This page outlines how to prepare for your U.S. National Science Foundation panel, site visit or committee of visitors meeting.
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Share your time and expertise while learning more about the NSF merit review process and connecting with NSF staff.
Learn moreBefore your meeting
1. View the conflict-of-interest briefing
You are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may impact or arise during your service. You are also required to maintain the confidentiality of all proposals and applicant identities.
View the short video below on understanding NSF's conflict-of-interest rules and your responsibilities as an NSF panelist.
2. Complete the Conflicts-of-Interests and Confidentiality Statement
After reviewing the conflict-of-interest briefing, please print, read and sign the NSF Conflicts-of-Interests and Confidentiality Statement for NSF Panelists. Once completed and signed, email your statement to the meeting coordinator who invited you to be a panelist.
3. Add/update your reviewer profile information to Research.gov
If you haven't registered with Research.gov before, register an account. Once logged in, click on the "Provide Reviewer Profile Information" link under Reviews & Meetings on the Research.gov homepage. You will be prompted for a unique invitation code, which you should have received by email. Follow the five-step instructions to provide your reviewer profile information.
If you already have an existing account on Research.gov, log in using your existing credentials and update your profile information as needed.
4. Register for your meeting in the Travel and Reimbursement System
Before the day of your panel, you must enter or update your personal data and banking information to ensure NSF can reimburse/compensate you for your service. You must register in the system even if you are attending your panel meeting virtually.
Follow the instructions outlined in the Travel and Reimbursement System fact sheet to register for your meeting and (if appropriate) to plan your travel. Remember that airline and train tickets must be purchased by the NSF travel agency. You will use the credentials included in the Panelist Letter email you received from NSF to complete these steps.
5. Watch the merit reviewer orientation video
NSF's 20-minute video provides instructions on how to write panel reviews. You must watch the briefing if you have not viewed it within the last 12 months.
6. If you are a panelist, prepare your reviews
You will prepare your reviews using the Panel Review System. View the Instructions for the Panel Review System fact sheet for step-by-step guidance on how to log in, view proposals and prepare reviews.
If attending virtually
Review the Tips for Virtual Meetings page to learn how to test your computer setup and review meeting etiquette to ensure a successful meeting.
If attending in person
Review the Visit NSF webpage for information about how to get to NSF, how to access the NSF building, NSF's computer security policy and other important visitor information.
Day of your meeting
If attending virtually
The meeting link will be provided by program staff (most likely via email). View the How to Join a Zoom Meeting fact sheet for guidance.
If attending in person
Please plan to arrive at NSF at least 30 minutes before your scheduled meeting to allow time to pass through security and obtain your visitor pass.
After obtaining your pass, proceed to the designated meeting room in the NSF Panel Conference Center located on the second and third floor.
1. Record your meeting attendance
You must record your attendance each day of your panel using Meeting Sign-in and Reimbursement to receive reimbursement/compensation from NSF. View the Instructions for Meeting Sign-in fact sheet for step-by-step guidance.
2. Log in to the Interactive Panel System
On the day of your panel, you will use the Interactive Panel System to access reviews and proposals and write, edit, comment on and approve panel summaries. View the Instructions for Interactive Panel System fact sheet for step-by-step guidance.