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Proposal Preparation

This comprehensive guide provides aspiring researchers at the University of Missouri-Rolla with essential strategies for crafting successful NSF proposals, including CRCD, IGERT, MRI, and CCLI. Key attributes of effective proposals are highlighted, emphasizing clear project objectives, strong motivation, and thorough background analysis. Common mistakes to avoid are discussed, along with actionable suggestions for presenting essential information. Resources, project timelines, and the importance of anticipating reviewers' critiques are also covered, equipping researchers with the tools needed to secure funding for impactful research.

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Proposal Preparation

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  1. Proposal Preparation Mariesa L. Crow University of Missouri-Rolla crow@ece.umr.edu University of Missouri-Rolla

  2. Successful NSF Proposals • Combined Research-Curriculum Development (CRCD) • Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training (IGERT) • Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) • Course-Curriculum-Laboratory-Improvement (CCLI) • Research Initiation/NSF Young Investigator • Unsolicited University of Missouri-Rolla

  3. Attributes of a Successful Proposal • Clear, concise project objectives • Strong motivation (need for research) • Thorough analysis of the state-of-the-art (background) • Clear research progression with definable milestones • Adequate resources (laboratory, team expertise) University of Missouri-Rolla

  4. Project Objectives • Single most important part • Focus reviewers’ interest • A clear concise statement of intended contribution to field • Significance of contribution University of Missouri-Rolla

  5. Common mistakes • Many reviewers will subconsciously make recommendation within the first few pages of proposal • Objectives not clearly stated - force the reviewers to infer objectives • Objectives are buried within the text of the proposal - the importance and relevance may be missed University of Missouri-Rolla

  6. Suggestions • Boldfaceor italicize important aspects (use judiciously) • Use bullets to stress main themes and/or objectives University of Missouri-Rolla

  7. Motivation • Clearly state: Why is there a need for this research? What is the existing problem? (Save the world as we know it) • Must convince the reviewers that this is a worthy research project - reviewers will not recommend funding for problems that are merely “interesting” - there must be a need and application • Cause and effect - what is causing the problem? And what is the effect on the industry? University of Missouri-Rolla

  8. Background • Not just a “literature survey” • Describe (tactfully) the merits of existing methods • advantages • disadvantages • What does the proposed method offer that is lacking in other approaches? • Describe any previous work that supports the proposed project, including: • promising results • preliminary development of proposed research directions University of Missouri-Rolla

  9. Project Objectives Year 3 Year 2 Year 1 Tasks Research Progression University of Missouri-Rolla

  10. Research Progression • Timeline • Task descriptions • Milestones University of Missouri-Rolla

  11. Resources • Describe any unique experiences the investigators have • Useful laboratories and equipment • Industrial partnerships • Access to data University of Missouri-Rolla

  12. Other suggestions • Talk to the program manager in advance of submission • Obtain (if possible) copies of successful proposals to the same initiative • Have others read and give comments • editorial • technical • Fill out forms in advance • Resubmit and learn from reviewers’ comments University of Missouri-Rolla

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