Frequently Asked Questions for Reviewers

This page highlights frequently asked questions by reviewers for the U.S. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP).

Table of Contents

Questions

  1. How can I become an NSF GRFP reviewer?

    Register your interest by submitting the NSF GRFP Reviewer Interest Form. Note that you will need a Research.gov account. If you have registered in the past, please log back in and make updates to your account as needed. If you have not registered before, please create an account. Be sure to provide the same email address in the Reviewer Interest Form that is associated with your Research.gov account.

    Submitting a Reviewer Interest Form or creating a Research.gov profile does not commit you to serving as an NSF GRFP reviewer.

    Reviewer invitations are issued based on reviewer needs resulting from the size and composition of the applicant pool. Registering with Research.gov signifies that you are willing to be considered as a reviewer for the upcoming review session. Every attempt will be made to invite interested potential reviewers. However, invitations may not be made if there is limited need for reviewers in a specific field.

    Based on anticipated needs, NSF will send formal invitations to registered individuals in the fall.

  2. What are the reviewer responsibilities?

    After NSF GRFP assesses the needs for the upcoming competition, invitations are issued to prospective reviewers.

    If selected, you must:

    • Complete reviewer training (materials + webinar).
    • Review ~20-25 applications.
    • Submit reviews by the deadline.
    • Fully participate in a virtual panel.

  3. Who can serve as a reviewer?

    Reviewers typically:

    • Hold an advanced degree or equivalent experience.
    • Have experience working with graduate students.
    • Work in academia, government, industry, or nonprofits.
    • Understand advanced topics in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).

    Visit the Information for Reviewers page for more information about eligibility.

  4. I have served as an NSF GRFP reviewer before. Do I need to view the training materials and participate in the orientation webinar again?

    Yes. NSF GRFP information has been updated, and it is important that all reviewers are aware of these updates.

  5. Is reviewer service paid? What is the flat rate fee?

    Eligible NSF GRFP reviewers receive a flat rate fee of $200 after completing reviews and full panel participation.

    You are not eligible to receive the payment if you are not a U.S. citizen/permanent resident or if you are employed by the federal government.

  6. How will I receive the flat rate fee?

    Flat rate fees are issued by an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), a direct deposit to your bank account using the NSF Guest Travel and Reimbursement System. Instructions will be provided to reviewers on how to register to receive reimbursement.

  7. Do I need a Ph.D. to be a reviewer?

    No. Graduate education professionals without a Ph.D. may serve. Current graduate students are not eligible.

    Visit the Information for Reviewers page for more information about eligibility.

  8. I am a current postdoctoral researcher. Am I eligible to serve as a reviewer?

    No. Postdocs may serve after completing their appointment. Reviewers should not be current postdocs, but the program hopes you will consider serving after you have completed your position.

  9. Can I serve if I work outside the U.S.?

    Only those affiliated with U.S.-based institutions or organizations are eligible. U.S.-based employees working abroad may also serve.

  10. Am I eligible to serve if my student is applying or I have written a letter of recommendation for an NSF GRFP applicant?

    Yes, you are still eligible to serve as a reviewer.

    You may serve on the same panel as an application for which you have a conflict of interest (e.g., you are the applicant's advisor, wrote a letter of reference for the applicant, etc.). However, you cannot participate in the evaluation of applications that pose a potential conflict of interest or the perception thereof.

    If you are not comfortable serving on the same panel as an applicant you know, please notify NSF GRFP and the program will attempt to place you on a different panel.

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