The National Science Foundation (NSF) has introduced a new policy requiring principal investigators (PIs) to submit a graduate student mentoring plan as part of their funding applications. This new requirement extends the existing policy for postdoctoral researchers to include graduate students. Here are the key details:
Policy Overview
Requirement: PIs must submit a one-page mentoring plan for graduate students and postdocs involved in their projects.
IDPs: PIs must certify annually that graduate students and postdocs receiving substantial support from the grant have active Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
Background
Legislation: Mandated by the America COMPETES Act of 2022, building on a similar requirement from 2007 for postdocs.
Objective: To create a structured and accountable mentoring environment for early-career researchers.
Mentoring Plan Details
Content: The plan should describe the mentoring activities, which may include:
Career counseling
Training for proposals, publications, and presentations
Teaching and mentoring skill improvement
Collaboration guidance
Training in responsible professional practices
Guidance: No specific template is provided, but examples of good mentoring practices are available on the Innovations in Graduate Education Hub.
Evaluation
Review Process: Mentoring plans will be evaluated as part of the “broader impacts” section of the proposal. Reviewers will receive program-specific guidance and the evaluation process will evolve over time.
Applicability
GRFP: The policy also applies to institutions hosting NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) students. These institutions must provide mentoring activities and certify IDPs for fellows starting in the 2024-25 fellowship year.
IDP Template: No standard template from NSF, but institutions may use existing templates that map educational goals, career exploration, and professional development.
Who is Affected: The policy applies to graduate students and postdocs who receive substantial NSF support (at least one person-month of support per year). It does not apply to postbaccalaureate researchers, lab technicians, or administrative staff.
Implementation
Certification: Institutions must certify the existence of IDPs annually.
Support: Resources like the Science Careers myIDP website are recommended for developing IDPs.
This policy aims to foster a supportive and structured mentoring environment, enhancing the development and retention of STEM talent.
