PIVOT FAQS

(11/19/19)

WHAT IS PIVOT?

Pivot is a funding opportunity and expertise database system that combines a funding database with researcher expertise profiles. Along with powerful search features, the system provides tools for individuals to save searches and opportunities, explore possibilities for collaboration, share opportunities with colleagues, and choose to receive email alerts when records are added or changed. Berkeley Lab subscribers can choose to receive a weekly e-mail with a customized list of funding opportunities based on previously specified criteria.

Visit the Pivot support page for support guides, training webinars, and FAQs.

HOW TO LOG IN

Go to: pivot.lbl.gov; this will take you to https://pivot.proquest.com/shibboleth/login, where you need to use your LDAP to log in.

You will be directed to the Pivot home page, where you manage your saved funding opportunities and funding searches.

Note: If you are logged in, and then later revisit the site, you will get an error message saying "You are currently registered. If you are experiencing problems accessing PIVOT, please contact the Help Desk." You can ignore this and just navigate Pivot normally.

Claiming or Creating your profile:

Pivot creates profiles automatically by mining the internet for publications and generates a funding search based upon this information.

• If you see a “Claim profile” link at the top after logging in, your profile has not been claimed. Click this link and select the profile that is yours by clicking “this is me.” If no results display, click “suggest a scholar.”
• You will see a funding search tailored to your profile in the right-hand menu under “Funding Matches.” (Note: Claiming and updating your profile ensures more relevant funding opportunities.)

For more guidance, see the Pivot Start Guide and other Pivot Help.

Customizing FUNDING Opportunity SEARCHES to your interests

Pivot offers many search options to customize search results to your interests:

• To search for funding and create funding alerts, click the “Funding” tab on the top menu.
• For more detailed searches, click on the Advanced search link below the main search box.
• Typically helpful search fields are Keywords, Applicant Type, and Funding Type. Click on each to see expanded options, including:

• Funding type is used to specify the type of grant (i.e. research, travel, fellowship, etc)
• Keywords utilize the Pivot keywords, a large body of controlled vocabulary terms that succinctly describe the areas to which Funding Opportunities pertain. To search, begin by typing in the search box to bring up a list of matches. To browse the full list click on the “browse” link to open up the keyword hierarchy list (tip: start broad and then narrow it down).
• The Applicant Type search field lets you specify your qualifications to find results that apply to you (e.g., Government, Ph.D./MD/Other Professional)

• Your search parameters are shown at the top. To change search parameters click “Refine Search” (hitting the back button will begin a new search).

Detailed instructions on advanced searching are provided in this video: Funding Advanced Search.

PERSONALIZED FUNDING ALERTS

In addition to tracking individual funding opportunities, Pivot allows you to save your search queries and will use those to look for and send you potentially relevant funding opportunities.

• To save the search for later use, choose “Save Search” on the results page of your search. Pivot will then provide you with weekly emails that identify any newly added or updated opportunities that match your search.
• You can save as many searches as you like (you will only receive one digest email for all searches).
• To view your saved searches, go to the Pivot homepage and select “Saved Searches” in the left-hand menu.
• To edit searches or to stop receiving email alerts, click on “Options” listed next to the individual search.

Detailed instructions on saving searches can be found at Saved Searches page and guide.

FUNDING ELIGIBILITY

Sometimes it’s not immediately clear if LBNL researchers are eligible to apply for certain funding opportunities.

• If you have questions about eligibility please contact the Lab’s Strategic Partnerships Office at spo@lbl.gov.
• If a funding opportunity has limited submission requirements at the Institutional level, please inquire with your Division Director as well as the Strategic Partnerships Office for clarification.