CEDAR email: Community Letter from Heliophysics R&A Lead, NASA HQ

[Le, Guan (GSFC-6750)]

Dear Heliophysics community,

Every year the NASA Heliophysics Division runs multiple science competitions. Each competition has between ten and three hundred submissions, and each proposal requires at least two panelists. That means about four hundred panelists are needed every year. But it really means we contact four thousand community members, because for every one who agrees to serve, nine others say no.  

This year, the Division is offering more, new funding opportunities, and needs your help--more than ever--to ensure that all proposals receive a high-quality review.

When you write a proposal, you expect to receive a quality review.  That review requires qualified reviewers.  You can return the favor and join us in the review process for a different competition. Community participation is essential to identify the most meritorious proposals.

Participation in the proposal review process is something that can benefit every reviewer. Those earlier in their career are exposed to new perspectives and unique structures of science, and see the details of how proposals are evaluated. For scientists in leadership positions, this offers a break from management and gives an opportunity to focus exclusively on science.

Regardless of the stage of your career, the best bonus of participating in reviews is enhancing your ability to write successful proposals to further your career and science.

We understand that you are very busy, and that reviewing proposals takes significant time and effort. Your investment of this time and effort makes a valuable contribution to the NASA Heliophysics program and to your professional community. NASA covers panelists’ travel, lodging, food, and other associated costs, and also provides a daily honorarium for each day a panelist participates in the process.   

Please volunteer at https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels or just say, “Yes” the next time a program scientist from NASA Heliophysics sends you an invitation.  Do your part to keep the Heliophysics program strong and vibrant. We are counting on you!

 
Mona Kessel
Research & Analysis Lead
Heliophysics, NASA HQ
mona.kessel at nasa.gov