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

February 1, 2027 (submission window opens) | March 1, 2027 (full proposal deadline)

$14M–$18M total program funding; approx. 35–45 awards; up to 6.5 months PI salary + $100,000 direct costs over 3 years per award

Supports mid-career scientists and engineers in the U.S. to advance research and career trajectory through protected time and collaborative partnerships.

--- ## Description This opportunity provides mid-career scientists and engineers with resources and protected time to enhance and advance their research programs and career trajectories. The program is designed for researchers at a critical career stage who face constraints from service, teaching, or other responsibilities that limit research productivity. Awards support mutually beneficial collaborations—typically with partners outside the PI’s home institution—to foster new skills, interdisciplinary networking, and innovative research directions. The program spans multiple NSF directorates, including Biological Sciences, Geosciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, and STEM Education. --- ## Due Dates - February 1, 2027: Submission window opens for full proposals (annual window opening date) - March 1, 2027: Full proposal submission deadline (window closes; proposals due by 5 p.m. local time) --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $14,000,000 to $18,000,000 per cycle - Approximately 35–45 awards expected annually - Each award may support: - Up to 6.5 months of PI salary (plus fringe benefits) over 3 years - Up to $100,000 in direct costs over 3 years (includes travel for required networking meeting) - One month of summer support for each collaborative partner (or equivalent collaborative costs) - No cost sharing or matching required --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** - U.S.-based accredited two- and four-year Institutions of Higher Education (including community colleges), acting on behalf of faculty - U.S.-based non-profit, non-academic organizations (e.g., independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies) directly associated with educational or research activities - **Principal Investigator (PI) Requirements:** - Must be at the Associate Professor rank (or equivalent) for at least 3 years by the proposal deadline - Must have current or proposed research within the purview of a participating NSF disciplinary program - **Pilot PUI Track (Biological Sciences & Geosciences only):** - Full Professors at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) may apply if their research fits participating programs in these directorates - PUI status must be certified in the required departmental letter - **Collaborative Partner(s):** - May not be listed as co-PI; must be designated as senior/key personnel or consultants --- ## Application Process - Proposals may be submitted via [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov) - No letters of intent or preliminary proposals required - Application must include: - 12-page Project Description (with sections on past research, research advancement/training plan, and long-term career plans) - 2-page Impact Statement (required; must demonstrate how the award will substantially enhance research and career trajectory) - Letters of collaboration from partner(s) and a departmental letter (required) - Biographical sketches for PI and partners - Budget justification and details per solicitation guidelines - Collaborators & Other Affiliations (COA) documentation - Review criteria include NSF's standard Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, with additional focus on the proposal’s potential to substantially enhance the PI’s research and career trajectory. --- ## Additional Information - PIs are strongly encouraged to discuss proposal suitability with a program officer from the relevant NSF directorate prior to submission. - Research topics must align with participating NSF disciplinary programs; proposals outside these areas (e.g., human disease mechanisms) are not eligible. - The program especially encourages applications from EPSCoR jurisdictions. - Full details and program contacts are available in the [NSF solicitation](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/mca-mid-career-advancement/nsf22-603/solicitation). --- ## External Links - [Program Solicitation & Details](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/mca-mid-career-advancement/nsf22-603/solicitation) - [NSF Publication 22-603](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf22603) - [Participating Programs List](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/mca-mid-career-advancement/announcements/111193) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/jsf/workspace/createWorkspace.faces?activityID=CreateWorkspace&cleanSession=1&oppId=341086) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Group | Email | Phone | Notes | |-------------------------------|------------------------------|-----------------|---------------------------------------------------| | MCA Cognizant Program Officers| MCA.info@nsf.gov | (703) 292-4628 | General program inquiries | | Leslie J. Rissler | lrissler@nsf.gov | (703) 292-4628 | Program Officer | | NSF Grants.gov Support | grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov | 1-800-518-4726 | Grants.gov technical issues | | NSF Information Center | info@nsf.gov | (703) 292-5111 | General NSF information | ---

Mid-Career Advancement

Sign in to see full grant listing