitting a Proposal to NSF Novel idea –Synthesis of prior knowledge and experience to address new phenomena with potential leading to a technological breakthrough – “left or right turn” from current research –Interdisciplinary ideas with partners Capable people –Track record of the PI and partners State-of-the-art tools –Instrumentation –Access to institutional or national facilities

Identification of the funding source Federal agencies –NSF (fundamental research) –NIH (biomedical research) –Mission agencies Foundations –ACS-PRF –Dreyfus new faculty –Beckman new faculty Institutional sources

National Science Foundation National Science Board Director Deputy Director Office of the Inspector General Directorate for Engineering ENG Directorate for Biological Sciences BIO Directorate for Geosciences GEO Directorate for Computer and Information Sci. & Eng. CISE Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences MPS Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences SBE Directorate for Education and Human Resources EHR

National Science Foundation National Science Board Director Deputy Director Office of the Inspector General Office of Integrative Activities OIA Office of Cyber- infrastructure CI Office of International Sci. & Eng OISE Office of Polar Programs OPP Office of Legislative & Public Affairs OLPA Office of General Counsel OGC

Divisions in Engineering Directorate Chemical & Transport Systems CTS Chemical & Transport Systems CTS Assistant Director Design, Manufacturing Innovation DMI Civil & Mechanical Systems CMS Electrical & Communications Systems ECS Engineering Education & Centers EEC Bioengineering & Environmental Systems BES Office of Industrial Innovation OII

Divisions in Engineering Directorate – 2007 ( 10/1/2006 ) Civil, Mechanical & Manufacturing Innovation CMMI Civil, Mechanical & Manufacturing Innovation CMMI Assistant Director Electrical, Communications & Cyber Systems ECCS Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental & Transport Sysytems CBET Engineering Education & Centers EEC Emerging Frontiers in Research & Innovation EFRI Industrial Innovation & Partnerships IIP

Core Programs (Within a Division) Core Programs (Within a Division) Crosscutting Programs (All Directorates Participate) Crosscutting Programs (All Directorates Participate) Priority Areas (Across Some Directorates) Priority Areas (Across Some Directorates) Initiatives (Crosscutting and transient) Initiatives (Crosscutting and transient) NSF Programs

Suggestions Identify programs central to your research interests. Try to meet with program directors. Most education, training, international and centers programs are coordinated with the disciplinary programs. Pay attention to the broader impacts of your proposal. Read the NSF budget ( pp of the 2007 budget for ENG directorate )

Questions to Ask NSF Program Directors Does your idea fit the specific program? What are the new areas and solicitations? What will be the review process (panel, mail or combination)? What are the budgets and expected success rates? Volunteer to serve as a reviewer. Be proactive!