VPR-nsf cohort
The VPR-NSF Cohort Program (hereinafter, “Cohort”) is a university-wide resource offered through the Office of the Vice President for Research. Launched in 2022, this program is designed to support faculty in writing and submitting competitive research proposals to the National Science Foundation (NSF). Cohort provides expert mentorship, grant writing development, and strategic resources to help investigators address NSF’s merit review criteria and solicitation requirements.
Faculty selected for this semester-long program will develop a complete and competitive NSF Project Description with the aim to submit a complete NSF application within 12-months of completing Cohort. Cohort is open to tenure and career line faculty who are new to NSF funding.
Through workshops, dedicated writing time, and mentor meetings Cohort provides a strong foundation for NSF-engaged scholarship. Cohort fellows receive critical feedback, resources, and grant-writing/development skills specific to NSF. Cohort builds community among faculty engaged in federally funded research and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration.
Eligibility Requirements
Cohort is open to all University of Utah faculty who have not previously received NSF funding as Principal Investigator. All tenure track and career line faculty are eligible, regardless of rank. Faculty who have served as Co-Investigators or Senior Personnel on funded NSF proposals are eligible to participate. Incoming faculty may apply to the program upon signing a formal contract of employment with the University of Utah, enabling faculty to participate in Cohort during their first year of service.
Cohort Structure
Cohort is a semester-long program with one offering in the Fall, and one in the Spring. The Spring Cohort focuses on NSF CAREER Proposals. If you intend to apply for a CAREER Award, please apply to the Spring 2027 cycle of the Cohort program.
Program Timeline
The Fall 2026 Cohort begins with a kickoff event in late August 2026. From September-November 2026, the program follows the schedule outlined here, with events held Friday mornings:
Week 1: In-person Workshop led by Cohort Leaders
Week 2: Group Discussions with Senior Mentors
Week 3: Dedicated Writing Blocks
Week 4: 1:1 Mentor Feedback Meetings
The program will conclude with a Pre-Submission Expert Review, where fellows are expected to submit a completed draft of the 15-page Project Description that will be reviewed by experienced NSF investigators at UofU.
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August |
September |
October |
November |
December |
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Topic |
Understanding NSF and its priorities |
How to Succeed in NSF Cohort Program and Write a Winning Grant |
The Project Description; Best Practices in Writing |
Maximizing Competitiveness; Editing and Preliminary Data |
Gathering Feedback on Your Proposal Draft |
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Reading: Grant Writer’s Workbook |
Part 1: Ch. 1-6 |
Part 2: Ch. 7-9 |
Part 3: |
Part 4: |
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Self-Paced Modules |
NSF Basics |
The Grant Writing Process |
Principles of Effective Grant Writing |
Good vs. Great Grants |
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Week 1 |
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In-person Workshop |
In-person Workshop |
In-person Workshop |
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Week 2 |
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Mentor Group Discussions |
Mentor Group Discussions |
Mentor Group Discussions |
Expert Review |
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Week 3 |
Launch Party |
Writing Block; Drafts Due |
Writing Block; Drafts Due |
Writing Block; Drafts Due |
Landing Party |
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Week 4 |
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1:1 Mentor Meetings |
1:1 Mentor Meetings |
1:1 Mentor Meetings |
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Application Process and Evaluation Criteria
Applications for the Cohort program are due by 11:59pm on Friday, June 5, 2026. Applications will be assessed by the Cohort Leaders based on three criteria: (1) strength of the proposed research idea, (2) fit with NSF funding priorities, and (3) balance of disciplinary expertise across the Cohort applicant pool.
Application Materials
Part 1: Applicant Information
Part 2: Application Form
Respond to the following three questions in 1-2 paragraphs (no more than 600 words).
- Identify your primary research questions and briefly describe the methodological approach you will use to address each question.
- Please list any NSF solicitations that you consider to be a potential fit for your research.
- How would your project achieve broad societal goals and/or transform frontiers of knowledge?
Part 3: CV
Please upload your current, full CV.
Submit an Application
Applications for the Cohort program are 11:59 pm on Friday, June 5, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. Applicant must apply via InfoReady to be considered.
Contact Information
Questions about Cohort should be directed to Kelsie Flack in the Office of Research Education: kelsie.flack@utah.edu.
