How are Fellows proposals evaluated? Does NSF give priority to people who have had a really hard time because of personal circumstances?
A. Fellows proposals are reviewed by disciplinary reviewers and panels using the NSF merit review criteria, which address the quality of the science and the broader impact of the proposed research and education activities. In addition, there are Fellows-specific criteria, which are available in the solicitation http://www.nsf.gov/advance. This is an extremely competitive program that in its first year of competition had a success rate under 20%, considerably lower than the success rate of the Foundation overall. Applicants should submit the strongest research proposal possible, and give careful thought to a well-designed career advancement plan, since these are the most important elements in determining which proposals are competitive for funding. Q. I am a young, female Assistant Professor with a Ph.D. in chemistry. I am interested in applying for the affiliated PI, Fellows Award but I am not certain I would qualify since I am not a postdoc anymore. A. Since you are no longer in postd
