[U.S. National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov)

July 27, 2022 | July 22, 2026

Typical awards are a minimum of $400,000 (5 years); $500,000 minimum for BIO, ENG, or OPP directorates; approx. $250M total annual funding.

Supports early-career faculty who integrate research and education in science, engineering, or STEM fields at eligible U.S. institutions.

--- ## Description The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is the National Science Foundation's flagship award for early-career faculty. It aims to foster the development of academic role models in research and education, providing stable support to help launch a lifetime of leadership in integrating these domains. The program is open to researchers in fields supported by NSF, including science, engineering, mathematics, and STEM education. CAREER also serves as the main pathway to nomination for the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), which recognizes exceptional research and community service. --- ## Due Dates - July 27, 2022: Full proposal deadline (original date) - July 22, 2026: Full proposal deadline — Fourth Wednesday in July (next annual deadline) _All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates._ --- ## Funding Amount - Minimum award: $400,000 (total, over 5 years) - Minimum award for proposals to the Directorates for Biological Sciences (BIO), Engineering (ENG), or Office of Polar Programs (OPP): $500,000 (total, over 5 years) - Approximate total annual program funding: $250 million - Typical number of new awards: ~500 per year - Awards are standard or continuing grants; supplemental funding may be available. --- ## Eligibility **Who May Submit Proposals:** - U.S. accredited two- and four-year institutions of higher education (including community colleges) acting on behalf of their faculty. - U.S.-based independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies, and similar non-profit, non-academic organizations associated with research or education. **Principal Investigator (PI) Requirements:** - Must hold a doctoral degree in a field supported by NSF. - Must be engaged in research in an NSF-supported area. - Must hold at least a 50% tenure-track (or tenure-track-equivalent) position as an assistant professor (or equivalent) at an eligible institution. - Must be untenured. - May not have previously received a CAREER award. - May submit only one CAREER proposal per annual competition and may not participate in more than three CAREER competitions. **Additional Notes:** - No co-PIs are permitted. - International branch campuses of U.S. institutions may participate only with strong justification. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted via [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov). - No letters of intent or preliminary proposals are required. - Full proposals must comply with the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg) and the program solicitation ([NSF 22-586](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf22586)). - Required documents include a departmental letter affirming eligibility/support and, if desired, a PECASE eligibility statement. - Proposals must describe an integrated research and education plan, with clear broader impacts and alignment with the PI’s career goals and departmental mission. - Only proposals submitted by the deadline (5 p.m. local time of the submitting organization) will be considered. --- ## Additional Information - Cost sharing is not required or allowed. - The program encourages cross-disciplinary, cross-sector, and international collaborations, but the primary support is for the PI’s research and education activities. - PECASE is an honorary award; individuals cannot apply directly. - See the [CAREER program page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/career-faculty-early-career-development-program) for updates, FAQs, and sample proposals. --- ## External Links - [NSF CAREER Program Solicitation (NSF 22-586)](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf22586) - [NSF CAREER Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/career-faculty-early-career-development-program) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/339594) - [CAREER Directorate and Division Contacts](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/career-faculty-early-career-development-program/updates/109727) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | General program inquiries | [CAREER directorate and division contacts](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/career-faculty-early-career-development-program/updates/109727) | | Grants.gov technical support | grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov | | Research.gov technical support | rgov@nsf.gov | | NSF Information Center | info@nsf.gov
1-703-292-5111 |

Faculty Early Career Development Program

Sign in to see full grant listing