Reader Instructions
PLEASE NOTE: All applications forwarded to the readers have been reviewed by STPF staff, and have been deemed eligible for a fellowship based on STPF’s eligibility criteria.
Online Review Process
Reviewers assigned to applications will input scores via the online application review system. Once logged in, each reviewer is able to access and review the applications assigned to them on their Home page.
Ratings of the applicants provide a means by which to compare applications for purposes of initial sorting. Final fellowship award decisions are based on later Selection Committee discussions and rankings, including a round of interviews.
Scores in the five rating areas (detailed under Criteria & Scoring) will be totaled automatically by the online system. Reviewers may stop and save score sheets in progress and return to them later using the “Save scores in progress” button, but must click “Save for final submission” when ready to finalize. When each score sheet is submitted, applications will be automatically moved to a subsection on the home page: Scored Applications and Pending Finalization. Scores may be changed at any time prior to clicking the final “Finalize All Applications” or “Finalize Selected Applications” buttons. Before clicking either of the Finalize buttons, reviewers should assess the overall scores to ensure that their rankings across applicants are consistent and appropriate, using the guidelines outlined in the Reader Instructions resources.
When the reviewer is satisfied with all scores and comments, they must click the Finalize All Applications button. Once scores and comments are finalized, they cannot be changed.
Review Considerations
STPF seeks applicants from an array of disciplines in science and engineering. Applicants come from a range of sectors, including academia, industry, and nonprofit. Applicants also represent a broad range of career stages, from recently graduated postdoctoral scholars to mid-career professionals and faculty on sabbatical, to retired individuals.
This section presents important considerations for reviewers to keep in mind throughout the candidate assessment and selection process.
Career Stage
A range of career stages is represented in the pool of applicants, which can make comparisons among applicants challenging. STPF assesses career stage based on the number of years since the Ph.D. was conferred.
Applicants at an earlier stage in their career are not expected to have accomplished as much as more senior individuals. Applicants earlier in their career may have fewer publications, grants, collaborative activities, or a shorter history of leadership roles. This should be taken into consideration when assessing and scoring the applicants.
Disciplinary Diversity
Often it is difficult to make comparisons among applicants from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and professional fields. For instance, the number and type of publications, products, patents, and professional activities (typically driven by the priorities of the institutional settings in which the applicants have worked) may vary greatly. These contextual factors should be considered when assessing and scoring the applicants.
Institutional Affiliation
STPF welcomes applicants from academic institutions, the nonprofit sector, industry, and local or state-level governments. In addition, we welcome applicants in contractor or temporary positions in federal labs and other entities; permanent federal employees are ineligible.
Previous Applications
There is no limit to the number of times an individual may apply for an STPF fellowship if the applicant has not previously been selected for a fellowship or has not previously accepted a fellowship. A applicant’s application history should not be a factor in assessing their current application.
Applications from Current/Alumni Fellows
STPF accepts applications from current and alumni fellows who present compelling, valid rationale for the value and benefit of a second fellowship opportunity, and who clearly articulate how they will apply the additional experience in the future. An individual may participate in no more than two fellowship program areas.