What must NSF proposals include regarding outreach efforts?

NSF proposals are expected to include a comprehensive outreach plan that is designed to engage diverse communities. This requirement is grounded in the broader mission of the NSF, which emphasizes the importance of broadening participation in science and engineering. A well-structured outreach effort ensures that underrepresented groups have the opportunity to engage with research and educational activities, fostering inclusivity and diversity within the scientific community.

A comprehensive outreach plan demonstrates the proposer's commitment to not only advancing scientific knowledge but also to making that knowledge accessible and beneficial to a wider audience. This can include strategies to reach K-12 educators and students, minority-serving institutions, and other community organizations, thereby encouraging a more inclusive approach within the research field.

In contrast, simply providing a budget or a simple outline of objectives does not suffice, as those elements do not demonstrate a proactive strategy for engaging diverse communities. Moreover, stating that there is no requirement for outreach efforts undermines the NSF’s goals of increasing diversity and promoting equity in STEM fields.