National deadlines:

• November 15, 2011-Interdisciplinary fields of Study
• November 15, 2011-Mathematical Sciences; Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering
• November 16, 2011-Social Sciences; Psychology; Geosciences; STEM Education and Learning
• November 18, 2011-Life Sciences
• November 15, 2011-Chemistry; Physics and Astronomy
• November 14, 2011-Engineering

Eligibility requirements:

• US citizen, US national or permanent resident alien, and
• graduating senior
• have completed no more than 12 months of full-time graduate study or the equivalent
• pursuing a research-based master's or doctoral degree in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields supported by NSF.

Award summary and conditions:  The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce in the United States.  The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees in fields within NSF's mission.  The GRFP provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant achievements in science and engineering research. The ranks of NSF Fellows include individuals who have made transformative breakthroughs in science and engineering research and have become leaders in their chosen careers and Nobel laureates.

Benefits:

• Conduct study and research at any accredited U.S. or foreign graduate institution
• Three-year award over a five-year period
• Annual stipend of $30,000
• Cost of education allowance of $10,500
• International travel allowance of $1,000
• TeraGrid supercomputer access for awardees and honorable mentions
• No post-award service requirement

Application process: Fellowship applications must be submitted electronically using the NSF FastLane Graduate Research Fellowship Program Application Module at http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/ according to the field of study deadline.

Application materials:  http://www.nsfgrfp.org/how_to_apply/application_materials

1. Personal Statement Essay
2. Previous Research Experience Essay
3. Proposed Plan of Research Essay
4. 3 Reference Letters
5. Academic Transcripts
6. GRE scores - NOT accepted for the 2012 competition

Faculty Representative: Keith Raether

National committee interview: No

Selection process:  In considering applications, reviewers will be instructed to address the two Merit Review Criteria:

1. Intellectual Merit

• Ability to plan and conduct research
• Excellence when working both independently and in a team
• Aptitude in interpreting and communicating research findings

2. Broader Impacts - Activities and projects that:

• Integrate research and education
• Communicate your methodology and findings to a diverse audience
• Encourage diversity and enable full participation
• Enhance global scientific and technical understanding
• Benefit your community

For each criterion, panelists describe the application's strengths and areas for improvement on the GRFP Rating Sheet.

Announcement date: March - April, although may be later due to federal budget considerations

Contact information: http://www.nsfgrfp.org