Information for Reviewers

NSF GRFP recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students pursuing research-based masters and doctoral degrees in science or engineering at accredited U.S. institutions. The success of the program's application review process, which enables NSF to make wise investments in all fields of science and engineering research, depends on the willingness of qualified reviewers to share their time and expertise.

Serving as an NSF GRFP reviewer is an excellent opportunity to apply your research and career expertise to help identify future science and engineering leaders, and to gain valuable perspective to share with faculty and students at your institution.

This page covers how you can sign up as a reviewer and provides instructions on the review process.

NSF welcomes faculty, researchers, and experienced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals across all NSF-eligible fields. Reviewers come from a wide range of institutions, geographic locations, and backgrounds.

To be eligible to serve as an NSF GRFP reviewer, you must:

• Be affiliated with a U.S.-based institution or organization (academic, governmental, for-profit, or nonprofit).
• Have some demonstrated expertise in the field for which you are examining applications.

Reviewers typically have an advanced degree or equivalent work experience in an area in their discipline and/or advise undergraduate or graduate students.

The following individuals are not eligible to be NSF GRFP reviewers:

• Individuals who are not affiliated with a U.S.-based institution or organization.
• Postdoctoral scholars.
• Students.

View the list of major fields and subfields supported by NSF GRFP in the NSF GRFP Notice of Funding Opportunity.

This section outlines reviewer responsibilities and the steps of the review process.

1. Reviewer orientation (November/December)

• Ensure you are registered in Research.gov.
• Attend a virtual training session to become familiar with the program and the reviewer portal. Both new and returning reviewers must attend the session.
• Read the NSF GRFP Reviewer Guide, view the reviewer training materials and read the current NSF GRFP Notice of Funding Opportunity.

2. Complete the Conflict of Interest form (November/December)

• Complete and submit your form in the NSF GRFP Review Site before you access any applications. Note that this site is different from the NSF review system.
• The form provides detailed explanations of what constitutes a conflict of interest. Review the requirements thoroughly.

3. Receive review assignments (December)

• Each reviewer will initially be assigned ~20 applications, typically in early December, allowing several weeks to submit reviews.
• You cannot review any applications that pose a potential conflict of interest (or the appearance of one).
• Due to reassignments, expect an additional set of 3–5 applications to be assigned at a later time with a shorter review window.
• In order to ensure a fair review process for all applicants, all reviewers must strictly adhere to the review deadlines, which will be specified in your formal invitation.

4. Perform a comprehensive review (December/January)

• Review each application by applying the NSF Merit Review Criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Guidance for applying the criteria can be found in the NSF GRFP Notice of Funding Opportunity.
• Consider the applicant's accomplishments, interests, competencies, and talent, based on all materials in the application. Assess applications using a comprehensive approach, giving balanced consideration to all components of the application including the educational and research record, leadership, outreach, service activities, and future plans, as well as individual competencies, experiences, and attributes such as creativity, initiative, innovation, and perseverance.
• You will be asked to review the following components of each application:
  • Personal Information, Education, Work/Research Experience, Proposed Field of Study, Academic honors, Publications.
  • Personal, Relevant Background, and Future Goals Statement (Three pages).
  • Graduate Research Statement (Two pages).
  • Transcripts.
  • Two to three letters of reference.
• Keep in mind:
  • NSF GRFP supports individuals, not projects. Applications are not research proposals, but fellowship applications to support an individual's graduate education and training.
  • Applicants are students in the beginning stages of STEM careers who may change research focus and discipline.
  • All reviews are advisory to NSF.
  • NSF selects applicants for fellowships or Honorable Mentions, in line with NSF's mission and NSF GRFP goals. After fellowship offers are made, applicants are able to view the information provided by the reviewers.

5. Attend virtual panel (January)

• Attend the virtual panel, whose exact date will be specified in your formal invitation. To provide fair evaluation of applications, you need to be present for the entire virtual panel.
• To participate in the virtual panel, reviewers must have a computer connected to the internet. A webcam and headset microphone are recommended.
• There is no travel for the panel (and no travel expenses will be paid).
• Note: If you have a conflict of interest for an application on the panel, you cannot be present during the discussion of that applicant during panel deliberations.

6. Receive payment

• If you are eligible for payment, NSF will provide a flat rate payment of $200 for your participation in the entire virtual panel and your completed review of all assigned applications.
• Reviewers who are federal employees, citizens of foreign countries who are not permanent residents, and special visa holders are not eligible for the flat rate payment.