[Association for Iron & Steel Technology](https://www.aist.org/)

June 30, 2026

Up to $50,000 per year for up to 3 years; no overhead costs permitted.

Supports junior engineering faculty in North America to advance research, build industry connections, and encourage student engagement in the steel industry.

Proposal must be submitted electronically to lwharrey@aist.org by the deadline.

--- ## Description This award aims to increase the number of early-career engineering professors with a vested interest in the iron and steel industry. It provides funding to help junior faculty become better informed about the steel industry, seed steel-related research, foster university-industry relationships, and recruit students for steel industry careers. Recipients are also encouraged to participate in AIST programs and are supported by mentors from both academia and industry to help build valuable professional networks. --- ## Due Dates - June 30, 2026: Full proposal/application submission deadline for the 2026–2027 academic year (submit electronically to lwharrey@aist.org) Award decisions will be announced in August 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum of $50,000 per year - Renewable for up to three years (total potential funding: $150,000) - No overhead costs are permitted; all funds must go directly to the intended research and engagement activities --- ## Eligibility - Open to tenure-track junior faculty in technical engineering disciplines at North American universities - Applicants must have at least three years remaining until tenure evaluation - Typically, only one award is given per year; repeat recipients are not intended - The award is granted to an individual and is not transferable --- ## Application Process - Prepare a proposal that includes: - A three-year plan addressing how the award objectives will be fulfilled - Specific activities for building connections with the steel industry - Plans for increasing student interest and engagement in the steel industry - A steel-related student campus event or similar program - Resume, current position, and years on tenure-track - Estimated distribution of total costs by year - Names and contact information for two mentors (one academic, one industry) - Letters of support from your university department head and both mentors - Proposed metric for measuring success (e.g., number of students entering the steel industry) - Submit the completed proposal as a PDF via email to [lwharrey@aist.org](mailto:lwharrey@aist.org) by June 30, 2026 --- ## Additional Information - Recipients are encouraged to attend AIST programs (e.g., training courses, member chapter events, AISTech), with registration and travel for up to two qualifying events reimbursed per year (with pre-approval) - The AIST Foundation will assist in identifying mentors if needed - Evaluation criteria: - Student and faculty engagement (40%) - Value to the steel industry (40%) - Qualifications of the applicant and team (20%) - Annual progress reports are required for award continuation --- ## External Links - [Program Overview and Application Instructions](https://www.aist.org/students-faculty/faculty-grants-programs/kent-d-peaslee-junior-faculty-award) - [Application Portal](https://www.aist.org/students-faculty/faculty-grants-programs/kent-d-peaslee-junior-faculty-award/application) - [Available Mentors](https://www.aist.org/students-faculty/faculty-grants-programs/kent-d-peaslee-junior-faculty-award/mentors) - [Past Award Recipients](https://imis.aist.org/Rosters/Awards/Kent_D_Peaslee_Junior_Faculty_Award_Recipients.aspx) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |------------------|----------------------------|----------------| | Lori Wharrey | [lwharrey@aist.org](mailto:lwharrey@aist.org) | +1.724.814.3044 | For questions regarding the award or proposal process, contact Lori Wharrey. ---

Kent D. Peaslee Junior Faculty Award

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