Academic Career Development Program
Funds early-career faculty in mining, mineral processing, or extractive metallurgy to advance research and professional development toward tenure at U.S. institutions.
Funder: Society for Mining Metallurgy and Exploration
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (semi-annual/application/intent) | January 2027 (full application) | June 2027 (semi-annual/intent)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 per year for a maximum of 3 years per award; indirect costs capped at 6.5%.
Summary: Supports newly employed, non-tenured faculty in mining, mineral processing, or extractive metallurgy to advance research, publication, and professional service toward tenure.
Key Information: Program currently paused for new recipients in 2026; anticipated to resume in 2027—check for updates.
Description
This program provides substantial career development funding for newly employed, non-tenured Assistant or Associate Professors in mining engineering, mineral processing, or extractive metallurgy at U.S. academic institutions. The grant is intended to help early-career faculty engage in research, publication, and professional service activities essential for achieving tenure and promotion. The initiative addresses the critical shortage of tenured faculty and sustainability of academic programs in these fields due to increasing retirements and insufficient recruitment into academia.
