The success of the U.S. National Science Foundation's peer review process, which enables the agency to make wise investments in science and engineering, depends on the willingness of qualified reviewers like you to share your time and expertise.
Your experience and up-to-date knowledge enable you to provide helpful advice to NSF program officers on the merits of proposals and constructive comments to proposers that strengthen their projects.
You can help by volunteering to review proposals in your area of expertise. We also encourage you to share this page with your colleagues; we welcome qualified reviewers from academia, industry, nonprofits and the government sector.
On this page
Benefits to you as a reviewer
In addition to providing a great service to NSF and the science and engineering community, reviewers benefit from reviewing and serving on panels. Reviewers:
- Gain first-hand knowledge of the peer review process.
- Learn about common problems with proposals.
- Discover strategies to write strong proposals.
- Can meet colleagues and NSF program officers managing programs related to their interests.
What does a reviewer do?
Reviews come in two types: panelist and ad hoc. These two roles are complementary.
- A panelist reviews a relatively large number of proposals, rating each one. Each proposal is reviewed by multiple panelists and then all panelists participate in a multiday discussion of each proposal's merits. Panels can meet in person or virtually. In-person panelists are reimbursed for travel costs to NSF headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, and both in-person and virtual panelists are provided a flat rate for their time.
- An "ad hoc" reviewer is asked to review just one proposal at a time (rarely two) and does not attend a panel meeting. The individual ratings from ad hoc reviewers are provided to panelists after the panelists have submitted their reviews and in time for the panel discussion. Ad hoc reviewers are not reimbursed for their time.
How to become a reviewer
For most of NSF's funding programs, you can express interest in serving as a reviewer by sending an email to the NSF program officer(s) of the program(s) that fits your expertise. Introduce yourself, identify your areas of expertise and let them know that you are interested in becoming a peer reviewer. It is most helpful if you also attach a 2-page CV with your current contact information.
Reviewing for the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO):
If you're interested in reviewing for a program managed by BIO, you should complete a survey expressing your interest. Learn more about serving as an NSF BIO reviewer.
Reviewing for the Directorate for Engineering (ENG):
If you're interested in reviewing for a program managed by ENG, you should complete ENG's survey to express your interest.
Reviewing for the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO):
If you're interested in reviewing for a program managed by GEO, you can learn more and complete GEO's interest survey.
Reviewing for the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS):
Some MPS divisions have reviewer interest surveys. To review for other MPS divisions, contact the program officer(s) for your program(s) of interest.
If you are selected as a reviewer, NSF will ask you to provide some demographic information on a voluntary basis1. Although submission of demographic information by reviewers is voluntary (and there are no adverse consequences if it is not provided) reviewers are strongly encouraged to provide this information to NSF. These data are used in the design, implementation and monitoring of NSF efforts to increase the participation of various groups in science and engineering.
1 Collection of personal information is authorized by the "National Science Foundation Act of 1950," as amended. The data are protected by the "Privacy Act," which means NSF will not give this information to anyone outside NSF unless legally required or specifically authorized by law.