Scientific Justification

This is where you upload a file containing the scientific justification of the proposal, including figures and references. Only PDF or ASCII formats are allowed. Color figures are allowed. A possible template file is available at: sample justification template.  This is provided as an example, but you are welcome to use your own formatting if you prefer.  The justification must obey strict page limits, as follows:

  • Regular or Triggered proposals will be allowed a maximum of four (4) one-sided pages (US letter sized) with 11 point font (minimum) to present the scientific justification.  The maximum number of pages and minimum font size include figure captions, table captions, table headers and content, and references. Fonts in rescaled figures should be legible.  There should be a minimum of one inch margins on all sides.
  • Large proposals will be allowed a maximum of six (6) one-sided pages (US letter sized) with 11 point font (minimum) to present the scientific justification.  The maximum number of pages and minimum font size include figure captions, table captions, table headers and content, and references. Fonts in rescaled figures should be legible.  There should be a minimum of one inch margins on all sides.
  • DDT proposals will be allowed a maximum of two (2) one-sided pages (US letter sized) with 11 point font (minimum) to present the scientific justification.  The maximum number of pages and minimum font size include figure captions, table captions, table headers and content, and references. Fonts in rescaled figures should be legible.  There should be a minimum of one inch margins on all sides.

The size of the uploaded Scientific Justification may not exceed 16MB. If the file is larger the upload will fail until it is below this limit. Typically these large Scientific Justification file sizes are due to high-resolution or high-density graphics included in the file; such figures should be reduced in size before incorporating them to stay within the upload limit.

The cover information form is not counted as part of these page and size limits.

Click on the Add'' button to upload a file from disk. Once the file is uploaded a preview of the scientific justification should be displayed on this page. (N.B., you cannot click on the preview pages to magnify or download. The display is to confirm that the scientific justification has been successfully uploaded.) Once a file has been uploaded there will be three buttons to Download'', Replace'', or Delete'' the scientific justification.

Connect with NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.