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NSF CAREER Program (NSF 15-555) FAQs

What is the NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program?

The NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is NSF's flagship award for junior faculty. It is designed for early-career academics who are building a long-term career that tightly connects high-impact research with strong, intentional educational efforts.

What does NSF mean by the "teacher-scholar" model?

The CAREER program is built around a "teacher-scholar" model. Applicants are expected to propose an ambitious research agenda and a credible plan to integrate that research into education and student development. The education plan should fit the mission and context of the applicant's home institution.

Does CAREER support one-off projects, or does NSF expect a longer-term vision?

NSF frames CAREER as an investment in long-term leadership. The proposed work is expected to establish a foundation for a sustained career trajectory rather than being a one-off project. Research and education are expected to reinforce one another over time.

Which fields or disciplines can submit CAREER proposals?

The opportunity spans many NSF disciplines and offices, including engineering; mathematical and physical sciences; geosciences; computer and information science and engineering; biological sciences; social, behavioral, and economic sciences; education and human resources; international science and engineering; and integrative activities. In practical terms, proposals can be submitted across a wide range of fields as long as they match the goals and review standards of the relevant NSF directorate or program.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this CAREER listing?

The Funding Opportunity Number in the listing is 15-555.

What kind of grant program is this?

This is a discretionary NSF grant program in the broad category of science and technology and other research and development.

Who is eligible to submit a CAREER proposal?

Eligibility is structured around institutions submitting on behalf of faculty. Proposals may be submitted by U.S.-based accredited universities and colleges (including two-year institutions and community colleges) acting for their faculty members. Certain U.S. non-profit, non-academic organizations may also submit, such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies, when they are associated with educational or research activities.

Can individuals apply directly, or does the institution have to submit?

Proposals are submitted by eligible institutions on behalf of faculty members, rather than being submitted solely as individual applications.

Is this opportunity intended for junior faculty?

Yes. The competition is aimed at junior faculty who are establishing an academic career that integrates research and education.

How many CAREER proposals can a PI submit per year?

A principal investigator (PI) may submit only one CAREER proposal per annual competition.

Is there a limit on how many times a PI can compete for CAREER?

Yes. A PI may not participate in more than three CAREER competitions total.

Do withdrawn proposals count toward the three-competition limit?

No. Proposals that are withdrawn before review do not count toward the three-competition limit.

Do proposals returned without review count toward the three-competition limit?

No. Proposals that are returned without review do not count toward the three-competition limit.

Does NSF encourage applications from specific groups?

Yes. NSF explicitly encourages submissions from women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities.

What is PECASE and how is it related to CAREER?

The Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) is a related recognition connected to CAREER. NSF identifies a small number of top candidates each year from among recent, eligible CAREER awardees and nominates them for PECASE.

Can someone apply directly to PECASE through NSF?

No. Individuals do not apply directly to PECASE. NSF selects nominees from among recent, eligible CAREER awardees, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy makes the final selections and public announcements.

What does PECASE selection emphasize?

PECASE selection emphasizes two main factors: (1) truly innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology that aligns with NSF's mission, and (2) demonstrated community service through leadership, education, or outreach.

How many people can NSF nominate for PECASE each year?

NSF may nominate up to about twenty individuals annually.

Who makes the final PECASE selections and announcements?

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy makes the final PECASE selections and public announcements.

What is the estimated total funding amount listed for this opportunity?

The opportunity listing reports an estimated total funding amount of about $222,000,000.

What is the minimum award amount (award floor) indicated in the listing?

The listing notes an award floor of $400,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The listing indicates there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?

The record shows the opportunity was posted on March 10, 2015. Deadlines in the record span the 2015 to 2016 cycle, with an original closing date of July 23, 2015 and a subsequent closing date of July 22, 2016. The listing was archived on August 21, 2016.

Where does NSF direct applicants for the official program details?

For official program details, NSF referenced NSF Publication 15-555.

Where can applicants get technical help for accessing the announcement?

Applicants needing technical help accessing the announcement were directed to Grants.gov support.