August 1, 2023
Tyler Kloefkorn
I first learned about the National Science Foundation (NSF)—a federal agency that supports basic science research—through its Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). I was a first-year graduate student at the University of Oregon, and I met a graduate student who didn’t have any teaching obligations. I very much enjoyed teaching, but the thought of not teaching and having more time for coursework and research sounded AMAZING. They told me about some of the benefits of the GRFP and that it came from a federal agency.
Fast forward sixteen years (guh—was it really that long ago?!) and I now think about the NSF every day at work. I work for the AMS Office of Government Relations (OGR) and we advocate for federal funding and support for the mathematical sciences community. In 2019, 71% of all federal support for basic research in the mathematical sciences was distributed by NSF.[1] So NSF is a top priority for my office.
And I think a lot about the GRFP – it’s an incredible program. And my portfolio in OGR focuses on mathematical sciences education. So, I’d like to share a few important things I’ve learned about the program and how the mathematical sciences community might respond.
Let’s start with some logistics. The purpose of the GRFP “is to ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States.” It is a five-year fellowship that provides awardees with three years of financial support, which includes an annual stipend of $37,000. Possible areas of study are: chemistry; computer and information sciences and engineering; engineering; geosciences; life sciences; materials research; mathematical sciences; physics and astronomy; psychology; social, behavioral, and economic sciences; and STEM education and learning research. The GRFP aims “to broaden participation in science and engineering among under-represented groups, including women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans.” [2]
Proposals for those in the mathematical sciences are typically due in fall. This year, the proposal deadline is October 20, 2023.
Applicants are students, and applications are reviewed by panels of disciplinary experts. And, according to the GRFP website, “GRFP recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who have demonstrated the potential to be high achieving scientists and engineers, early in their careers.” Reading that line as a graduate student in the mathematical sciences, I would assume that means: I would need to have publications, complete an REU, present at a conference, ace every advanced class, etc. That may be true for some. But not all.
As per the complete solicitation[3], “GRFP supports individuals proposing a comprehensive plan for graduate education that takes individual interests and competencies into consideration.“ Further, “reviewers are asked to assess applications using a holistic, 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 other attributes. The aim is to recruit and retain a diverse cohort of early-career individuals with high potential for future achievements, contributions, and broader impacts in STEM and STEM education.”
I read this as: To be an awardee, you must have excelled in the opportunities that were available to you in your education journey.
Publications, advanced coursework, and presentations help your application, but they are not necessary. Some undergraduate institutions have more opportunities for research, some have few. Some institutions have advanced coursework on a variety of topics, some don’t.
In the mathematical sciences community, we should understand what the NSF is looking for and encourage more students, who may be competitive for the GRFP.
As a small disclaimer, I’ll note that those interested in applying should check the GRFP eligibility questionnaire and carefully read the entire solicitation.
You may have seen GRFP in the news in the higher education community. From 2012 to 2021, the total number of awards given annually for all areas of study hovered around 2,050. But in 2022, the total was 2,193 and in 2023, it was 2,554![4] NSF would love to make 3,000 awards in 2024. Unfortunately, that goal is unlikely, given an on-going budget debate in Washington DC.
Seeing those numbers, I had some very simple questions: How many awards are given in the mathematical sciences? Did the number of GRFP awards in the mathematical sciences increase in 2022 and 2023? How will 2024 compare?
Let’s dive into the data.
This is a small dataset but the recent trend is a little concerning. The natural question to ask is: why has the share of GRFPs in the mathematical sciences fallen in the last two years?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a clear answer. The NSF does not publicly disclose how they make this big-picture decision about the share of areas of study for GRFP awards. Yet, based on some digging from our office, we know that the spread of awardees in the various areas of study depends on the spread of applications in those areas.
This gives the mathematical sciences community an opportunity: we need more applicants!
I don’t mean to dismiss how difficult it is to submit an application. Applicants need to write a formal proposal that outlines your goals for graduate work. It’s a big deal. But we need more applicants!
It would be wonderful for mentors and advisors to encourage more students to apply!
That too is a big ask. Mentors and advisors are busy, and it’s difficult to get to know the NSF and its application process. However, if an advisor or mentor wants to explore this program, they can start by volunteering to be a reviewer. NSF is always in need of reviewers and you can register online.[5] Reviewers are paid for their work.
Reviewing gives you the lay of the land. For example, you learn about “broader impacts” (an important part of the proposal) and you see what makes a proposal stand out. I once helped run a GRFP review panel and it was super rewarding experience. You get this glimpse into the next generation of mathematical scientists, which is quite inspiring.
I will continue to keep the AMS community up-to-date on the GRFP. And I expect to write pieces like this on other NSF programs, and on programs at other federal agencies. Stay tuned for more info and news on federal support for mathematical sciences education!
[1] Source: National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Federal Funds for Research and Development, FYs 2019-2022.
[2] https://www.nsfgrfp.org/
[3] https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2023/nsf23605/nsf23605.htm
[4] https://www.research.gov/grfp/AwardeeList.do?method=loadAwardeeList
[5] https://nsfgrfpreviewers.org/