Upcoming events:
* Register for the GRF Sprint info session for seniors planning to apply for the GRF in October 2023
View a recording of the GRFP Sprint Info Session here.
This virtual workshop series will give students a strong start to developing a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRF) application. The program will guide students to write the first draft of their NSF GRF application by mid-July. Participants will also learn helpful strategies for developing their NSF GRF application in consultation with their faculty research advisor(s).
To be eligible, participants must
- Be eligible to apply for the NSF GRF in October 2023 (see the most recent NSF GRF Program Solicitation for eligibility information),
- Commit to participating in each workshop component (see components below; make-up assignments will be available in extenuating circumstances),
- Commit to writing the first draft of two application essays by mid-July.
This workshop series involves the following components:
- Pre-Work: Will be shared closer to the start of the first workshop session.
- Session 1: Preparing to Apply
- Thursday, June 22 (noon–1 p.m.)
- Session 2: Writing Your Application
- Thursday, June 29 (noon– 1 p.m.)
- Session 3: Revising Your Application
- Thursday, July 6 (noon– 1 p.m.)
- Session 4: One-on-One Meetings with Workshop Team Leader
- Schedule meeting to take place between July 10–14
Applications for the bootcamp will open April 7, 2023.
Investing time in these sessions will help you write a stronger and more strategic NSF GRF application. We hope you will join us this summer!
Questions? Email fellowships@missouri.edu.
About
The National Science Foundation aims to ensure the vitality of research and innovation in the United States by offering approximately 2,000 graduate fellowships in biological science, technology, engineering, mathematics, physical science, earth science and social science. The Graduate Research Fellowship provides three years of support for graduate study leading to research-based master’s or doctoral degrees and is intended for students who are at the early stages of their graduate study.
Eligibility
Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents near the beginning of their graduate studies. Applicants may apply in their senior year of undergraduate studies or in their first or second year of graduate school. GRFP-supported fields of study include Chemistry, Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering, Engineering, Geosciences, Life Sciences, Materials Research, Mathematical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, Psychology, Social Sciences, STEM Education and Learning Research.
For detailed eligibility information, check the NSF GRFP website and consult with our office.
What They Are Looking For
Demonstrating potential for significant research contributions looks different for each applicant given the many fields and sub-fields of study NSF GRF recipients pursue. NSF GRFP recipients show their capacity for research excellence and meeting the grant selection criteria through:
- Collecting a variety of undergraduate research experiences and discussing how each of those experiences has provided transferable skills that qualify them for graduate study.
- Consulting with a mentor (or mentors) to develop sound methods and methodology for investigating a research question or hypothesis.
- Communicating how they have improved the public’s understanding of science, engaged people from diverse backgrounds in science education, or possibly directly benefited society in some way through their research.
- Articulating how they plan to advance knowledge within and beyond their academic discipline in graduate study and throughout their careers.
Application & Selection Timeline
Early August: application opens
Late October: application closes (deadlines vary by academic discipline)
Late March/early April: awards announced
Early May: fellows acceptance deadline