NSF CAREER Program

Recently, the National Science Foundation (NSF) posted their updated program announcement for their Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program and Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).

These awards are notably some of the most significant career development awards for early career investigators in the sciences and education. The CAREER award is generally a five-year award for $400,000 ($500,000 for those in the Biological Sciences and Polar Programs). PECASE awards are given to the most meritorious CAREER award winners, and uses no application process and awards no additional funds.

For those considering applying for the CAREER award, it is important to understand the NSF's emphasis on the integration of research and education. Funded applications will show clearly how their five-year project will both advance research and education and show the two as mutually beneficial and reinforcing.

In evaluating grant proposals, NSF focuses on two primary criteria:

Intellectual Merit: the potential of the project to advance knowledge
Broader Impacts: the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific desired societal outcomes

Additionally, because the CAREER program is focused on the development of the most promising early career investigators, it is also important to show how your project will continue to contribute to your work and achievement of your research/education goals past the five-year project duration.

Your application should also be able to show how your work in research and education is aligned and supported by your department and its goals. This is shown primarily in the Departmental Letter, submitted by your department chair and included as part of your application.

As you start thinking about your CAREER grant application, consider the following suggestions from NSF Program Directors and CAREER awardees:

·       Begin work on a CAREER Award proposal early. This is a very competitive program, awarding just 600 proposals each year. It is also unlike any other proposal you will submit to NSF because it involves planning your career objectives and illustrating how the CAREER Award will contribute to your professional development over the next 5, 10 and 20 years.

·       CAREER Awards represent a true balance between your faculty research and education roles. The required educational component may focus on any level: K-12 students, undergraduates, graduate students and/or the general public. When planning this component, design innovative outreach efforts that go well beyond what you normally do in your faculty role.

·       Partnerships, especially industrial partnerships, are considered a positive aspect, but keep in mind that no co-principal investigators or senior personnel are allowed on CAREER proposals. International collaborations are also encouraged.

Access additional information and resources:
ORDE NSF Career Award Toolkit
NSF CAREER/PECASE Program Announcement