Stand Up for Science sets workshops on NSF comment rule

Stand Up for Science will host two virtual rapid-response workshops starting July 31 to help people write public comments on the National Science Foundation’s proposed grant policy changes. The sessions come as the Federal Register comment window runs through Aug. 24, with the group also launching an Action Center for additional guidance.

Why it matters: - The National Science Foundation’s proposal could change how its grants process is run. - Public comments may influence how NSF rewrites its Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. - Stand Up for Science is trying to make the rulemaking process easier for researchers, organizations, and other stakeholders to navigate.

What happened: - Stand Up for Science will host two Rapid Response Workshops on Friday, July 31, 2026, and Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, both at 2 p.m. Eastern. - The workshops will be virtual and open as drop-in sessions for part or all of the program. - The sessions are designed to help attendees draft effective comments on NSF’s proposed update to its Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. - The proposal is meant to align NSF grantmaking rules with a recent OMB proposed overhaul of federal grant rules that has not yet been finalized. - The public comment period ends Aug. 24, 2026.

The details: - Stand Up for Science says attendees can bring questions and get live help from its experts on writing personal, effective comments for the Federal Register. - The organization has launched an Action Center with tools and resources for people responding to the proposal. - The Action Center includes a guide to the key changes in NSF’s proposal. - Dr. Colette Delawalla, founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science, is available for comment and media appearances. - The workshops are available through the registration page.

Between the lines: - The group is using a rapid-response model to push more people into the federal comment process before the deadline. - The emphasis on “effective” comments suggests an effort to shape not just participation, but the quality and substance of public feedback. - The timing also signals that NSF’s proposal is drawing attention while the broader OMB overhaul remains unresolved.

What’s next: - Stand Up for Science will hold the first workshop on July 31 and a second session on Aug. 14. - Stakeholders still have until Aug. 24 to submit comments on the NSF proposal. - The organization’s Action Center will continue to serve as a resource hub during the comment period.

The bottom line: - Stand Up for Science is turning NSF’s rulemaking window into a public engagement campaign, with live workshops and comment-writing tools aimed at influencing how the agency updates its grant rules.