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NSF GRFP

The purpose of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) is to ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States.  The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education.  The GRFP provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education.  NSF especially encourages women, members of underrepresented groups, persons with disabilities, veterans, and undergraduate seniors to apply.  See links here for more information on the program, award, eligibility, application preparation and submission, application review, and administration:

The fellowship is competitive, and those planning to apply should devote sincere effort to their application.  The due dates are in early November (2025).  The Grant Writing Academy and Stanford Biosciences are here to help you through the process.

Have a question about your eligibility for the NSF GRFP or other proposal?  Email Dr. Crystal Botham (cbotham@stanford), Director & Founder of the Stanford Biosciences Grant Writing Academy

In partnership with SBSA, we have planned two activities: 

Register Here for one or both activities (Click Here)​!

Applying to a proposal & need feedback on your draft ?  Join us on Oct 17 1:30-3:30PM!
Mentors with the SBSA Peer Mentoring Program and Grant Coaches with the Grant Writing Academy will be available to answer questions or provide feedback. Bring a printed draft of the NSF GRFP Personal Statement / Research Plan or other proposal draft  for real time feedback. Also, stay a while and bring your computer to write in community with others. Tasty treats will be available and all first year PhD Biosciences students are welcomed to join.
Who: YOU + other 1st Year PhD Students
What: Ask questions & receive feedback
When: October 17 at 1:30-3:30PM
Where: Alway M114
Why: Office Hours for SBSA Peer Mentors and Grant Coaches
Calling all 1st Year PhD Students for a Time to Write!  Join us on Oct 30 10AM-12PM!
The SBSA Peer Mentoring Program and the Grant Writing Academy are co-hosting a Time to Write. Bring your computer to write or revise in community with others. Work on your NSF GRFP proposal or other writing project. Make sure to stop by and enjoy a tasty treat! All first year PhD Biosciences students are welcomed to join.
Who: YOU + other 1st Year PhD Students
What: Time to Write
When: October 30 at 10AM-12PM
Where: Alway M114
Why: Write in community with others & enjoy a tasty snack!

Merit Review Criteria:

NSF instructs applicants to “include separate sections on Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts in each of their written statements in order to provide reviewers with the information necessary to evaluate the application with respect to both Criteria as detailed below. Separate sections under separate headings for Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts must be included in both Personal and Research Plan statements.” Learn More.

  • Intellectual Merit: The Intellectual Merit criterion encompasses the potential to advance knowledge. How important is the proposed activities to advancing knowledge within its own field or across different fields?
  • Broader Impacts: The Broader Impacts criterion encompasses the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes. How well does the proposed activity benefit society or advance desired societal outcomes?

The following elements should be considered in the review for both criteria:

  1. What is the potential for the proposed activity to:
        • Advance knowledge and understanding within its own field or across different fields (Intellectual Merit); and
        • Benefit society or advance desired societal outcomes (Broader Impacts)?
  2. To what extent do the proposed activities suggest and explore creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts?
  3. Is the plan for carrying out the proposed activities well-reasoned, well-organized, and based on a sound rationale? Does the plan incorporate a mechanism to assess success?
  4. How well qualified is the individual, team, or organization to conduct the proposed activities?
  5. Are there adequate resources available to the PI (either at the home organization or through collaborations) to carry out the proposed activities?

Proposal Components:

  • Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement (3-pages)
  • Graduate Research Statement (2-pages)
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of reference (2 mandatory, up to 5 can be provided, NSF recommends including 3)

Helpful Links:

From MIT Broad Institute:

NSF GRFP – Examples & Tips: https://www.alexhunterlang.com/nsf-fellowship