NSF Transformative Research Announcement

Important Notice Number 30 was recently published by the NSF and details NSF's implementation of the National Science Board's motion to enhance support of transformative research at the NSF: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=in130. In addition, the notice highlights the change to the Intellectual Merit Review Criterion to specifically include review of the extent to which a proposal also suggests and explores potentially transformative concepts.

Effective October 1, 2007, the Grant Proposal Guide and new funding opportunities issued after this date will incorporate the change to the Intellectual Merit Criterion. Proposals received after January 5, 2008 will be subject to the revised merit review criterion.

The revised version of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies and Procedures Guide (http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=papp) will be effective for proposals received on or after January 5, 2008. It should be noted that revisions were made only to the Grant Proposal Guide (GPG); all other parts such as the Award & Administration Guide, remained unchanged.

The significant changes made to the GPG include:

1. Revision of the intellectual merit review criterion to specifically include language on potentially transformative research;
2. Updated guidance on the designated fonts that may be used when preparing an NSF proposal; and
3. Requirement that organizations must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) prior to submitting a proposal to NSF (Cornell is registered).

While changes identified above are effective for proposals submitted on or after January 5, 2008, applicants are strongly encouraged to begin complying with the guidance as soon as possible.