Research Impact: Broader Societal Impacts : Prepare Your NSF Plan

All research has impact. Consult this guide for information and resources about how you can anticipate, communicate, document and assess the impacts of your research upon a network of stakeholders.

Defining Broader Impacts, National Science Foundation (NSF)

"Scientific progress comes in all shapes and sizes. Researchers peer at the microscopic gears of genomes, scan the heavens for clues of our origins. They unearth wind-weathered fossils, labor over complex circuitry, guide students through the maze of learning. Disparate fields, researchers and methods united by one thing: potential. Every NSF grant has the potential to not only advance knowledge, but benefit society -- what we call broader impacts."

--From the report: Broader Impacts: Improving Society, November 12, 2014

Basic tenets:

Building STEM talent
Innovating for the future
Improving our society
Reaching beyond borders
Engaging a wider audience

Strategies for Writing your Broader Impacts Statement

ARIS Broader Impacts Toolkit and Broader Impacts Wizard
Tool to assist with developing a broader impact statement as well as a framework for talking points among partners.
NSF 101: Five Tips for Your Broader Impacts Statement
Writing a Strong, Broader Impacts Statement, NC State University Libraries

Advancing Broader Impacts

Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS)
NSF-funded Center works with researchers and outreach specialists to build capacity toward demonstrating the broader, societal impacts of their work.
Broader Impacts, UW-Madison
Note: While coordination for the BI support network is currently undecided, its site still provides general guidance as well as lists campus partners and opportunities for outreach.