Broader impacts refers to the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes. They can be accomplished through the research itself, through activities directly related to the research, or activities that supported by but are complementary to the project.
For grant proposals submitted to the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Project Summary and Project Description must contain a separate section on Broader Impacts with a header. Other funders may also include proposals components on outreach, educational activities, and public engagement.
Potential Areas for Involvement within MIT
MIT has many programs and initiatives that researchers can leverage to develop their broader impacts statements.
- Contact Research Development to brainstorm ideas for your broader impacts plan and to learn more about MIT programs that you may leverage.
- Review the Broader Impacts statement guidance developed by the School of Science (applicable to all PIs). The document also includes a list of relevant programs you may leverage to develop your plan.