Mid-Career Advancement
Mid-Career Advancement program offers support to mid-career scientists/engineers for enhancing research trajectory, fostering diversity, and enabling interdisciplinary partnerships across science fields.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: February 1, 2027 (Submission window opens) | March 1, 2027 (Full proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to 6.5 months of PI salary plus fringe benefits and $100,000 in other direct costs over 3 years, plus partner support
Summary: Supports mid-career scientists and engineers through protected research time, training, and mutually beneficial partnerships that advance their research and careers.
Key Information: PIs generally must have held Associate Professor rank or equivalent for at least 3 years; a BIO/GEO pilot also permits Full Professors at PUIs.
Description
NSF’s Mid-Career Advancement program provides protected time and resources for established scientists and engineers whose research productivity and career advancement may be constrained by teaching, service, or other responsibilities. It supports research advancement and training through mutually beneficial partnerships, typically at an institution other than the PI’s home institution. Partners outside the PI’s discipline or subdiscipline are encouraged, but not required.
Participating programs span Biological Sciences, Geosciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, and STEM Education. MCA encourages new insights into existing problems and new questions made accessible through cutting-edge methods or expertise from other fields. Proposals must demonstrate that the support would substantially enhance the PI’s research and career trajectory, enabling advancement unlikely without the award.
