Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER)

Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF) - Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) (participating Directorate). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) Important information for proposers and award recipients All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the requirements specified in the funding opportunity and in the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and its supplements .

All NSF grants and cooperative agreements are subject to the applicable set of NSF award terms and conditions . NSF has updated its research security policies for NSF funded projects. Supports early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.

Includes the description of the NSF component of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) Supports early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.

CAREER : The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is a Foundation-wide activity that offers the National Science Foundation's most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.

Activities pursued by early-career faculty should build a firm foundation for a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research. NSF encourages submission of CAREER proposals from early-career faculty at all CAREER-eligible organizations . PECASE : Each year NSF selects nominees for the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from among the most meritorious recent CAREER awardees.

Selection for this award is based on two important criteria: The criteria are 1) performance of innovative research at the frontiers of science, engineering, and technology that is relevant to the mission of the sponsoring organization or agency; and 2) community service demonstrated through scientific leadership, education or community outreach.

These awards foster innovative developments in science and technology, increase awareness of careers in science and engineering, give recognition to the scientific missions of the participating agencies, enhance connections between fundamental research and national goals, and highlight the importance of science and technology for the Nation’s future. Individuals cannot apply for PECASE.

These awards are initiated by the participating federal agencies. At NSF, up to twenty-six nominees for this award are selected each year from among the PECASE-eligible CAREER awardees most likely to become the leaders of academic research and education in the twenty-first century. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy makes the final selection and announcement of the awardees.

Updates and announcements CAREER program and logistics webinar materials and FAQ CAREER directorate and division contacts Faculty Early Career program June 25, 2026 - NSF CAREER Proposal Submission Logistics Webinar June 16, 2026 - NSF CAREER Webinar on Engineering Education Research Proposals… June 8, 2026 - MPS Materials Research open hour - Faculty Early Career… May 21, 2026 - NSF BIO Virtual Office Hour: Updates from the NSF Directorate… May 19, 2026 - NSF CAREER Program Informational Webinars May 8, 2026 - MPS Chemistry Quarterly Office Hours May 6, 2026 - NSF ENG CMMI CAREER Program Webinar May 6, 2026 - NSF ENG CBET Early-Career Faculty Workshop April 29, 2026 - NSF CAREER Program Informational Webinars July 11, 2025 - NSF Division of Materials Research Open Hour – Faculty Early… Additional program resources FAQ: Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program for Submission in Years 2022 - 2026 Awards made through this program Browse projects funded by this program Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) Directorate for Engineering (ENG) Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) Integrative Activities (OIA/IA) Office of International Science and Engineering (OD/OISE) Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP)