NUMBER.

(To be assigned in the Assistant Director's Office.)

TITLE.

Give a brief, clear, specific designation of the subject of the research.  The title is not to exceed 132 characters and spaces.

JUSTIFICATION.

Should indicate (1) the importance of the problem to agriculture, rural life, and general public of Massachusetts, (2) a statement of the needs the project is expected to satisfy, the national goal it relates to, how it addresses that particular goal and the importance of doing the work here and now; and (3) ways in which public welfare or scientific knowledge will be advanced. An estimate of the monetary value of the crop or industry and the possible returns upon successful accomplishment of the objectives may be included. One or two references may be used to document statements, but the review of literature belongs in the next section.

PREVIOUS WORK AND PRESENT OUTLOOK.

A brief summary covering pertinent previous research on the problem (citing the more important and recent publications from other stations, as well as your own station); the status of current research; and additional information needed, to which the project is expected to contribute. (Literature citations may be listed at the end of the project outline.)

GOALS/OBJECTIVES/

OUTPUTS.

Provide a clear, concise statement of the goals and objectives of the project as stated in the approved application or as approved by CSREES. The goals and objectives should be specific and attainable within the duration of the project and with the available resources. If the application lists milestones/target dates for important activities or phases of the project, include this information. Include a description of the expected outputs (or deliverables) from the project. For multistate projects, enter the objective(s) exactly as defined in the multistate project outline.

Outputs are activities, events, services, and products that reach people.

Activities include conducting and analyzing experiments or surveys; assessments; facilitating; teaching; or mentoring.

Events include conferences, demonstration sites, field days, symposia, workshops, and trainings.

Services include consulting, counseling, and tutoring.

Products include: new fundamental or applied knowledge; audio or video products; curricula; data or databases; equipment or instruments; invention, patent application and/or license; models; networks and/or collaborations fostered by the project or activity; physical collections or resources such as new plant varieties, new animal germplasm, or genetic maps; software; technology, methods, or techniques; train-the-trainer manuals; website(s) with the appropriate URL(s); information, skills, and technology for individuals, communities, and programs; or students graduated in agricultural sciences.

Dissemination refers to outreach activities that were undertaken to reach intended audiences for the purpose of advancing knowledge, encouraging positive actions, or changing conditions. Include any outreach activities to current and potential partners and collaborators. If educational materials and resources were distributed, describe the distribution method and the intended audience(s).

METHODS.

Describe the plan to be used to evaluate the success of the project. Include evaluation studies planned and types of data collected emphasizing key milestones and measurable or quantitative indicators of success. The project evaluation plan should relate milestones and indicators of success to expected project outcomes and impacts.

Efforts include acts or processes that deliver science-based knowledge to people through formal or informal educational programs. Examples include: formal classroom instruction, laboratory instruction, or practicum experiences; development of curriculum or innovative teaching methodologies; workshops; experiential learning opportunities; extension and outreach.

PROBABLE DURATION.

An estimate of the maximum time likely to be required to complete the research originally planned and publish the results. Whenever there is a material change in the objectives, a new or revised project outline must be prepared.

RELEVANCE, EXPECTED OUTCOMES OR IMPACTS:

Describe ways in which scientific knowledge and the public welfare will be advanced.  Describe expected quantifiable outcomes and ways in which individuals, families, businesses and/or communities are expected to improve or change as a result of this project.  Address how the proposed project might result in sustainable extension efforts beyond the funding period, and how it would promote development of leadership among its faculty collaborators, among users of the project’s research results, and among extension educators/audience.  Describe how the project would generate external dollars to continue the line of inquiry. Describe the situation that creates a need for this project as well as the purpose or rationale for the project. Also include general statements describing the methods to be used, the expected outcomes/impacts, and the anticipated benefits. Provide information at a level that most citizens can understand. This nontechnical summary is designed to enhance the usefulness of the information in the database, especially to legislative and other public audiences.

CSREES defines outcomes/impacts as a change in knowledge, actions, or conditions.

A change in knowledge occurs when the participant (scientist, trainee, or citizen) learns or becomes aware. Examples of a change in knowledge include: new fundamental or applied knowledge (such as results of sampling, surveying, laboratory, or data analysis); methods and techniques; policy knowledge; improved skills; or increased knowledge of decision-making, life skills, and positive life choices among youth and adults.

A change in actions occurs when there is a change in behavior or the participants act upon what they have learned (adoption of techniques and methods or a change in practice). Examples of a change in actions include: application and actual use of fundamental or applied knowledge; adoption of new or improved skills; direct application of information from publications; adoption and use of new methods or improved technologies; use of skills by youth and adults in making informed choices; or adoption of practical policy and use of decision-making knowledge.

A change in conditions occurs when a societal condition is changed due to a participant's action. Examples of a change in conditions include: development of the principal discipline(s) of the project or other disciplines; development of human resources; physical, institutional, and information resources that improve infrastructure; technology transfer; management and behavioral changes and adjustments; quantified changes in descriptive statistics (trade balance, export sales, etc.); better and less expensive animal health; changes in conditions (e.g., wages, health care benefits, etc.) of the agricultural workforce; higher productivity in food provision; quantified changes in quality-of-life for youth and adults in rural communities; safer food supply; reduced obesity rates and improved nutrition and health; or higher water quality (e.g., increased water clarity) and a cleaner environment (e.g., measurably reduced pollution).

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT:

Describe how stakeholders will be involved in the design, implementation and/or evaluation of the research and/or extension components of the project or program.

EVALUATION MILESTONES:

Describe significant anticipated accomplishments during the life of the project (year-to-year) that would demonstrate reportable progress.  Address how the project might be evaluated during, at or after completion to assess its value or effectiveness.  Provision of a timeline would be helpful, as would a description of any evaluation processes to be undertaken.

STAFF SUPPORT.

Estimated annual staff support working on the project. Enter figures in each applicable field to the nearest 0.1 staff year (academic or calendar as appropriate.)

Staff Support

1st year

2nd year

3rd year

4th year

5th year

*SY Scientists (Asst. Prof & Above)

(*See Below)

*TY Technical Support

*PY Grad. Assistants

Clerical, Labor and Other

PERSONNEL.

The leader or leaders and other technical workers assigned.

INSTITUTIONAL UNITS INVOLVED.

Each subject matter unit in the Agricultural Experiment Station and any other units of the institution contributing essential services or facilities. The responsibilities of each should be indicated.

COOPERATION.

A statement as to cooperation with the USDA or any other stations, institutions, or other agencies cooperating formally or informally on the project.

APPROVALS.

Scientists and appropriate department heads.