Early-Stage Investigator
The Early-Stage Investigator grant from the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium supports new faculty in building space-related research capacity and generating preliminary data for future NASA-aligned projects.
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Funder: Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium
Due Dates: October 13, 2025 (Spring/Summer 2026) | February 2, 2026 (Academic Year 2026-2027) | February 1, 2027 (Summer/Academic Year 2027-2028)
Funding Amounts: Major awards up to $10,000; minor awards up to $5,000; typically 6–12 month duration.
Summary: Supports new tenure-track faculty at WSGC affiliates in developing space-related research capacity and preliminary data for future proposals.
Key Information: 1:1 institutional cost-share required; project must align with NASA Mission Directorate priorities.
Description
The Early-Stage Investigator program from the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium (WSGC) provides competitive research support for faculty within the first five years of their initial tenure-track appointment (or equivalent) at WSGC-affiliated universities and colleges. The initiative is designed to help new faculty build research capacity, collect preliminary data, and establish a foundation for future proposals to organizations like WSGC, NASA, or other external funders. Projects must focus on space-related research, demonstrate potential for student involvement, and align with at least one NASA Mission Directorate priority. The program is part of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (CFDA 43.008).
