ReSciPE: Resources for Scientists in Partnership with Education

Broader Impacts

Many scientists are incorporating education activities into their research grants in response to the requirements of funding agencies.

1. The National Science Foundation requires proposers to address the "broader impacts" of their research work. Education activities are just one of the possible ways that this may be addressed, but are increasingly a way for researchers to work Your institution may have existing science education programs that offer opportunities for collaboration.

   This information for proposers gives an overview of the types of activities that can address "broader impacts" criterion and examples of each.

   NSF (2002). Merit Review Broader Impacts Criterion. NSF publication 02-2 [ PDF ]

   Some individual NSF offices have provided discipline-specific examples of appropriate Criterion 2 activities for their programs. Here are a few we have found so far.

   NSF Office of Polar Programs Advisory Committee (2001). Working group on implementation of review criterion #2. [ nsf.gov ]

   NSF Division of Chemistry (2002). "Dear Colleague" letter from Arthur B. Ellis, NSF publication 02-161. nsf.gov

   NSF Directorate for Geosciences (1997). Geoscience education: A recommended strategy, NSF publication 97-171. [ nsf.gov ]

   NSF Division of Materials Research (2005). "Dear Colleague" letter from Thomas A. Weber, NSF publication 05-07. [ nsf.gov ]

   NSF Division of Astronomical Sciences (2003). "Dear Colleague" letter from G. Wayne Van Citters. Only the last portion of this letter addresses Criterion 2. NSF publication 03-006. [ nsf.gov ]

2. Many NASA programs encourage or require funded projects to contribute to education and outreach. A collection of useful documents—education plans, an explanatory guide, and information about the NASA broker system—as well as information about current opportunities and past funded proposals—can found at the NASA Education and Public Outreach home page. [ nasa.gov ]