Broader impacts or merit review?

August 29, 2011 | Author: AAAS MemberCentral Blogger Daryl E. Chubin

Earlier this year, NSF solicited reaction to proposed change in its “broader impacts” criterion (also known as Criterion 2). Yet concerns have been raised about the National Science Board-mandated criterion for over a decade: What does broader impacts mean? How inclusive is it -- education at all levels, public outreach, participation of underrepresented groups in science and engineering, mentoring, student research experiences, etc.? Along with “technical merit,” reviewers must judge promised applications of research findings or social benefits that flow from NSF project funding.

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