Communications Support for the NSF Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate (MPS)
CLIENT
NSF Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate (MPS)
INDUSTRY
- Education
01
CASE
Bringing Science to Life: Amplifying Communications for NSF’s MPS Directorate
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Overview
The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate (MPS) required an integrated communications strategy to effectively share its research breakthroughs with a range of audiences. Awarded a direct 8(a) sole source contract, Ensemble provided expertise in copyediting, writing, web content management, and mass email communications, ensuring complex scientific concepts were translated into accessible and engaging narratives. To meet the project’s demands Ensemble strategically combined in-house staff with a team of experienced and specialized scientific communications staff, leveraging a flexible staffing model to deliver high-quality outcomes. This approach enabled efficient execution of tasks such as a large-scale content migration, stakeholder coordination, and AP-style content editing, ensuring the project was completed on schedule and with budget while supporting public appreciation of MPS’s contributions to science.
Background of the Problem:
Communicating the value and impact of NSF-supported science to the general public and stakeholders is a challenge that requires precision, creativity, and consistency. MPS needed support to maintain high-quality, accessible content across platforms while streamlining workflows for maximum efficiency. Ensemble addressed this need by delivering tailored solutions that combined content creation, strategic planning, and performance analysis.
Project Duration:
This project began October 1, 2023, and has been extended through September 30, 2025.
03
OUR
Approach
Ensemble implemented an innovative approach to address NSF MPS’s communication challenges, focusing on crafting precise content, optimizing web management, and enhancing outreach through mass email campaigns.
Copyediting, Writing, and Publication Management
- High-Caliber Content Creation: Drafted and published NSF news items, including features like the Digital Twins for Biomedical Innovation article, with thorough review and finalization.
- Collaboration with MPS Staff: Close coordination with MPS divisions ensured content reflected the directorate’s scientific achievements.
- AP Style Standards: Managed NSF ePub events and announcements by conducting AP style edits, stakeholder previews, and approval processes for publications such as digital office hours, advisory committee updates, and virtual event announcements.
Web Content Management
- Streamlines Content Processes: Updated and improved layouts using NSF’s web management systems, fostering user-friendly and visually appealing pages.
- Task Tracking and Workflow Management: Leverage tools, like Planner, to maintain efficient workflows and accurate data.
- Comprehensive Content Migration: Conducted an enterprise-level migration, unifying directorate and division pages for a cohesive online presence.
Mass Email Communications
- Analytics-Driven Strategy: Incorporated performance data to refine and enhance communication efforts.
- Subscriber Management: Designed and executed strategic email campaigns using GovDelivery, optimizing layouts and subscriber lists to maximize communication effectiveness.
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Results
Major Content Audit and Migration:
- Over 4,000 pieces of legacy web content (pages and files) were reviewed and audited.
- Over 40 new web pages were written, edited and fact-checked.
- For those web pages, more than 7,000 words were written and edited and many dozens of images were curated.
- Large-Scale Content Migration: Successfully audited, rewrote, and migrated significant volume of content to a modern web system on time and within budget. This effort improved accessibility, ensured accuracy, and provided a cohesive user experience across NSF platforms.
Enhanced Communication Impact:
- Broadened Audience Engagement: Increased public interest in MPS research through accessible and compelling content.
- Streamlined Web Management: Delivered cohesive, user-friendly updates to MPS directorate and division pages, aligning with NSF standards.
Improved Content Quality:
- Consistent and Accurate Messaging: Ensured all web and email content met high editorial standards and effectively conveyed MPS’s mission.
Efficient Workflows:
- Seamless Operations: Task management and content updates were streamlined, enabling quicker turnaround times and improved productivity.
Increased Stakeholder Collaboration:
- Synergistic Partnerships: Close collaboration with MPS staff fostered coherent, impactful communications across scientific divisions.
