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

Architecture of an NRT

Architecture of an NRT

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

Architecture of an NRT

Training

PI-shaped training model Comb-shaped training model

Training

• Integrate training and research

• Do not extend time to degree

• Carefully consider the content-area and career-aligned skillsets

• Who is a trainee?

Architecture of an NRT

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.

Architecture of an NRT

Institutional Change

• Align with mission of institution Please note institutional letter requirements

• Expectations of sustainability

Architecture of an NRT

Architecture of an NRT

How do you know if your NRT model is working?

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

NSF Research Traineeship

Questions?

CISE Proposal Writing WorkshopSeptember 18, 2020

Daniel DeneckeVinod LohaniJohn Weishampel

NRT Program Directors