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Title: Environment, Society and the Economy: ESE Answers to Frequently
        Asked Questions
Date: 04/30/09




Environment, Society and the Economy: ESE Answers to Frequently
Asked Questions

The Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE)
and the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) seek to increase
collaboration between the geosciences and the social, behavioral and
economic sciences by augmenting funding for interdisciplinary
research related to the Environment, Society and the Economy (ESE).

The following document answers frequently asked questions from the
Dear Colleague Letter on Environment, Society and the Economy -- see
NSF 09-031 http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsf09031/nsf09031.jsp.



  1. Do I submit my proposal to ESE directly?

     No. ESE is not a program. Rather, it is an opportunity for
     core programs in the Social, Behavioral, and Economics
     Sciences (SBE) and the Geosciences (GEO) to support
     interdisciplinary research that advances knowledge in
     programs within both SBE and GEO. Proposals will be
     reviewed by the relevant core programs in both
     directorates.  Funds have been made available by
     Directorates to support this kind of research.

  2. How are ESE proposals reviewed? Is the process different than
     for other proposals?

     At least one GEO and one SBE program will review each
     proposal. The key to funding as an ESE award is that the
     proposed project has intellectual merit and broader
     impacts for both disciplines. If successfully reviewed by
     both programs, the program officers will recommend the
     proposal for funding.

  3. How do I determine which programs in GEO and SBE most closely
     relate to my project?

     Once you have developed your concept of a project that
     would bridge the two directorates, visit
     http://www.nsf.gov to identify one program within GEO that
     looks most appropriate for your geoscience component, and
     one within SBE that looks appropriate for your
     social-science component. You will need to have a concept
     that will advance knowledge in both directorates, but you
     should also identify a lead program where the most
     significant contribution to knowledge is likely to be
     made.

  4. Can the proposed work include the biological sciences, or any
     other divisions outside SBE and GEO?

     Yes. These additional programs could be within SBE, GEO,
     or even other directorates provided both SBE and GEO
     programs are involved. You may also suggest other programs
     for co-review if you are making contributions to the
     literatures supported by other programs.

  5. If my proposal is appropriate for CNH, or a special competition
     that involves both GEO and SBE, can it also be considered for
     ESE support?

     No. The proposal must be submitted to standing programs.
     ESE aims to support research projects that can be jointly
     reviewed and jointly supported by the standing programs in
     both GEO and SBE. While many proposals that focus on the
     full range of interactions and feedbacks within and among
     relevant geoscience, social- and behavioral-science, and
     bioscience systems might be appropriate for CNH (Dynamics
     of Coupled Natural and Human Systems), you will need to
     determine whether your project should be considered in the
     interdisciplinary framework within which CNH proposals are
     reviewed, or whether you'd like your proposal jointly
     evaluated by the relevant GEO and SBE core programs. The
     same holds for special competitions such as DMUU (Decision
     Making Under Uncertainty) and other special competitions.

  6. What scope and funding level is appropriate for individual ESE
     proposals?

     Funding levels should be consistent with the scope of the
     proposed work. A “recommended amount” is not
     given in the Dear Colleague Letter because typical award
     sizes generally vary by program. There is a cost
     associated with working interdisciplinarily, and that
     should also be considered in the budget.

  7. Are there deadlines or target dates for submission of
     proposals?

     Yes. Visit the relevant program pages at
     http://www.nsf.gov to identify the relevant dates for your
     lead program and your secondary program. If they are
     within one or two months of each other, you should use the
     one specified by your lead program. As a courtesy, e-mail
     your lead program officer to alert him or her to the
     second deadline. If your lead program does not have a
     deadline or target date, you should guide yourself by the
     secondary program’s deadline.

  8. How will the relevant programs identify my proposal as one to
     be considered for ESE funding?

     Preface your title with the acronym: “ESE: [Your
     full title]”

  9. What should I do if I still have questions?

     If you are uncertain if your proposal is appropriate for a
     specific program, develop a brief (2-page maximum)
     overview of your project idea, along with some relevant
     references, and e-mail it to the most relevant program
     officer. If you have other questions about ESE, e-mail
     Robert O’Connor at roconnor@nsf.gov or Susan Weiler
     at cweiler@nsf.gov.