Re-entry to Active Research Program
The RARE program supports scientists returning from research hiatus by re-engaging, retraining, and broadening participation in academia.
Funder: National Science Foundation
Due Dates: Proposals accepted anytime (rolling submission)
Funding Amounts: Track 1: up to $150,000/year (typically 3 years); Track 2: up to $300,000 total; 3–4 awards per division per year
Summary: Supports scientists and engineers returning from a research hiatus to re-engage or retrain for active academic research careers in chemistry, bioengineering, environmental, and transport systems.
Key Information: Eligibility confirmation from a program director is required before proposal submission.
Description
The National Science Foundation's Re-entry to Active Research (RARE) program is designed to re-engage highly trained scientists and engineers who have experienced a significant hiatus from active research. The program aims to catalyze their advancement along the academic tenure-track, reinvest in the nation's scientific workforce, and broaden participation and diversity in STEM fields. RARE supports two tracks:
- Track 1: For researchers seeking to re-engage in competitive research after a hiatus, with accommodations for gaps in their research record.
- Track 2: For researchers needing retraining in new or updated techniques to return to competitive research activity.
Proposals must describe potentially transformative research within the scope of the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems (CBET) or the Division of Chemistry (CHE).
