What are “Broader Impacts”?
The National Science Foundation (NSF) states that “NSF projects, in the aggregate, should contribute more broadly to achieving societal goals. These broader impacts may be accomplished through the research itself, through activities that are directly related to specific research projects, or through activities that are supported by, but are complementary to, the project”. As such, broader impacts, along with intellectual merit, is one of the primary criteria used to evaluate all NSF funding applications. Proposals with strongly conceived broader impacts distinguish themselves in the large applicant pool. General broader impacts themes might include but are not limited to:
- Full participation of women, persons with disabilities and underrepresented minorities in STEM
- Improved STEM education and educator development at any level.
- Increased public scientific literacy and public engagement with science and technology.
- Improved well-being of individuals in society.
- Development of a diverse, globally competitive STEM workforce.
- Increased partnerships between academia, industry and others.
- Improved national security.
- Increased economic competitiveness of the U.S.
- Enhanced infrastructure for research and education.
Reading List – Broader Impacts
- ARIS NABI Broader Impacts Guiding Principals.
- NSF 101: Five tips for your Broader Impacts Statement.
- NSF’s Perspectives on Broader Impacts.
- Dear Colleague Letter on a “Broader Impact Framework” from SBE- useful tips for everyone on how to fit your work into a structured framework to better clarify your Broader Impacts statement.
- NSF Website: Broadening Participation, Inclusion & Accessibility.
Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC) Plans
In July 2017, CISE began a pilot effort for broadening participation in computing that was announced via a Dear Colleague Letter. The introduction of Broadening Participation in Computing Plans is an expression of CISE’s support of meaningful actions to address the longstanding underrepresentation of various populations including women, minorities (African Americans/Blacks, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Native Pacific Islanders, and persons from economically disadvantaged backgrounds), and persons with disabilities, in the computing field.
A BPC Plan describes how a PI or department will contribute to Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC) in a meaningful way. NSF CISE defines BPC Plans for departments (Departmental BPC Plans) and PIs (Project BPC Plans).
Reading List for BPC Plans
- NSF Website: Broadening Participation, Inclusion & Accessibility
- FAQ for CISE BPC Pilot
- BPCnet Resource Portal (Information and resources for developing BPC Plans)
Partners for Broader Impacts and Broadening Participation Planning
Broader Impacts Partners and Resource List (OVCR RDO)
Visit this extensive list of WU and external partners for your BI/BPC plans.
Engineering Partners
Division of Engineering Education
The division develops and adopts innovative approaches to engineering education and support the McKelvey School departments and educational initiatives.
Teaching Technology Resources – Engineering IT
Software and technology available to McKelvey School faculty and instructors
Undergraduate Research Opportunities – Engineering
Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs at the McKelvey School of Engineering
Resource List
Broader Impacts – RDO
OVCR Research Development Office website for Broader Impacts Resources
Learn about Broader Impacts and find resources for developing plans.
Center for Diversity and Inclusion
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion enhances and strengthens Washington University’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.
The center’s staff supports and advocates for students from traditionally underrepresented or marginalized populations and creates collaborative partnerships with campus and community members to promote dialogue and social change.
CIRCLE
Education Research and Evaluation: Works with faculty to investigate effectiveness of teaching innovations, and use findings to inform and refine classroom practices.
Diversity & Inclusion Training Opportunities
Diversity & Inclusion Training listings for students and faculty & staff.
Division of Engineering Education
The division develops and adopts innovative approaches to engineering education and support the McKelvey School departments and educational initiatives.
Engineering Communication Center
This center offers coursework to prepare students for careers in engineering. They are dedicated to students’ professional development and social and environmental awareness so they can contribute their problem-solving strengths to real-world challenges.
Institute for School Partnership
The Institute for School Partnership Designs and models strategic partnerships between K-12 institutions and Washington University that are focused on improving students’ development and success. Engineering faculty may contact Chris Mohr to discuss ideas for and incorporating broader impact and outreach into their proposals.
National Alliance for Broader Impacts
An international network of individuals and organizations working together to build institutional capacity, advance broader impacts, and demonstrate the societal benefits of research. Click here to download a pdf with some Guiding Principles.
Teaching Technology Resources – Engineering IT
Software and technology available to McKelvey School faculty and instructors
The Teaching Center
The Teaching Center works with faculty from all schools at Washington University to design and evaluate evidence-based pedagogy. Also provides formalized training in effective teaching for graduate students and postdocs.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities – Engineering
Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs at the McKelvey School of Engineering
WU Summer Programs for High School Students
Summer programs for highly motivated high school students