How Applications are Reviewed

This page outlines how applications to the U.S. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) are reviewed, including information on the NSF Merit Review Criteria.

Who reviews applications?

Applications are reviewed by disciplinary and interdisciplinary scientists, engineers, and experts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Reviewers are selected by NSF Program Officers charged with oversight of the review process. Care is taken to ensure that reviewers have no conflicts of interest with the applicants.

How are applications reviewed?

Applications are reviewed in broad areas of related disciplines based on the Major Fields of Study (see NSF GRFP Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information) selected by the applicant when they prepare their application.

Reviewers evaluate each application according to the two NSF Merit Review Criteria, using all available information in the completed application:

  • Intellectual Merit: The potential to advance knowledge.
  • Broader Impacts: The potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes.

Intellectual Merit factors

Factors reviewers will consider in assessing the potential Intellectual Merit of the application and the applicant's potential to advance knowledge and understanding in one or more fields may include (but are not limited to):

  • The applicant's ability to:
    • Plan and conduct research.
    • Work independently.
    • Work as a part of a team.
    • Interpret and communicate research (e.g., through publications or presentations).
    • Take initiative.
    • Think creatively.
    • Solve problems.
    • Persist and overcome challenges.
  • The applicant's demonstrated intellectual ability (as indicated by grades, coursework, awards, etc.).

Broader Impacts factors

Factors reviewers will consider in assessing the potential Broader Impacts of the application and the applicant's potential to benefit society and achieve specific, desired societal outcomes may include (but are not limited to) the likelihood that the applicant's activities will:

  • Increase participation in STEM.
  • Improve STEM education in schools through outreach and mentoring.
  • Increase public scientific literacy and public engagement with STEM through community outreach.
  • Increase collaboration among academia, industry, and other types of organizations.
  • Improve education and educator development — at any level — in STEM.
  • Improve the well-being of individuals in society.
  • Develop a globally competitive STEM workforce.
  • Improve national security.
  • Increase the economic competitiveness of the U.S.
  • Enhance infrastructure for research and education.
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