Close-up view of a semiconductor chip with a grid of rectangular components in shades of purple, blue, and orange. The image highlights intricate circuit patterns and reflective surfaces.

NSF broader impacts

Broader impacts refer to the potential for a proposed research project to benefit society and contribute to societal outcomes.

There are two merit criteria for proposals submitted to the National Science Foundation (NSF): broader impacts (BI) and intellectual merit. Relevant outcomes for broader impacts criteria include:

The inclusion of women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented minorities in STEM.
The improvement of STEM education and educator development.
Increased public scientific literacy.
Workforce development.
Partnerships between academia and industry, and more.

Typically, Fulton Schools faculty advance broader impacts by working with four primary audiences: K-12 students, undergraduates, graduate students, and professional groups.

ORIEN research services staff have gathered these resources to help you design the broader impacts section for your next NSF proposal.

NSF Broader Impacts exemplars

Get inspired by this diverse set of Broader Impacts exemplars from the last few years.

Inspired? Our guides can provide even more inspiration.

We have created two guides to assist you in developing your broader impacts statements. One is specific to NSF CAREER grant development.

The guides include:

Resources, links, and sample questions.
Explanation of the desired outcomes.
Links to external resources.
Examples and strategies for BI activities development.
Strategies to avoid potential weaknesses of a BI plan.
Specific questions and considerations for those developing an NSF CAREER proposal.

General guide

Get the general guide

NSF CAREER guide

Get the NSF career guide

Additional assistance for faculty

NSF CAREER awardees in the Fulton Schools

NSF CAREER recognizes faculty with the potential for leadership in the integration of research and education, including innovative and impactful BI activities.

Meet all our awardees