"Each year about 12,000 graduate and undergraduate students apply to the respected research pipeline program. But it remains unclear how many applications have been returned before they could be reviewed for scientific merit. NSF told at least one applicant that their proposal included research that made them ineligible for the program, with no further explanation, STAT reported. But students and lab leaders say the research should've been eligible."
"An NSF spokesperson didn't say how many applications were returned without review but said in a statement that program officers screen all applications to see if they are eligible. "An application may be deemed ineligible for several reasons, including failure to meet proposal preparation requirements or eligibility requirements related to degree status, field of study, degree program, or proposed research," the spokesperson said. "This determination is final and indicates that the application will not be considered further.""
NSF returned applications for its Graduate Research Fellowship Program to students without review and did not disclose how many were affected. About 12,000 graduate and undergraduate students apply annually, and up to 2,000 can receive fellowships that include a $37,000 annual stipend for three years. At least one applicant was told their proposal included research that made them ineligible, with no further explanation, and students and lab leaders contend the research should have been eligible. Grant Witness compiled at least 45 examples, and social media responses suggest a larger number. NSF stated that program officers screen applications and that ineligibility determinations are final. The agency recently lost roughly 500 employees, and any connection to the returned applications is unclear.
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