Introduction

Overview of NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is a competitive and prestigious fellowship available to graduate students pursuing a full-time, research-based master’s or doctoral degree in an eligible field of study in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The program, established in 1952, recognizes outstanding graduate students who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions to STEM fields. The GRFP is prestigious because it signifies national recognition as a top-tier researcher. 

In addition to financial support, the GRFP allows students to gain access to professional development opportunities and research collaborations. Each year the NSF receives more than 12,000 applications for the GRFP and awards roughly 2,000 fellowships.

Importance of Sustainability Research

As we increasingly face environmental issues caused by climate change such as extreme weather events, resource depletion and biodiversity loss, sustainability research is critical. 

Graduate student research advances our understanding of ecosystems and the technological advancements needed to address climate change. Researchers must collaborate across disciplines to tackle these multidisciplinary issues. Individual researchers studying sustainability have the opportunity to contribute solutions to worldwide environmental problems. 

The NSF has recognized sustainability as a priority, and made significant investments in sustainability research funding relating to ecological resilience, climate science, clean energy and sustainable materials. NSF funding opportunities like the GRFP support research that will continue to contribute to researching solutions to global challenges. 

Understanding NSF Funding Opportunities

Types of Funding Available

Grants vs. Fellowships

The NSF funding opportunities include both grants and fellowships funding for researchers. Grants are typically awarded to faculty at institutions to support specific research endeavors. Graduate students benefit from grants indirectly through their work assisting on faculty-led projects. Working as a research assistant on projects funded through grants provides graduate students with a stipend or tuition in exchange for their contributions to research. 

Fellowships are awarded directly to individual students separate from their institutional affiliation based on their merit, research and potential for contributions to their field. The GRFP is a “portable” fellowship, meaning that it can be transferred to a different institution if the student decides to transfer. Students who receive fellowships have the ability to pursue their own research without being constrained by faculty-specific research goals. 

Eligibility Criteria for Funding

The GRFP has strict eligibility criteria. To apply, students interested in sustainability research must, at the time of submission, be a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident who intends to enroll or is enrolled currently in a full-time research-based master’s or doctoral degree program in an eligible STEM field. Students can apply as: an undergraduate in their final year of a bachelor’s program, a bachelor'’s degree-holder not enrolled in a graduate graduate program, an individual enrolled in a joint bachelor’s-master’s degree program (with three years of undergraduate coursework), or a first-year graduate student. Applicants who are current NSF employees or who have previously accepted a NSF GRFP award cannot reapply.

Navigating the Application Process

Required Documentation

The GRFP application is comprehensive and requires students to prepare multiple components. Applicants are required to submit all transcripts from post-secondary institutions, three letters of recommendation, two written statements and a graduate research plan statement. Each year the NSF releases a solicitation document which outlines evaluation criteria, research priorities and formatting requirements. 

Research Proposal Guidelines

The Graduate Research Plan is an important part of the application materials and the NSF provides detailed guidelines on what proposal should be addressed in the solicitation document. For students interested in sustainability research funding, research proposals should work to connect specific research questions to broad environmental issues. The Graduate Research Plan should include a clear statement of the research problem and its significance and demonstrate existing knowledge of the field. 

When developing the Graduate Research Plan applicants should not hold back on proposing analysis or using specialized equipment if worried about the costs. Will Brinkeroff, a PhD candidate at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) and GRFP recipient, advises students that the Graduate Research Plan should be “your ideal research plan.” Brinkeroff is an agroecologist and soil scientist who received the NSF GRFP to study sustainable fertilizers and nutrient cycling at SEAS. His research addresses ecosystem health and sustainable agriculture practices. Brinkerhoff adds that it’s fine if proposed plans include analysis or logistical challenges that seem daunting as long as they are generally achievable. 

Financial Documentation

The GRFP does not require financial need documentation and is awarded based on merit. Applicants should be aware of the GRFP financial terms. The stipend is paid monthly, and the cost of education allowance goes directly to their institution. 

Tips for a Successful Application 

The GRFP application is typically due in mid to late October, although exact dates vary from year to year and field to field. Check the GRFP website for exact dates. 

Starting the application for the GRFP early is important to give students time for multiple rounds of revisions and feedback. “Spend the time you need to write and apply, but don’t lose your entire life writing it,” Brinkerhoff advises. Applicants should request their letters of recommendation at least one month in advance and provide application material that will allow recommenders ample time to provide strong letters. 

Students should seek feedback from multiple sources and utilize connections with faculty in their fields who understand the GRFP review process and can offer insights on strengthening applications. 

Applicants should be authentic in their personal statement. Avoid common clichés and provide specific examples of your commitment to research and sustainability.