The National Science Foundation (NSF) recognizes that Ph.D. graduates in science, mathematics, engineering and technology (SMET) must help the Nation in addressing challenging issues in education across a broad spectrum of institutions and educational levels. NSF anticipates that, in the future, growing numbers of these graduates will assume leadership roles in contributing to the Nation's education enterprise. A variety of institutions will benefit from the contributions of professionals who will have a thorough understanding of topics in education such as how scientific knowledge can be communicated to diverse learners in a variety of settings, how teaching and learning can be assessed, how new disciplinary knowledge can be used in curriculum development, how technology can be used to advance the teaching of SMET education, and how best to carry out program evaluation of complex educational systems.
As a means of preparing individuals with these skills, the Foundation continues to offer Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology Education (PFSMETE). Approximately $1 M will be available to support up to 20 PFSMETE fellowships in FY 1999, contingent upon availability of funds. The PFSMETE program is aimed at recent Ph.D. graduates in science, mathematics, engineering or technology and seeks to draw broadly on the diversity of talent available in the U.S. population.
The primary objectives of the program are:
To be eligible for a PFSMETE fellowship, individuals must: 1) be citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States at the time of application; and 2) have received a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in one of the SMET fields supported by NSF on or after January 1, 1995 but no later than October 1, 1999. Because this Program is intended to broaden the skills of Ph.D. graduates in SMET disciplines, individuals who hold SMET education degrees are not eligible for this Program.
PFSMETE Fellows have flexibility in the design of a research plan which would be uniquely suited to their professional interests. Disciplinary research that is integral to, and supportive of, the science education research being proposed may be part of this plan. However, it is expected that the principal focus of the Fellows' time will be spent on research that can contribute significantly to augment the knowledge base in some area of science, mathematics, engineering or technology education or on projects that result in the development of new tools or materials that improve teaching and learning in SMET disciplines. The Fellowship is not intended as a simple extension of their Ph.D. work. Research in interdisciplinary fields is highly encouraged. It is also desirable that PFSMETE Fellows spend time developing new sets of skills that will prepare them for future positions with strong emphasis in education. SMET education research may be in a broad range of critical areas across education levels (i.e., K-12, undergraduate, graduate) and may include, but is not limited to:
PFSMETE awards may not be used primarily for the preparation of a textbook. Limited K-12 or undergraduate teaching may be conducted. It is expected that the host institution will provide additional compensation to the Fellows for such activities (see section "Conditions of Appointment"). Consistent with postdoctoral fellowship programs, PFSMETE Fellows will work under the guidance of one or more principal advisors during fellowship tenure who function as their SMET mentors. The mentors' names and qualifications should be included in the application, with evidence of their willingness to serve in such a capacity. It is important that each mentor's knowledge and experience in SMET education (e.g., areas listed above) be described in the application. Applicants interested in seeking a mentor(s) or mentors interested in hosting a Fellow, may have their names posted on the PFSMETE Home Page (see section "PFSMETE Home Page").
PFSMETE Fellowships will be awarded for research at academic institutions that offer a baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degree in a field supported by NSF. PFSMETE Fellows may also work in an institution where major science education projects are currently being developed, disseminated or evaluated. PFSMETE Fellows are encouraged to establish collaborative arrangements with other institutions to conduct their activities (e.g., community colleges, technical or vocational institutions, K-12 schools, non-profit institutions, museums). Applicants will be required to submit, with their application, acceptable evidence of support by their chosen institutions (see section "Application Procedures", Item 8). The Program highly encourages applicants to move to another institution for their postdoctoral work. Applicants interested in remaining at the same institution where they conducted their Ph.D. must clearly justify their reasons for not going elsewhere. The evaluation and selection process will take into account the appropriateness of the institution for the proposed work.
The stipend for PFSMETE Fellowships will be $3,000 per month. In addition, the Foundation will provide a research allowance to the Fellow of $500 per month to be used at the discretion of the Fellow for scientific or educational supplies, special travel, publication costs and other research-related expenses. The Foundation will also provide an institutional allowance of $750 per month of fellowship tenure to aid in defraying the costs of hosting the Fellow. Although this allowance is expendable at the discretion of the institution, the Foundation strongly encourages that an appropriate portion of this allowance be used to provide health insurance and similar benefits for the Fellows.
PFSMETE Fellowships will be given for a total of 24 months. A recipient of a PFSMETE Fellowship may begin his or her fellowship no later than the beginning of the 1999-2000 academic year. Requests for exceptions to this policy must be justified on the basis of contribution to the goals of the Program and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
At the successful conclusion of the fellowship activities and contingent upon the availability of funds, the Foundation will consider an extension of support for an additional 12 months. The extension may be in the form of another 12 months of continued fellowship support, or a starter research grant not to exceed $50,000 to enable the Fellow to initiate an appropriate research program. The latter option is appropriate for those Fellows who have secured a position in an organization in which they can apply the knowledge and experience obtained as a result of their PFSMETE fellowship. The formal proposal for a starter research grant will originate from the employing organization. Funds under such a grant may not be used for the academic-year salary of the Fellow. Further information about the format of a starter research grant proposal will be communicated at a later date to Fellows electing that option. In any case, a recommendation for a third year of support will be made after an internal review based on progress to date and/or the proposed use of the time and funds involved.
Applications may be submitted in hard copy or electronically through the NSF-FastLane process.
A COMPLETE application must be submitted in hard copy or via FastLane by the published deadline. Electronic and hard copies of applications cannot be combined for submission. Regardless of the submission process, all applications must have the following components:
The PFSMETE application consists of six complete sets of the application materials (signed original, plus five copies), one copy of the Supplementary Nominee Information (NSF Form 1225A) attached to the original application only, and one original plus five copies of each of three reference letters as explained below. Applications should be typewritten (single spaced text). Type should be no smaller than 10-point font size. Margins may not be smaller than 2.5 cm, except where margins are established on forms. DO NOT send reprints, pre-prints, theses, budgets and/or any materials not specifically requested in this announcement. Failure to comply with application procedures will disqualify an application from eligibility for merit review. Photocopying of the application forms is permitted and individuals who post this notice are encouraged to share application material included with this notice.
The applicant's name and the heading of each section listed below should appear at the top of each page. Each set of a PFSMETE application should be stapled and ordered following the numbers in the previous section.
Please note that one complete application with original signatures and 5 copies are required for items 1, 7-10.
One original letter and five copies all in the same envelope must be collected from each referee by the applicant. Letters should be sent to the applicant in sealed envelopes. Applicants should instruct their referees to mark both sides of the envelope "TO BE OPENED ONLY BY NSF." The envelopes should be addressed to:
Envelopes should include the Referee's Name, Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code on the upper left-hand corner.
Before signing the letters, referees should indicate if they want to hold their comments in confidence and not to reveal their identity as authors of the letters. Otherwise, the Foundation may provide the comments to the applicants (if requested) under the Privacy Act of 1974.
All letters of reference in sealed envelopes should be included in the application package. References that are sent to NSF separately from the application material will be omitted from the review process.
The NSF FastLane system is available for electronic preparation and submission of an application through the Web at the FastLane Web site at <http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov>. All referees of applicants who use FastLane must submit a Reference Report Form using FastLane. Security is provided to ensure that both applications and references can be seen only by authorized persons.
In order to use NSF FastLane to prepare and submit an application, the following are required:
Browser (must support multiple buttons and file upload)
PDF Reader (needed to view/print forms)
PDF Generator (needed to create project description)
To access the NSF FastLane Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Programs process and instructions on its use, click on the appropriate icon on the FastLane Home Page. Additional questions may be directed to Ms. Beverly Sherman at (703) 306-1145, ext. 4615 or via e-mail at felapp@nsf.gov.
Warning! You can submit your application electronically in its entirety ONLY IF you, your mentor(s), and your referees have the appropriate software (e.g. Adobe Acrobat 3.0) to create PDF files. Otherwise, you must submit your application in hard copy. Application forms for hard copy submission may be obtained from the printed Guidelines (NSF 99-17), by printing them off the World Wide Web, or as a byproduct of FastLane. In the latter case, application forms can be filled out using FastLane procedures, and then printed for hard copy submission. Faxed submissions are not acceptable.
All application submissions must be postmarked or received electronically by February 1, 1999. For hard copy submissions, all sets of materials, forms and reference letters should be submitted as a single unit in a large envelope and addressed:
NSF- PFSMETE Program
National Science Foundation, Suite 907N
4201 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22230
Awards are expected to be announced in the spring 1999.
Review of applications submitted to NSF are solicited from peers with expertise in the substantive area of the proposed research or education project. These reviewers are selected by Program officers charged with the oversight of the review process. NSF invites the applicant to suggest at the time of submission, the names of appropriate or inappropriate reviewers. Special care is taken to ensure that reviewers have no immediate and obvious conflicts with the applicant. Special efforts are made to recruit reviewers from non-academic institutions, minority serving institutions, adjacent disciplines to that principally addressed in the application, etc.
Applications will be reviewed against the following general merit review criteria established by the National Science Board. Following each criterion are potential considerations that the reviewer may employ in the evaluation. These are suggestions and not all will apply to any given proposal. Each reviewer will be asked to address only those that are relevant to the application and for which he/she is qualified to make judgments.
How important is the proposed activity to advancing knowledge and understanding within its own field or across different fields? How well qualified is the applicant (individual or team) to conduct the project? (If appropriate, the reviewer will comment on the quality of prior work.) To what extent does the proposed activity suggest and explore creative and original concepts? How well conceived and organized is the proposed activity? Is there sufficient access to resources?
How well does the activity advance discovery and understanding while promoting teaching, training, and learning? How well does the proposed activity broaden the participation of underrepresented groups (e.g., gender, ethnicity, disability, geographic, etc.)? To what extent will it enhance the infrastructure for research and education, such as facilities, instrumentation, networks, and partnerships? Will the results be disseminated broadly to enhance scientific and technological understanding? What may be the benefits of the proposed activity to society?
One of the principal strategies in support of NSF's goals is to foster integration of research and education through the programs, projects and activities it supports at academic and research institutions. These institutions provide abundant opportunities where individuals may concurrently assume responsibilities as researchers, educators, and students and where all can engage in joint efforts that infuse education with the excitement of discovery and enrich research through the diversity of learner perspectives. Applicants should address this issue in their applications to provide reviewers with the information necessary to respond fully to both NSF merit review criteria. NSF staff will give it careful consideration in making funding decisions.
Broadening opportunities and enabling the participation of all citizens -- women and men, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities -- are essential to the health and vitality of science and engineering. NSF is committed to this principle of diversity and deems it central to the programs, projects, and activities it considers and supports. Applicants should address this issue in their proposals to provide reviewers with the information necessary to respond fully to both NSF merit review criteria. NSF staff will give it careful consideration in making funding decisions.
A multidisciplinary panel of SMET experts including science educators will evaluate PFSMETE applications. Disciplinary Program Directors at NSF will be invited to the panel meeting to observe the PFSMETE review and selection process. In addition to the NSF evaluation criteria described in the Grant Proposal Guide (NSF 99-2), Section III A, the following additional criteria will be taken into account:
PFSMETE Fellows will be selected by the National Science Foundation based on merit as determined by the advice of the external panel using the Foundation's review criteria and the additional factors cited above.
Most of the applications submitted to NSF are reviewed by mail review, panel review, or some combination of mail and panel review.
All applications are carefully reviewed by at least three other persons outside NSF who are experts in the particular field represented by the proposal. Reviewers will be asked to formulate a recommendation to either support or decline each application. A program officer assigned to manage the application's review will consider the advice of reviewers and will formulate a recommendation. In most cases, applicants will be contacted by the program officer after his or her recommendation to award or decline funding has been approved by his or her supervisor, the division director. This informal notification is not a guarantee of an eventual award. NSF will be able to tell applicants whether their applications have been declined or recommended for funding within six months for 95 percent of applications in this category. In those cases where an application is being considered for joint funding by separate divisions, directorates, or agencies, NSF will be able to notify applicants within nine months. The time interval begins on the application deadline or target date or from the date of receipt, if deadlines or target dates are not used by the program. The interval ends when the division director accepts the program officer's recommendation.
In all cases, after final programmatic approval has been obtained, the recommendation then goes to the Division of Grants and Agreements for review of business, financial and policy implications and the processing and issuance of a grant or other agreement. Applicants are cautioned that only a Grants Officer may make commitments, obligations or awards on behalf of NSF or authorize the expenditure of funds. No commitment on the part of NSF should be inferred from technical or budgetary discussions with an NSF program officer. A principal investigator or organization that makes financial or personnel commitments in the absence of a grant or cooperative agreement signed by the NSF Grants Officer does so at its own risk.
PFSMETE Fellows will be required to devote full time to the plan proposed in the application. Fellowships will start upon request by the Fellow after acceptance of an award offer, but normally no later than October 1, 1999.
A Fellow may not receive remuneration from another fellowship, scholarship, or similar award, or from another Federal grant or contract during the tenure of the award. Institutions may supplement fellowship stipends, without prior permission from the Foundation, up to a maximum of 20 percent of the Fellow's stipend. Such supplements must be in accord with established institution policies. They may be given without any requirement for duties in addition to normal fellowship activities, or they may involve limited teaching or research duties, provided these are compatible with the approved research plan of the Fellow.
Prior Foundation approval is required in all cases in which an institution proposes to supplement in any amount larger than the above established guidelines. Approval will be given only for compelling reasons. It is the Fellow's responsibility to notify the Foundation of any supplement(s), in any amount, as soon as the supplement(s) has received institutional approval.
It is expected that Fellows will carry out their research plans as proposed in their applications. Any major change in the research, duration of the fellowship, or fellowship institution will require prior approval by the National Science Foundation.
Results of research carried out by the Fellows during their PFSMETE fellowships should be made available to the public without restriction, except in matters related to national security of the United States. PFSMETE Fellows are fully responsible for the conduct of such research and preparation of the results for publication. The Foundation, therefore, does not assume responsibility for such findings or their interpretation.
At the completion of the PFSMETE Fellowship, Fellows are required to submit a final report (NSF Form 98A) to the NSF-PFSMETE Program Director. The report should contain the results of the Fellow's activities. This is particularly important if an extension of the Fellowship or a starter research grant is requested. The Foundation may also engage in assessing the effectiveness and outcomes of the Program at intermediate points during PFSMETE Fellowship tenures.
PFSMETE Fellows and their mentors are expected to attend a meeting convened by NSF to exchange ideas, to establish and strengthen communications networks, to learn about the activities the Fellows are conducting, and to discuss ways of measuring progress. This group will also discuss the effectiveness of PFSMETE activities in preparing the Fellows for leadership careers and will plan additional strategies for accomplishing program goals.
Possible indicators of program and project effectiveness that might be considered include: development of creative teaching methods, development of innovative instructional materials, development of other quality research products (e.g., educational technologies, statistical tools, evaluation, methodologies, refereed publications, presentations to professional societies and end-users), and utility to the education community as evidenced by sponsored studies of school systems and evaluations of higher education programs.
The PFSMETE Home Page on the Internet (http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DGE/pfse1.htm) provides information related to the PFSMETE program such as: lists of awardees, brief description of their work, and statistics on the applicant and awardee pool. The Home Page also provides linkages to other Postdoctoral Programs offered by NSF and includes additional information relevant to PFSMETE. The PFSMETE staff periodically updates the PFSMETE Home Page. Applicants are encouraged to access the PFSMETE Home Page for updated information that might be useful in the preparation of their applications.
Applicants seeking mentors and mentors interested in hosting a Fellow may contact the program at PFSMETE@nsf.gov for assistance with the inclusion of their names and research interests in the PFSMETE Home Page. This is an experimental effort to facilitate potential linkages between Fellows and Mentors.
General inquiries regarding the PFSMETE program may be addressed to Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology Education (PFSMETE), National Science Foundation, Suite 907N, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22230. The telephone number is (703) 306-1697, fax number (703) 306-0468. Requests for information via the INTERNET may be addressed to PFSMETE@nsf.gov.
Copies of this or any other NSF publication may be obtained by writing to the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 218, Jessup, MD 20794-0218. The PFSMETE announcement number is NSF 99-17. Electronic mail users who have access to INTERNET may order application materials by addressing requests to pubs@nsf.gov. Requests should include the NSF publication number (NSF 99-17), title, number of copies, requester's name and a complete mailing address. Applications may also be ordered by phone (301) 947-2722.
| FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION FORM |
National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology Education (PFSMETE) |
Please type, if possible NAME ___________________________________________________________________________ |
| Surname | Given Names | Other Names Used |
SOCIAL SECURITY NO. ________-______-__________ MAILING ADDRESS for correspondence. It is imperative that you keep NSF informed of a current mailing address. ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ CURRENT POSITION Department _________________________________________________________________ Institution ___________________________________________________________________ Title of Position_______________________________________________________________ Date this position started________________________________________________________ Source of support ____________________________________________________________ PROPOSED FELLOWSHIP INSTITUTION including department and address ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ PROPOSED MENTOR including title ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ BRIEF TITLE of your proposed research ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ NSF Form 1383 (12/96) (p. 1 of 2) |
| APPLICATION FORM PAGE 2 |
National Science
Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology Education (PFSMETE) |
DOCTORAL DEGREE Department and Institution ___________________________________________________________________________ Date awarded or anticipated date of receipt ___________________________________________________________________________ REFERENCES (do not use your mentor) Name Department Institution Phone Ph.D. Advisor _______________________________________________________________ 2. _________________________________________________________________________ 3. _________________________________________________________________________ EXPECTED STARTING DATE OF FELLOWSHIP ________________ 1, ________
OTHER SUPPORT Have you applied for any other fellowships or similar appointments for all or part of the tenure herein requested? _________ If so, name of agency or program: _________________________________________________ Have you ever received a NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship? ___________ If yes, when and from what program? ______________________________________________ TELEPHONE NUMBER(S) where you can be reached during daytime hours until awards are announced. ___________________________________________________________________________ FAX NUMBER ___________________________________________________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________________________ I have read the program announcement in detail and have noted its conditions. Signature of applicant ___________________________________________________________________________ Date ______________________________ THIS APPLICATION IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT YOUR SIGNATURE. NSF Form 1383A (12 /96) (P. 2 of 2) |
| Certifications | National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology Education (PFSMETE) |
There are three certifications which, by law, must be made before the National Science Foundation can authorize funds for a fellowship award. These concern (1) controlled substances, (2) delinquency on Federal debt, and (3) debarment and suspension. I certify that:
|
| _________________ Date |
___________________________________________________ Signature |
| NSF Form 1383B (12/96) |
| NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION NSF POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS IN SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION (PFSMETE) 4201 WILSON BLVD., ROOM 907N ARLINGTON, VA 22230 |
Dear Fellow: Please be advised that before any NSF-PFSMETE funds can be issued we need to verify that you have received your Ph.D. or that you have completed the work necessary for your doctorate. Two forms of verification are acceptable:
(Signature, Dean of Graduate School and/or other proper official at your institution) ____________________________________________ ______________________ (Name of Institution) ______________________________(Date) Please return this sheet or your official transcript
to the address above as soon as possible. NSF Form 1405 A (8/97) |
| Supplementary Information |
National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology Education (PFSMETE) |
Submit only ONE copy of this form. Leave the back of the page blank. Do not include this form with any of the other copies, as this may compromise the confidentiality of the information. Please check the appropriate answers to each question for the applicant: |
|
NSF Form 1225A (12 /96) |
The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering. Grantees are wholly responsible for conducting their project activities and preparing the results for publication. Thus, the Foundation does not assume responsibility for such findings or their interpretation.
NSF welcomes proposals from all qualified scientists, engineers and educators. The Foundation strongly encourages women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to compete fully in its programs. In accordance with federal statutes, regulations, and NSF policies, no person on grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from NSF (unless otherwise specified in the eligibility requirements for a particular program).
Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED) provide funding for special assistance or equipment to enable persons with disabilities (investigators and other staff, including student research assistants) to work on NSF-supported projects. See the program announcement or contact the program coordinator at (703) 306-1636.
The National Science Foundation has Telephonic Device for the Deaf (TDD) and Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) capabilities that enable individuals with hearing impairments to communicate with the Foundation regarding NSF programs, employment, or general information. TDD may be accessed at (703) 306-0090 or through FIRS on 1-800-877-8339.
The catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number is 47.076, Education and Human Resources.
The information requested on the application materials is solicited under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended. It will be used in connection with the selection of qualified applicants and may be disclosed to qualified reviewers and staff assistants as part of the review process; to the institution the nominee, applicant or fellow is attending or is planning to attend or is employed by for the purpose of facilitating review or award decisions, or administering fellowships or awards; to government contractors, experts, volunteers and researchers and educators as necessary to complete assigned work; to other government agencies needing data regarding applicants or nominees as part of the proposal review process, or in order to coordinate programs; and to another Federal agency, court or party in a court or Federal administrative proceeding if the government is a party. Information from this system may be merged with other computer files to carry out statistical studies the results of which do not identify individuals. Notice of the agency's decision may be given to nominators, and disclosure may be made of awardees' names, home institutions, and fields of study for public information purposes. For fellows or awardees receiving stipends directly from the government, information is transmitted to the Department of the Treasury to make payments. See System of Records, NSF-12, "Fellowships and Other Awards," 63 Federal Register 265 (January 5, 1998). Submission of the information is voluntary; however, failure to provide full and complete information may reduce the possibility of your receiving an award.
The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 12 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Reports Clearance Officer; Information Dissemination Branch, DAS; National Science Foundation; Arlington, VA 22230.
CFDA 47.076
NSF 99-17
(Replaced NSF 97-166)
November 10, 1998
Revised November 20, 1998