The IGERT Program The IGERT Program September 2008 September 2008 Carol Van Hartesveldt Hartesveldt, Ph.D. , Ph.D. Carol Van IGERT Program Director IGERT Program Director
IGERT Overview IGERT Overview Proposals submitted to the IGERT program must describe integrative, research-based, graduate education must describe integrative, research-based, graduate education and training activities in emerging areas of science and engineering . and training activities in emerging areas of science and engineering The IGERT project should be organized around an interdisciplinary theme and involving a diverse group of faculty members and other investigators with appropriate expertise in research and teaching. The interdisciplinary interdisciplinary theme provides a framework for integrating research and education and for promoting collaborative theme provides a framework for integrating research and education efforts within and across departments and institutions. Students should gain the breadth of skills, Students should gain the breadth of skills, strengths, and understanding to work in an interdisciplinary environment while being well strengths, and understanding to work in an interdisciplinary environment while being well grounded with depth of knowledge in a major field. grounded with depth of knowledge in a major field. In contributing to a diverse science and engineering workforce for the future, the IGERT project must include the IGERT project must include strategies for recruitment, mentoring, and retention aimed at members of groups strategies for recruitment, mentoring, and retention aimed at members of groups underrepresented in science and engineering, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and underrepresented in science and engineering, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities. persons with disabilities. The graduate experience should contribute to the professional and personal development of the students and equip them to understand and integrate scientific, technical, business, social, ethical, and policy equip them to understand and integrate scientific, technical, business, social, ethical, and policy issues to confront the challenging problems of the future. issues to confront the challenging problems of the future. As an opportunity for faculty to experiment with new approaches to graduate education, the IGERT project should should provide students with experience relevant to both academic and nonacademic careers. This may provide students with experience relevant to both academic and nonacademic careers. involve such activities as internships and mentoring in industrial, national laboratory, academic, or other settings. Globalization of research and career opportunities places importance on providing students with an Globalization of research and career opportunities places importance on providing students with an international perspective. This may be gained through programs within the institution, or through strongly international perspective. integrated, collaborative research experiences and/or fieldwork at foreign institutions and sites.
IGERT History IGERT History First awards made in 1998 215 total awards, including renewals To date, IGERTs are in 102 lead institutions and 26 partner institutions 41 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico
Examples of IGERT Projects Examples of IGERT Projects Smart sensors and integrated devices Biosphere-atmosphere research Molecularly designed materials Assistive Technology Sequential decision-making Urban ecology Astrobiology Public policy and nuclear threats
IGERT Funding IGERT Funding Awards are up to $3M for 5 years Additional funds for international collaborative activities may be requested (up to $200,000 in years 2-5) Trainee stipends are $30,000 annually Cost of education for each trainee is $10,500 Start-up funds up to $200,000 may be requested Bulk of funds for trainees
IGERT Challenges - Students IGERT Challenges - Students Coping with an interdisciplinary curriculum – plus disciplinary requirements Having a critical mass and support group Role models Career if in traditional academic discipline
IGERT Challenges - Faculty IGERT Challenges - Faculty Departmental requirements Cultural differences among departments Administrative load on PI, faculty Release time or credit for faculty teaching, advising Recognition for interdisicplinary teaching, research for tenure, promotion, raises
IGERT Challenges - Institutions IGERT Challenges - Institutions Rewarding interdisciplinary graduate education by faculty Rewarding interdisciplinary research, particularly for young faculty Overcoming resistance or inertia Hiring new faculty outside traditional disciplines.
Applications: Summary Points Points Applications: Summary to Remember to Remember Read and re-read the Solicitation Proposal requirements and review criteria Be sure to address each section required Get input from all involved EARLY Be sure all disciplines involved fully contribute Be sure to clearly integrate and articulate Exceptional value of the interdisciplinary science and the research to be done with the interdisciplinary educational curriculum (Intellectual Merit) Inclusion and broadening participation (Broader Impacts) Address challenges or risks
Agenda Agenda The Review Process The Preliminary Proposal by Topic Project Summary Vision, Goals, and Thematic Basis Major research efforts Education and training, including recruitment, mentoring and retention and international awareness Institutional commitment Other resources and connections Recent traineeship experience Supplementary Documentation
Review Process: IGERT Review Process: IGERT Preliminary Proposals Preliminary Proposals Multiple interdisciplinary panels No standing panels High demand (400-450 proposals in recent years) High Priority 15%; Medium priority 20% About 80-100 invitations for full proposals About 20 awards
Project Summary Project Summary First impression for reviewers Avoid excessive background information Be specific and clear about the goals, focus and value-add of your IGERT Independently and explicitly address Intellectual Merit Broader Impacts Include key words
Vision, Goals, and Thematic Basis Vision, Goals, and Thematic Basis Set the stage Interdisciplinary theme Vision, overview and need for this integration Why it is important to train graduate students in this emerging area Value-add Why this collaboration of disciplines, individuals, constructs, institutions, etc., is important Why it will work
Major Research Efforts Major Research Efforts Interdisciplinary research in science/technology/engineering/math Science/engineering: transformative; cutting edge; in emerging areas Why this is important and will hang- together/integrate as a theme Project future interdisciplinary research collaborations Topics Faculty collaborators
Education and Training Education and Training In the context of the interdisciplinary research theme – for consideration… What is novel and innovative? What level of facility in the various disciplines in required for trainee success? How will trainees in all the disciplines involved become familiar/facile with the all disciplines involved? (No trainee left behind!) What will each element contribute, and why is it important? What faculty will be responsible, and are they on board? Evidence of your careful planning and integration How will trainees gain an appreciation for the globality of the science? How will you recruit, mentor, and retain trainees?
Recruitment, Mentoring, and Recruitment, Mentoring, and Retention Retention Evidence of careful planning Plans for all students Plans for groups underrepresented in science and engineering Using what you have – will it work and be enough? Look critically at what you have Plans tailored to your proposed IGERT Partnerships documented with letters
Recent Traineeship Experience Recent Traineeship Experience Experience with ANY graduate traineeship program, NSF or other Renewal proposals Outcomes of previous award Added value of potential new award Do not provide results of traditional NSF-supported research projects
Supplementary Documentation Supplementary Documentation Limits on letters Up to 5, with one internal from senior level administrator No paper documents accepted Content of letters Explicit in solicitation Give this information to letter-writers Negotiate early with your institution
Summary Summary It’s all about integration: emerging science, 21 st Century Global STEM Careers excellence in training and education, engaging and enfranchising a broad Emerging Interdisciplinary participation and RESEARCH EDUCATION preparation for 21 st century global careers and contribution… Broadening Participation
For More Information Online For More Information Online NSF IGERT home page http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp? pims_id=12759&org=DGE&from=home Video; program solicitation www.igert.org Evaluation of the first three cohorts http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2006/nsf0617/index .jsp
Recommend
More recommend
