Other / non-NIH

How this application is scored, and how to structure it

Condensed Matter and Materials Theory

U.S. National Science Foundation

General proposal structure

This opportunity is not an NIH R/F/K mechanism (or we could not identify one), so no NIH scoring framework is asserted. Always follow the funder's own published criteria — the structure below is a sane default, not their rubric.

Set by the funder — check the announcement.

This funder does not publish review criteria that we could read, so the structure below is general best practice, not their rubric. Always follow the announcement.

What reviewers score

Significance / Fit

see announcement
Reviewers are asked
Does this address something the funder cares about?
So write
Mirror the funder's own language about its priorities, and state the fit explicitly.
Commonly loses points for
  • Generic proposal with no evidence the announcement was read

Approach

see announcement
Reviewers are asked
Is the plan rigorous and achievable?
So write
Design, controls, analysis, alternatives, timeline.
Commonly loses points for
  • No feasibility evidence
  • No contingency

Team & Resources

see announcement
Reviewers are asked
Can these people do it here?
So write
Map capabilities to people and facilities; include letters.
Commonly loses points for
  • Required expertise absent from the team

Section-by-section outline

  1. 1.Summary / Aims

    1 page

    The standalone argument.

    Must include

    • Problem, gap, objective, aims, payoff

    Avoid

    • Methods presented as aims

  2. 2.Approach

    Per announcement

    The plan.

    Must include

    • Per aim: design, controls, statistics, alternatives
    • Timeline

    Avoid

    • Overambitious scope

  3. 3.Team, Resources & Budget

    Per announcement

    Feasibility.

    Must include

    • Who does what
    • Instrument/facility access with letters
    • Justified budget

    Avoid

    • Unjustified budget lines

Strategy notes for this mechanism

  • Read the announcement's review criteria and restructure to match its headings exactly.
  • Contact the programme contact listed in the announcement before writing.

Eligibility for this opportunity: *Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: -Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. -Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) - Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members.Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal include

Structure and review criteria are compiled from published funder guidance and were verified in July 2026. NIH revises these, so confirm against the current announcement before you submit. This is drafting scaffolding, not a substitute for your programme officer or research development office.

Read the official announcement →← Back to opportunity