How does the NSF break the good/ bad news?

January 24, 2011 3:46 PM

[Academia Filter] I am familiar with how the Australian Research Council announces the outcomes of applications for funding, but how are things done in the US? How does the National Science Foundation inform grant applicants of whether their grant has been funded or not?
posted by Alice Russel-Wallace to Science & Nature (4 answers total)

The NSF uses a web interface called Fastlane. You can check the status of your awards on this site.
posted by cnanderson at 4:10 PM on January 24, 2011

Best answer: The FastLane computerized application system issues an email when a decision has been made. For well-scored applications that may be fundable, however, Program Officers will typically contact the applicants prior to the final decision to sort out current funding levels, make any necessary changes to the budget, etc. Contact from the PO is not a guarantee of funding, but it's usually a pretty good sign. If you're going to get funded, you'll generally know before the formal decision email is issued.

If you're not getting funded, that email can really blindside you. Ouch.
posted by mr_roboto at 4:13 PM on January 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

Oh, and the rejection emails from NSF always come Friday night. (No, really- it's so you don't call the Program Officer right away.)
posted by JMOZ at 10:54 AM on January 25, 2011

I wish I didn't have grounds to contradict you JMOZ, but I can testify to at least one Monday night rejection email....
posted by mr_roboto at 1:00 PM on January 25, 2011