National Science Foundation (NSF)
Last updated: April 6, 2021
About the NSF
NSF's goals—discovery, learning, research infrastructure and stewardship--provide an integrated strategy to advance the frontiers of knowledge, cultivate a world-class, broadly inclusive science and engineering workforce and expand the scientific literacy of all citizens, build the nation's research capability through investments in advanced instrumentation and facilities, and support excellence in science and engineering research and education through a capable and responsive organization.
- National Science Foundation Disclosure Guidance - February 2021
- NSF Policy Documentation
- MIT Specific Guidance - Proposal Preparation Checklists
- New Guidance For NSF Personnel Documents
- NSF Proposals: Administrative Review Stage
- NSF Helpful Links
- NSF Electronic Systems
- NSF Reporting
- NSF Frequently Asked Questions
- Timely Submission of the NSF Project Outcomes Report is the Gating Factor in Review of New Proposals
Recent Key Policies/Changes
September 2020
NSF is now taking steps to move all proposal submissions from FastLane to Research.gov with a tentative target date by 2022.
In the coming weeks and months, NSF will begin making changes to specific funding opportunities to require the use of Research.gov for the preparation and submission of proposals to NSF. The Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) will soon require the use of Research.gov for the preparation and submission of proposals in response to its core programs that do not have deadline dates.
NSF funding opportunities will clearly specify whether submission via Research.gov is available or required. Please keep a lookout for this and if any questions, please see your contract administrator.
May 2020
Important changes have been made to the NSF PAPPG 20-1 that go into effect June 1, 2020. Please see MIT Specific Guidance - Proposal Preparation Checklists for more information.
February 2019
Important revisions have been made to the Resumption of Operations at NSF page on the NSF website, including identification of new deadline dates for specific solicitations and Dear Colleague Letters.
January 2019