VP-nsf cohort
The VP-NSF Cohort Program is a university-wide resource that provides up to 20 faculty with NSF-specific mentoring, skill development, and support. Faculty selected to participate in the one-year program will craft an entire NSF proposal with the objective of submitting the following year (and/or next cycle). The program is designed for both new faculty and those who are new to pursuing NSF funding.
Outcomes
Faculty who complete the Cohort program will finish with a complete NSF proposal that is ready for submission. Other potential benefits to participating faculty include:
- Specific skills/feedback required to pursue and obtain future NSF funding
- Increased interdisciplinary connections with peers
- A transferrable research summary designed to kickstart proposals for other grant opportunities (within and outside of NSF)
- Enhanced grant-writing skills and confidence
- Development of faculty mentorship skills
Cohort Structure
The Cohort will represent faculty from across the University of Utah. Cohort applications will be assessed based on scientific potential, fit with NSF funding priorities. To facilitate cross-campus intellectual engagement, the Cohort typically limits participation from each College to 3 faculty members per cycle. More than 3 faculty members from a specific college may be invited to participate in a cohort, contingent on availability of cohort seats and college's ability to contribute an equal number of mentors.
Eligibility Requirements
The Cohort is open to all University of Utah faculty who have not received NSF funding as the principal investigator. All tenure track and career line faculty are eligible, regardless of rank. Faculty who have served as Co-I, senior personnel, etc. on NSF Grants are still eligible for program. Faculty are eligible to apply to the program once they have signed a formal contract of employment with the university. This allows incoming faculty to apply for the program for their first year of employment. Faculty are required to complete the REd NSF Foundation Course before beginning the Cohort and are strongly encouraged to complete the course prior to applying. The REd NSF Foundation Course is an asynchronous online educational module.
Commitment
The Cohort meets six times in the Fall (bimonthly in September, October, and November) and six times in the Spring (bimonthly in February, March, April). Each month includes asynchronous training, one 2-hour virtual meeting with Cohort Leadership and faculty mentors, one 2-hour in-person meeting with Cohort Leadership and faculty mentors, and supplemental workshops and events.
Application Process
The application process consists of a short online form and the applicant’s CV. After submission, all applicants from a college/unit will be priority ranked by the Dean/Head of that unit.
Applications will be reviewed by the faculty mentors based on three criteria:
- Strength of the proposed research idea
- Fit with NSF funding priorities, and
- A balance of discipline and intellect in the final cohort pool.
Required Application Materials
Part 1: Applicant Information
Applicants will provide background and contact information in the InfoReady portal.
Part 2: Application Form
Applicants will be asked to respond to application questions in approximately 1-2 paragraphs (no more than 400-600 words, depending on the question).
Part 3: CV
Applicants will be required to upload their current, full CV.
Submit an Application
Applicants for the Cohort are due by 11:59 pm on the first Friday in May. Applicant must apply via InfoReady to be considered.
Contact Information
Questions about the above program guidelines, eligibility criteria, application materials, etc. should be directed to Vasiiiki Karahalios, Research Education Grant Specialist.