NSF Research Traineeship(NRT)
CISE Proposal Writing WorkshopSeptember 18, 2020
Daniel DeneckeVinod LohaniJohn Weishampel
NRT Program Directors
NSF Research Traineeship
Encouraging the development of innovative models for
interdisciplinary/convergent STEM graduate training
Key Traineeship Elements
• Interdisciplinary/Convergent Research & Training
• Inclusive Workforce Development
• Institutional transformation
Interdisciplinary/Convergent Research
ConvergenceTrans-
disciplinaryInter-
disciplinaryCross-
disciplinaryMulti-
disciplinaryIntra-
disciplinary
Interdisciplinary/Convergent Research
ConvergenceTrans-
disciplinaryInter-
disciplinaryCross-
disciplinaryMulti-
disciplinaryIntra-
disciplinary
Working with others from different
disciplines, each using their disciplinary
knowledge
Working in one discipline, but
considering the perspective or tools
in another discipline
Interdisciplinary/Convergent Research
ConvergenceTrans-
disciplinaryInter-
disciplinaryCross-
disciplinaryMulti-
disciplinaryIntra-
disciplinary
Integrating knowledge and methods
from different disciplines, resulting in a
synthesis of approaches
Research driven by a compelling
problem with deep integration across
disciplines, potentially leading to new
frameworks, paradigms or disciplines
Creating a new approach beyond
disciplinary perspectives
Interdisciplinary/Convergent Research
• Open but must address an area of national priority
• FY2021: some areas encouraged
FY2020 Priority Areas
HDR
FW-HTF
WoU
NNA
QL
URoL
Training
• Integrate training and research
• Do not extend time to degree
• Carefully consider the content-area and career-aligned skillsets
• Who is a trainee?
Workforce Development
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
doctoral master's
ED: 4-yr
ED: 2-yr
ED: Precollege
GOVT
BUSINESS/INDUSTRY
NCSES 2016 Survey of Doctorate Recipients
Workforce Development
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
doctoral master's
ED: 4-yr
ED: 2-yr
ED: Precollege
GOVT
BUSINESS/INDUSTRY
NCSES 2016 Survey of Doctorate Recipients
Workforce Development
28%
32%
71%
60%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Teaching
Management andsales
Research andDevelopment
Basic or AppliedResearch
NCSES 2016 Survey of Doctorate Recipients
Workforce Development
Engage Diverse Cohorts of Students
For FY2020 - Proposers were required to present a TABLE in the proposal with quantitative data showing the recruitment and retention outcomes of participating departments for the five years preceding the submission date, including time-to-degree completion.
Institutional Change
• Align with mission of institution Please note institutional letter requirements
• Expectations of sustainability
Evaluation & Assessment are critical project components
• Unbiased evaluator• Include evaluator in the proposal
preparation• Ensure program is benefiting from
feedback (formative and summative assessment)
NSF & NRT Merit Review Criteria
FY2020 NRT-specific criteria• Integration of research & education• Interdisciplinarity/Convergence• Professional development/training • Integrating diversity• Evaluation
NSF criteria• Intellectual merit: research & training/eval• Broader impacts: beyond diversity
NRT Proposal Preparation Tips
Follow the solicitation guidelines
Heed all “musts” and check all checkboxes
• Allow sufficient time for submission by deadline
• Heed institutional and PI and/or co-PI limitations regarding #’s of submissions
• Pay attention to limits and guidelines on:• institutional letter of support and/or
• Required letters of collaboration from other NRT-eligible organizations that appear in the budget and/or
• Other, optional letters of support
• New NSF-wide PAPPG and Biosketch guidelines