What are the reporting requirements after project completion for NSF-funded projects?

For NSF-funded projects, the reporting requirements after project completion emphasize the necessity of a comprehensive final report that details the findings and outcomes of the research. This final report is crucial because it serves as a formal document that encapsulates the entire project, including its objectives, the methodology employed, the results obtained, and the implications of those results.

This finalized documentation not only fulfills the accountability mandates of the NSF but also contributes to the broader scientific community by disseminating knowledge, which can aid in future research and funding decisions. Providing a thorough final report ensures transparency and allows the NSF to assess the impact and effectiveness of its investments in research projects.

While other options, such as a public presentation or participant satisfaction surveys, may also be part of a project's outreach or evaluation strategy, they do not fulfill the formal requirement that the NSF places on researchers to submit an exhaustive final report outlining their work. A brief summary of goals might provide an overview, but it lacks the depth required to fully convey the project's outcomes and findings. Thus, the emphasis on a detailed final report aligns with NSF's standards for funding accountability and research contribution.