Division of Research

Resources for Research and Public Impact

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Resources for Research and Public Impact

The Research and Public Impact (RPI) Working Group supports colleagues at Brown with research-practice partnerships and research proposals (primarily but not exclusively to federal funding agencies) that include K-12 or other community-based Broader Impacts* activities.

A committee affiliated with the University's Community Engagement Council, the RPI Working Group builds understanding of and capacity for research and teaching partnerships that advance positive social and educational changes within and beyond the University. This work helps faculty align their research efforts with Brown’s Community Engagement Agenda, the expectations of many funders, and the priorities of community partners.

RPI Working Group members include community engagement and broader impacts experts from the Annenberg Institute, the Brown University Library, the Dean of the Faculty office, the Division of Pre-College and Undergraduate Programs, the Division of Research, the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, and the Swearer Center for Public Service.

To learn more and get connected with a member of the Research and Public Impact Working Group, contact orsd@brown.edu. Also see Broader Impacts | Swearer Center for Public Service.

*Broader Impacts is a term used by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to refer to “the potential [of research] to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes.” (Accessed January, 2025).

Current Events

Spring 2025: It's NSF CAREER Season!

Once again, Research Strategy and Development will hold three events to help Brown faculty develop full proposals for an NSF CAREER award (sponsor deadline: July 23; due to Sponsored Projects by July 15).

2025 Federal Proposal Development Workshop (Virtual): Secure an NSF CAREER Award: February 13, 1-4:30 p.m.

  • Presented by the AtKisson Training Group as part of a two-day series on proposal development. Session II of this workshop will focus on NSF CAREER awards.
  • Space is limited. Brief applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a final deadline of Jan. 31. More information.

Informational Workshop (Virtual), with a focus on Broader Impacts: April 8, 12-1 p.m.

  • Hear from past recipients about best practices and receive direct advice to help optimize your chances to secure the award.
  • Register by March 27.

Mock Panel: Week of June 16

  • RSD/Division of Research facilitates a mock panel of scientists in your field at Brown.
  • In advance of the live session, reviewers will read and critique your proposal as they would on an actual NSF review section, sharing their insights in person during the week of June 16 (to be scheduled according to yours’ and panelist’s availability).
  • Register by April 14. Proposals are due to RSD by June 9 to be distributed to reviewers.

 

 

Summary of Important Dates

EventEvent DateImportant InformationOther Dates to Know
2025 Federal Proposal Development Workshop (Virtual)Feb. 13, 1-4:30 p.m.Registration InformationRegistration Deadline: Jan. 31
Informational Workshop on Broader Impacts With Past Recipients (Virtual)April 8, 12-1 p.m.Registration InformationRegistration Deadline: March 27
Mock PanelWeek of June 16Expression of Interest

EOI Due: April 14

Proposals Due to RSD: June 9

Submission Deadlines

  • Due to Sponsored Projects or the BioMed Research Administration (BMRA): July 15
  • Proposal due to NSF: July 23

 

Proposal Development Tasks and Timeline

  • Register by January 31 and attend the Federal Proposal Development Workshop, presented by the AtKisson Training Group, focused on NSF CAREER Awards on February 13th
  • Familiarize yourself with the CAREER solicitation requirements, including the emphasis on Broader Impacts.
  • Create a detailed outline for all proposal sections (e.g., Project Description, Education Activities and Integration with Research, Supplementary Documents)
  • Identify collaborators and secure commitments for necessary letters of support
  • Prepare specific questions for workshop feedback

Complete a full initial draft, including:

  • Cover Sheet
  • Project Summary
  • Project Description
    • Must address proposed research activities, education plan, and broader impacts
  • References Cited
  • Biographical Sketch
  • Budget and Budget Justification
  • Current and Pending Support
  • Facilities, Equipment, and Other Resources
  • Departmental Letter of Support
  • Supplementary Documents (e.g., Data Management Plan, Postdoctoral Mentoring Plan if applicable)
  • Revise the draft based on workshop feedback
  • Ensure all sections align with solicitation guidelines, including formatting and required content
  • Incorporate feedback from the mock panel into the final draft
  • Conduct a thorough proofread for grammar, technical accuracy, and compliance with NSF guidelines
  • Finalize and submit all proposal materials to the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) before the internal deadline

Past Events

Virtual Talk: Importance of Community Engagement and Partnerships in Research (March 1, 2023)

ES/BI hosted a virtual talk by Dr. Alicia Knoedler PhD, Head of the Office of Integrative Activities (OIA), National Science Foundation. Dr. Knoedler shared her insights on best practices for developing research projects in partnership with communities, and how to leverage resources within the NSF to create better "Broader Impacts" for NSF proposals. The recording can be accessed through this Google folder (Brown shibboleth login required).

Resources

The offices that comprise the Research and Public Impacts Working Group offer a variety of resources for developing proposals that require broader impact components, as well as outreach and engaged scholarship activities.

Plan and Write Your BI Proposal

Brown's Existing School and Community Partnerships

Find Funding

Campus Partners