The slides are available HERE. 

The Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS) held a Virtual Office Hour (VOH) on April 18, 2024, providing information on writing a brief description of your research idea (called a 1-pager or concept outline). We also reminded the audience that there is a new Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG, NSF 24-1) going into effect for proposals submitted or due on or after May 20, 2024.   
 

The focal topic this month was how to write a 1-pager. IOS Program Directors provided information on the purpose of the 1-pager including: (1) what to include in your 1-pager, (2) what Program Directors do with your 1-pager to help determine if the proposed research is a good fit to their program and/or other NSF programs, and (3) a template to use when writing a 1-pager (available HERE).  

Good 1-pagers include your overarching question, the big picture of your research area and knowledge gaps you plan to address, your hypothesis, brief descriptions of specific aims, and any preliminary data. Remember to include your Intellectual Merit, Broader Impacts, and information on any solicitation-specific criteria (if applicable) in your 1-pager. 

That’s a lot to fit on one page! Keep background information to a minimum; briefly describe why the research is important and how it advances current knowledge. Use most of the page to explain your hypotheses and your approach(es) to addressing them. It is okay if your 1-pager is slightly longer than 1 page, but please keep it short and focused as this helps us be able to provide feedback quickly. 

Program Directors answered audience questions including: 

When is the best time to send a 1-pager to a Program Director? The best time to send a 1-pager to a Program Director is when you have sketched out your topic of interest, aims, and how you will test your overall model/hypothesis.  Program Directors may raise comments or questions that can lead you to re-think your proposal strategy, so submit your 1-pager early in the proposal development process. Don’t wait too late to submit your 1-pager (especially if there is a proposal due date). 

Is it okay to submit preliminary data or figures in my 1-pager? We all know that graphical abstracts or key figures can help explain difficult concepts. You are welcome to include this type of information in your 1-pager if you feel this is a good use of space.  

Who do I send my 1-pager to if multiple Program Directors are listed on NSF’s website for a cluster or funding opportunity? It is best to email all Program Directors at the same time. 

Join us on May 16, 2024, for our next IOS Virtual Office Hour, which will provide information on the CAREER funding opportunity. Register HERE!