Early-Stage Investigator
The WSGC Early-Stage Investigator program funds new faculty to conduct NASA-aligned, space-related research that builds research capacity and involves students at Wisconsin institutions.
Funder: Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Spring/Summer) | February 2027 (Academic Year)
Funding Amounts: Major awards up to $10,000; minor awards up to $5,000 (subject to availability); 1-year duration.
Summary: Supports early-career faculty at WSGC institutions to develop space-related research aligned with NASA priorities and build capacity for future funding.
Description
The Early-Stage Investigator program, offered by the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium (WSGC), is designed to support faculty in the first five years of their first tenure-track (or equivalent) appointment at WSGC-affiliated universities and colleges. The program aims to help new investigators build research capacity, collect preliminary data for future proposals, and foster research aligned with NASA Mission Directorate priorities. Projects should develop or enhance lines of research, involve undergraduate and/or graduate students, demonstrate quantitative impact, and support future funding opportunities.
All awards are competitive and are reviewed by the WSGC Technical Advisory Panel based on alignment with program goals, quality and feasibility of the proposal, investigator expertise, and budget appropriateness. The program is part of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, funded through NASA.
