NSF Panel Discusses Broader Impacts in Evolving Funding Landscape
On December 11, 2025, the Research Development Office at Boston University will host an interactive virtual panel discussion focusing on how National Science Foundation (NSF) reviewers are assessing broader impacts in the current funding landscape. This event aims to equip attendees with actionable insights and strategies for enhancing their NSF proposal submissions.
Understanding Broader Impacts in Today’s Environment
As funding priorities shift, the NSF’s expectations regarding broader impacts have also evolved. Colleagues who have recently served as NSF reviewers will share their experiences from the review process. They will provide specific recommendations for crafting effective broader impacts sections, which have become increasingly critical in securing funding.
Participants will learn how reviewers interpret broader impacts in today’s funding climate. The session will feature practical strategies for integrating societal impacts into proposals, with examples drawn from successful recent reviews. This approach aims to demystify the review process and enhance the overall quality of submissions.
Panel Insights and Support Resources
The panel will include insights from several experts in research development. Lloyd Munjanja, Director of Research Development, will moderate the discussion. He will be joined by Sean Elliot, a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Sarah Hokanson, Assistant Vice President and Assistant Provost for Research Development and PhD & Postdoctoral Affairs, and Paul Trunfio, a Lecturer in Physics. Each panelist will bring unique perspectives on the integration of broader impacts into research proposals.
The discussion will also highlight how the Research Development Office can assist researchers in formulating strategies aimed at strengthening large, complex, and center-scale proposals. By collaborating with this office, researchers can enhance their interdisciplinary projects, aligning them more closely with NSF’s funding criteria.
For those interested in attending, an RSVP is required. Additionally, accommodations for accessibility, including ASL interpreters and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), can be requested by emailing [email protected].
This panel represents an important opportunity for researchers to adapt to the changing funding environment and elevate their proposal submissions with a clear focus on broader societal impacts.
