NSF Logo
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.  

Timeline

  • Session 1 of 5: BI 101

    February 9, 2024 at 9:00 am

    This activity-based workshop will cover the history of the BI criterion, provide strategies for conceptualizing, developing, implementing and evaluating BI activities, and share tips on leveraging existing resources and establishing robust partnerships to build your “BI identity.” 

  • Session 2 of 5: BI Evaluation/Broadening Participation

    February 23, 2024 at 9:00 am

    This session will explore broadening participation activities, why they are a priority for the NSF, and how to plan, implement and assess them successfully.

  • Session 3 of 5: NSF CAREER Awards

    March 8, 2024 at 9:00 am

    This session will focus on strategies for developing a competitive NSF CAREER Award, with emphasis on the broader impacts and education plan.

  • Session 4 of 5: BI Partnerships

    March 22, 2024 at 9:00 am

    Where do you 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? These and other questions will be explored in this interactive session.

  • Session 5 of 5: BI Identity

    March 29, 2024 at 9:00 am

    This interactive workshop will introduce the concept of a broader impacts identity and walk investigators through a process for starting to define BI identity.

Registration

Click here to register for one or more Broader Impacts/Research Impacts session(s) by Thursday, February 8. You will receive a calendar invite after registering and a Zoom link will be sent prior to the session.

Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS)

Advancing Research Impacts in Society logo

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 this year's Broader Impacts/Research Impacts Seminars 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