The NSF is looking for great examples of NSF-funded research that has produced compelling impacts. NSF’s criteria document is attached. Any suggestions should be emailed to: [log in to unmask]

Criteria for Compelling Impacts


How do you know if a research or project outcome will make a good Impact?

A strong NSF Impact provides a measurable contribution to the economy, the nation’s security or knowledge that will help sustain the U.S. as a global leader. Impacts align with NSF’s messaging: NSF is vital because we support basic research and people to create knowledge that transforms our future. This support:
• Is a primary driver of the U.S. economy
• Enhances our nation’s security
• Advances our knowledge to sustain global leadership

An Impacts topic should demonstrate how the research makes a difference to society, economy, industry, the nation, a region, or to advancing the fields of science and engineering. It should have enough detail to answer the questions, “So what? Why does this matter?”

Other benchmarks to help you decide:
• Relevance: Does impact describe an outcome with already realized or potential societal benefits or an outcome that advances the field? Is the outcome something your neighbor might be excited to hear about? Or something that would grab the attention of lots of your colleagues?
• Currency: Is the impact related to a topic that is currently in the news? Examples in 2015 would be extreme weather, Ebola, internet security. Or, does the highlight relate to a hot topic in the field?
• Breadth: Does the outcome pertain to lots of people? Whole industries or populations?
• Prominence: Does the impact pertain to someone or some entity that is well-known?
• Surprise: Is the outcome unique or a game-changer in the field? Does the impact describe outcomes that seem counter-intuitive? Was the outcome the result of following a nontraditional path?

Steer clear of topics that:
• Describe research-in-progress or iterative results
• Profile projects or people
• Summarize workshops or conferences
• Detail a newly published paper, unless the details of the paper suggest a potentially transformative breakthrough

Graduate Student Appreciation Week
April 10-15, 2017
In recognition of graduate students and their
valuable contribution to the Dartmouth community.

Underrepresented Minority Graduate Student Lunch
Monday, April 10 @ 12 noon
53 Commons, Room 204

Join Assistant Dean of Recruiting and Diversity Jane Seibel and fellow graduate students
in a discussion about navigating graduate school as an underrepresented minority
graduate student at Dartmouth.

STEPS Report from Congressional Visit Day
Tuesday April 11th, 1pm Haldeman 124

STEPS is sending a delegation to participate in a Congressional Visit Day the first week of April. We will be reporting back what we learned about communicating science to policy makers
and our experiences on Capitol Hill. We will also be talking about the future prospects
of science funding from our discussions with our representatives.
As always, we will provide lunch to those who rsvp on Facebook or by email to [log in to unmask] https://www.facebook.com/events/1038668602905514/


Graduate Poster Session
Tuesday, April 11, 5-7:30 pm
Alumni Hall
This annual forum allows graduate students to display and present their scholarly work to the Dartmouth community. Prizes awarded to the top four presenters.
The Poster Session will also host the award ceremony for the Graduate Faculty Mentoring Award and the Graduate Community Award.


Outstanding Grad Student Teacher Appreciation Lunch
Thursday, April 13, 12-1:30 pm in DCAL (102 Baker Library)
Graduate students who have been nominated by undergraduates for their teaching, either in a classroom or research setting, will be invited to lunch at DCAL.





IGMP Social
One Wheelock
Wednesday, April 12, 7-9 pm
Please join the International Graduate Mentorship Program (IGMP) for a social gathering in honor of the graduate appreciation week. We will be having pizza, beer and desserts at One Wheelock in Collis. This event is open to all graduate students not just international students. We look forward to seeing you all.

Navigating Graduate School
Friday, April 14, 12-1:30 pm
31 Haldeman
Senior graduate students, from multiple academic programs, share their tips and strategies for having a successful graduate school experience. Lunch provided.


Open Mic Night 4.0
Friday, April 14, 7-10 pm
One Wheelock

Happy Grad Appreciation Week! The One Wheelock stage is yours on April 14 between 7 PM and 10 PM! Come sing, play an instrument, read a piece of your writing, do a monologue/comedy sketch, lip synch battle with a friend or just stop by for a night of entertainment! 

Cold craft beers, refreshments and snacks await! To perform, or book a slot for your "act", please blitz the Graduate Student Activities Coordinator, Preetha Sebastian. Also contact Preetha for sound, or instrument-related questions. Alternatively sign up at the door, but signing up ahead of time is preferred to make time for everyone.

Please don't hesitate to contact Preetha with any other questions, comments or concerns. Don't forget to bring your Dartmouth IDs! You must be 21 to drink.

Here is the link to the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1633414496675862/


Take your Faculty to Coffee at Morano’s

Happy Grad Appreciation Week! It's the perfect time for you to take your time to take your advisor to coffee, and it's ON US! To show you some #DartGRADLove, we want to give you the opportunity to talk to your advisor in a non-academic setting. Come by our office on 37 Dewey Field Road during grad appreciation week and pick up two coffee gift cards to Morano Gelato - one for you and one for your advisor! Come by before we run out of gift cards, and have a great time!