I applied to the NSF NRO this year, and just received an e-mail last week saying NSF has recommended my proposal for an award. Did anyone else apply this year? I will be going to Espoo, Finland, at VTT.
I was also wondering, for those who have participated in the NRO program in the past, what their experience was like.
In regard to the application process, you first have to find a professor or research scientist in one of the four Nordic countries who is interested in working with you. It seems like there is a good mix of national labs (like VTT in Finland) and universities participating. You then have to write a 5-page proposal for a project which can be completed in the time frame you specify (anywhere between 2 to 12 months). You also have to address the IM and BI of the project, similar to the GRF application. One thing I would recommend is making sure to address your reasons for selecting your proposed host institution. So you can highlight the lab's facilities, expertise, etc. that make them unique.
