The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program, a flagship initiative of the National Science Foundation (NSF), stands as the agency’s most esteemed award dedicated to fostering the careers of early-career faculty. This prestigious program recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional potential to become academic role models in both research and education, driving advancements within their departments and organizations. The core mission of the early career program is to cultivate a robust foundation for a lifetime of leadership, seamlessly integrating research excellence with impactful educational contributions.
NSF strongly encourages applications to the CAREER program from early-career faculty across all eligible institutions. Furthermore, the NSF is particularly committed to broadening participation in STEM fields and actively encourages women, individuals from underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities to apply for this transformative early career program.
What the NSF Early Career Program Offers
The early career program is designed to support faculty members at a critical juncture in their professional trajectory. It provides not just funding, but also recognition and a platform to amplify their impact. Successful CAREER awardees are expected to:
- Conduct innovative research at the cutting edge of science and engineering.
- Demonstrate a commitment to education and integrate research with teaching effectively.
- Serve as leaders within their academic communities and beyond.
This holistic approach ensures that the early career program nurtures well-rounded academics who are not only research pioneers but also dedicated mentors and educators, shaping the future of STEM.
Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)
In addition to the CAREER award itself, NSF CAREER awardees have the distinguished opportunity to be nominated for the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). PECASE represents the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their independent research careers.
Nomination for PECASE is a testament to the exceptional merit of CAREER awardees. Selection criteria for PECASE include:
- Groundbreaking Research: Demonstrating innovative research that pushes the boundaries of science, engineering, and technology, aligning with the mission of the sponsoring agency (NSF).
- Community Impact: Exhibiting community service through scientific leadership, educational initiatives, or broader outreach efforts.
- Commitment to STEM Equity: Showing a strong dedication to STEM equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.
Selection for a PECASE award underscores the national significance of the research and leadership potential of these early career program participants. While individuals cannot directly apply for PECASE, NSF annually nominates up to twenty-six CAREER awardees who are deemed most likely to become the leading figures in academic research and education in the years to come. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy ultimately makes the final selection and public announcement of PECASE recipients.
The NSF early career program and the subsequent PECASE nomination process are designed to identify and support the most promising early-career faculty, empowering them to achieve their full potential and contribute significantly to the advancement of science, engineering, and STEM education in the United States.
