NSF's merit review process determines which research has the greatest potential

The video explains the National Science Foundation's (NSF) merit review process, which evaluates research proposals to determine funding. It covers the submission process, review criteria, and decision-making steps, emphasizing the importance of intellectual merit and broader impacts. The process involves expert reviewers and panels, ensuring a fair and rigorous evaluation. Feedback is provided to all proposers, and the process includes checks and balances to maintain integrity. The NSF supports a wide range of research, with a significant portion of its budget going to researchers and educators.

What is the primary mission of the National Science Foundation (NSF)?

• To provide scholarships for students

• To support only engineering projects

• To promote the progress of science

• To fund all submitted research proposals

What are the two main criteria used by NSF to evaluate research proposals?

• Speed of completion and cost

• Popularity and media coverage

• Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts

• Financial viability and market potential

Who is responsible for assembling a body of experts to review NSF proposals?

• The Division Director

• The Proposal Author

• The Program Director

• The NSF Director

How does the NSF ensure the integrity of its merit review process?

• By funding only proposals from prestigious universities

• Through strict conflict of interest rules and multiple reviews

• By allowing public voting on proposals

• By having a single reviewer for each proposal

What happens to proposals that are not recommended for funding?

• They are published on the NSF website

• They are automatically funded in the next cycle

• They receive extensive feedback and can be revised for future submission

• They are discarded without feedback

What percentage of NSF's budget is allocated to supporting researchers and students?

• 100%

• 94%

• 75%

• 50%

What is the role of the Division of Grants and Agreements in the NSF process?

• To provide feedback to proposers

• To review the business and financial aspects of proposals

• To conduct the initial review of proposals

• To assemble the panel of reviewers