Overview
Not every project will require a proposal for federal funding. However, familiarity with expectations for scientific rigor can help you develop and design a sound and well-justified project. When researchers prepare a proposal for funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the National Science Foundation (NSF) they often have to include sections of their proposal dedicated to this justification. These federal requirements change over time, so instead of summarizing them in detail, we direct you below to their websites.
Scientific Rigor Expectations in the NIH
Visit the NIH Guidance on Rigor page here, and spend some time exploring. Think of a project you have proposed or worked on. Then reflect on the following questions.
NIH Guidance: Rigor and Reproducibility in Grant Applications
- Were you surpised by the amount and specificity of guidance provided for NIH proposals? Why or why not?
- Would you be able to justfiy your project using the standards provided? Why or why not?
- Is there a way to improve or support your project or proposal through adoptiong of the NIH standards for rigor?
Scientific Rigor Expectations in the NSF
Visit the NSF Guidance on Rigor page here, and spend some time exploring. Think of a project you have proposed or worked on. Then reflect on the following questions.
NSF Dear Colleague: Reproducibility and Replicability in Science
- Were you surpised by difference in guidance from the NSF to the NIH? Why or why not?
- Would you be able to justfiy your project using the NSF standards provided? Why or why not?
- Is there a way to improve or support your project or proposal through adoptiong of the NSF standards for rigor?