Balancing Broader Impacts: A Study of the NSF's Merit Review Criteria from Individual and Institutional Perspectives
Description
This dissertation examines how the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Merit Review criteria, particularly Broader Impacts (BI), are perceived and valued by researchers, former Program Officers, and institutional officials. Through analysis of surveys, semi-structured interviews, and Large Language Model-assisted transcription of public discussions from the 2023-2024 National Science Board – National Science Foundation Task Force on Merit Review, this study reveals that Intellectual Merit (IM) criterion continues to be prioritized by all parties over Broader Impacts in both the proposal review process and career advancement. Despite increasing support for Broader Impacts, concerns persist about the accessibility of institutional support and the adequacy of default Broader Impacts activities, such as broadening participation through training underrepresented students, which are often seen as superficial. Task Force discussions further highlight how institutional policies shape the official interpretation and implementation of these criteria, emphasizing the evolving concerns over weighting, implementation, and accountability at institutional levels. The findings suggest that the NSF and academic institutions must enhance guidance and support for integrating both criteria, advocating for more equitable recognition of efforts related to Broader Impacts. The development of "Impact Identities" and the establishment of Broader Impacts centers are proposed as strategies to embed societal impact into research practices. However, such centers must be carefully managed to avoid prioritizing fundability over meaningful researcher involvement. Future research should include community and industry perspectives to better understand the broader reception and value of NSF-funded research beyond the academic community.
Details
Contributors
- Wright, Dania (Author)
- Maynard, Andrew (Thesis advisor)
- Jordan, Shawn (Committee member)
- Wylie, Ruth (Committee member)
- Arizona State University (Publisher)
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)
2024
Topical Subject
Resource Type
Language
- eng
Note
- Partial requirement for: Ph.D., Arizona State University, 2024
- Field of study: Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology
Additional Information
English
Extent
- 165 pages