The National Science Foundation (NSF) considers two criteria in their review of proposals: intellectual merit and broader impacts (BI). Broader impacts relate to how the proposed research will “benefit society or advance desired societal outcomes” and is increasingly used as the differentiator between which excellent proposals to fund or not.
Register here for any of the sessions. The RDO will send calendar invite(s) and Zoom link(s) upon registration.
Timeline
Session 1 of 3: BI 101 and BI Partnerships
February 7, 2025 at 9-11amThis activity-based workshop will cover the history of the BI criterion, provide strategies for conceptualizing, developing, implementing and evaluating BI activities. This session will also discuss where to go to find a good BI partner. What are the elements of a successful partnership? And, how can you ensure that the relationship is mutually beneficial for both members of the partnership?
Session 2 of 3: NSF CAREER Awards and BI Identity
February 14, 2025 at 9-11:30amThis session will focus on strategies for developing a competitive NSF CAREER Award, with emphasis on the broader impacts and education plan. Also, this session will provide an introduction to the concept of a broader impacts identity and walk investigators through a process for starting to define BI identity.
Session 3 of 3: BI Evaluation and Broadening Participation
February 21, 2025 at 9-11amThis session will explore broadening participation activities, why they are a priority for the NSF, and how to plan, implement and assess them successfully.
Registration
The registration deadline for this year's Broader Impacts Seminars has closed. Please email the Research Development Office with questions (vpr-rdo@uiowa.edu).
Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS)
The purpose of ARIS is to advance impacts of research for the betterment of society and the expansion of research. ARIS elevates research impact by providing high-quality resources and professional development opportunities and by creating connections among researchers, community partners, and engagement practitioners.
Click here to learn more about ARIS, its services, resources, and functions.
Megan Heitmann: Broader Impacts Training Coordinator, Iowa State University
Questions?
Please email vpr-rdo@uiowa.edu with any questions. Sign up for the RDO Monthly Newsletter to stay up-to-date on RDO activities here!
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Research Development Office in advance at 319-335-0303 or vpr-rdo@uiowa.edu