What do you need to know about the NSF new funding policy?
The U.S. agency’s new policy, which extends the existing requirement for postdocs
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has introduced a new policy requiring principal investigators (PIs) to submit a graduate student mentoring plan as part of their funding applications. This new requirement extends the existing policy for postdoctoral researchers to include graduate students. Here are the key details:
Policy Overview
Requirement: PIs must submit a one-page mentoring plan for graduate students and postdocs involved in their projects.
IDPs: PIs must certify annually that graduate students and postdocs receiving substantial support from the grant have active Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
Background
Legislation: Mandated by the America COMPETES Act of 2022, building on a similar requirement from 2007 for postdocs.
Objective: To create a structured and accountable mentoring environment for early-career researchers.
Mentoring Plan Details
Content: The plan should describe the mentoring activities, which may include:
Career counseling
Training for proposals, publications, and presentations
Teaching and mentoring skill improvement
Collaboration guidance
Training in responsible professional practices
Guidance: No specific template is provided, but examples of good mentoring practices are available on the Innovations in Graduate Education Hub.
Evaluation
Review Process: Mentoring plans will be evaluated as part of the "broader impacts" section of the proposal. Reviewers will receive program-specific guidance and the evaluation process will evolve over time.
Applicability
GRFP: The policy also applies to institutions hosting NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) students. These institutions must provide mentoring activities and certify IDPs for fellows starting in the 2024-25 fellowship year.
IDP Template: No standard template from NSF, but institutions may use existing templates that map educational goals, career exploration, and professional development.
Who is Affected: The policy applies to graduate students and postdocs who receive substantial NSF support (at least one person-month of support per year). It does not apply to postbaccalaureate researchers, lab technicians, or administrative staff.
Implementation
Certification: Institutions must certify the existence of IDPs annually.
Support: Resources like the Science Careers myIDP website are recommended for developing IDPs.
This policy aims to foster a supportive and structured mentoring environment, enhancing the development and retention of STEM talent.