The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program, a flagship initiative of the National Science Foundation (NSF), stands as the most prestigious award offered by the foundation. It is specifically designed to bolster early-career faculty members who exhibit exceptional promise in becoming academic role models. These individuals are expected to excel in both research and education, driving significant advancements within their departments and institutions. For those seeking to build a robust and impactful career at the program, the CAREER program provides an unparalleled platform. The NSF CAREER award aims to empower early-career academics to establish a solid groundwork for a lifetime of leadership, seamlessly integrating their educational and research endeavors. The program strongly encourages applications from early-career faculty across all eligible organizations, with a particular emphasis on fostering diversity and inclusion by actively inviting women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities to apply and build their career at the program.
A significant aspect of building A Career At The Program and beyond is the potential for further recognition through the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). Each year, the NSF nominates candidates for the PECASE awards from its pool of highly meritorious recent CAREER award recipients. This prestigious award considers three key criteria for selection, emphasizing the holistic impact of a researcher’s career at the program and in the broader scientific community. These criteria are: 1) the performance of groundbreaking research at the forefront of science, engineering, and technology that aligns with the mission of the sponsoring organization or agency; 2) demonstrable community service through scientific leadership, educational contributions, or community outreach initiatives, highlighting the commitment to extending the impact of a career at the program beyond academia; and 3) a strong commitment to STEM equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion, showcasing the dedication to broadening participation within STEM fields throughout their career at the program.
It is important to note that individuals cannot directly apply for the PECASE award. Nominations are initiated by participating federal agencies, recognizing the exceptional achievements of researchers within programs like CAREER. At NSF, up to twenty-six nominees are chosen annually from the PECASE-eligible CAREER awardees. These are individuals identified as having the highest potential to become future leaders in academic research and education in the 21st century, demonstrating the long-term impact of a career at the program. The final selection and announcement of PECASE awardees are made by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, underscoring the national significance of these awards and the careers they represent, originating from programs like the NSF CAREER program and fostering impactful careers at the program and beyond.
