Proposal Evaluation and Time Allocation

Semester News

Proposals to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) and the Green Bank Observatory (GBO) for the scientific use of its telescopes are evaluated on the basis of scientific merit and technical feasibility using a panel-based proposal review system.  This joint process is run by the NRAO in accordance with it’s policy of non-discrimination and inclusion.  A panel-based proposal review system is used to ensure that scientifically knowledgeable peers representing the broad diversity of the community at large provide expert proposal evaluations. We believe that inclusiveness and broad representation of our users produces the most compelling scientific program.  Volunteer to become a NRAO/GBO proposal science reviewer.

In June 2016, the NRAO informed all current members of its review panels that gender-related systematic effects had been identified in the NRAO proposal review process (see the memo on Gender-Related Systematics in the NRAO Proposal Review Processes).  The results of a study of such effects undertaken by the Observatory was released on astro-ph on 15 November 2016.  This report together with updated information is available on the Gender-Related Systematics Reports page (also see the Telescope Time Allocation Reports page). The NRAO is concerned by the evidence of gender-related bias revealed by this study, and is committed to improve the level of equity and inclusion in its review processes. The observatory will continue to monitor and investigate the effects and the root causes of gender-related systematics, and will explore mechanisms to ensure greater equity and transparency, including providing information to review panel members and the astronomy community regarding these issues.

Proposals to use one, or a combination, of the GBT, the VLA, or the VLBA/HSA are submitted with the Proposal Submission Tool  (PST).

Three proposal types can be submitted for the standard deadlines of 1 Feb and 1 Aug each year: Regular, Large, and Triggered.  (NRAO policy regarding Large proposals may be found here.)  Director's Discretionary Time (DDT) may be submitted at any time and are reviewed by the observatory scientific staff on the basis of the proposals' scientific merit and technical feasibility.  DDT proposals are for Target of Opportunity proposals or Exploratory Time.  A number of tools are available to support proposal planning; e.g., sensitivity and exposure calculators, and a Proposal Finder Tool (PFT) that may be used to search cover sheets of proposals previously approved for time on NRAO and GBO telescopes.  There are also opportunities for commensal observing.

The NRAO has agreements with several facilities for joint proposals where telescope time on AUI's North American facilities may be granted by these external telescope time allocation committees (TACs).   Reciprocal agreements exist where the NRAO TAC may grant time on these external facilities.  Since ALMA is an international partnership, it has an independent international proposal review process coordinated by the Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO).

The NRAO and GBO Users’ Policies sets the long-term core policies for use of the GBT, VLA, and VLBA and their data by the scientific community. The policies set forth in this document supersede other documents in circulation.

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..."

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