Early career programs are pivotal initiatives designed to support faculty members at the beginning of their academic careers. These programs, exemplified by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program, are structured to identify and nurture individuals who demonstrate exceptional potential to become academic role models in both research and education. The overarching goal is to empower these early-career academics to lay a robust groundwork for a lifetime of leadership within their departments, organizations, and the wider academic community.
The NSF CAREER program, a flagship example of such initiatives, stands as the foundation’s most prestigious award in this category. It specifically targets early-career faculty who are not only expected to excel in their research endeavors but also to integrate education seamlessly into their scholarly activities. This integration is seen as crucial for developing well-rounded academics capable of leading advancements across their institutions’ missions. NSF actively encourages applications from all CAREER-eligible organizations and strongly emphasizes the participation of women, individuals from underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities, aiming for a diverse and inclusive cohort of future academic leaders.
Building upon the success and merit of the CAREER program, the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) further recognizes exceptional individuals. Each year, NSF nominates a select group from the most distinguished recent CAREER award recipients for PECASE. This nomination is based on a stringent set of criteria that go beyond research excellence. PECASE selection hinges on: (1) the performance of groundbreaking research at the forefront of science, engineering, and technology, directly relevant to the sponsoring agency’s mission; (2) a demonstrated commitment to community service through scientific leadership, educational initiatives, or broader community engagement; and (3) a dedication to STEM equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.
PECASE awards are not directly applied for by individuals; instead, participating federal agencies like NSF initiate the nomination process. For NSF, up to twenty-six nominees are chosen annually from the pool of PECASE-eligible CAREER awardees who exhibit the highest likelihood of becoming pioneering leaders in academic research and education in the 21st century. The final selection and public announcement of PECASE awardees are made by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, underscoring the national significance of these early career programs and their role in shaping the future of science and engineering in the nation.
