Science Secrets: NSF Hides Proposal Reviews All Year
Published Date: 8/6/2025
Notice
Summary
The National Science Foundation (NSF) will hold secret meetings all year to review and decide which research proposals get funding. These meetings protect private info and won’t be open to the public, but you can check the NSF website for schedules and updates. If you’re a researcher or involved in proposals, keep an eye out—these reviews shape who gets money and when.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
NSF Will Hold Closed Proposal Reviews
The National Science Foundation will hold proposal review meetings throughout the year to review and evaluate grant proposals and the progress of awarded proposals. These meetings will be closed to the public because they include proprietary technical information, financial data (such as salaries), and personal information, and are exempt under 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4) and (6). Meetings will primarily take place at NSF headquarters, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314.
NSF Will Post Panel Schedules Online Quarterly
NSF will not announce individual closed proposal review meetings in the Federal Register; instead it intends to publish a similar notice quarterly and provide an advance listing on its website at https://nsf.gov/events/proposal-review-panels with panel names, time, date, place, and any changes. You can also request this information by calling 703/292-8687.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20332, Proposal Review Committee Name Changes
The National Science Foundation is changing the names of eight of its proposal review committees to better match their new focus after a recent reorganization. These new names take effect on October 1, 2026, and affect researchers and businesses submitting proposals. No changes to funding or deadlines are mentioned, just clearer committee titles to help everyone know who’s reviewing what.
2026-20339, Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
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