The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program, a flagship initiative of the National Science Foundation (NSF), stands as the most prestigious award offered by this foundation. It is specifically designed to bolster early-career faculty members who demonstrate exceptional potential to become academic role models in both research and education. These individuals are expected to spearhead advancements within their departments and institutions, contributing significantly to the broader mission of their organizations. The NSF CAREER award emphasizes activities that lay a robust groundwork for a lifetime of leadership, seamlessly integrating research and educational pursuits.
NSF strongly encourages applications from early-career faculty across all CAREER-eligible institutions, with a particular emphasis on fostering diversity and inclusion within the STEM fields. Women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply, reflecting NSF’s commitment to broadening participation in science and engineering.
Annually, the NSF further recognizes outstanding CAREER awardees through nominations for the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). The PECASE award is a high honor, and selection is based on three core criteria that highlight exceptional contributions and future leadership potential. These criteria include: (1) the performance of innovative research at the cutting edge of science, engineering, and technology that directly aligns with the mission of the sponsoring organization or agency; (2) a demonstrated commitment to community service through scientific leadership, educational initiatives, or community outreach; and (3) a strong commitment to STEM equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.
The PECASE awards serve to nurture groundbreaking developments in science and technology, raise awareness of STEM careers, give due recognition to the scientific endeavors of participating federal agencies, strengthen the links between fundamental research and national objectives, and underscore the vital importance of science and technology for the Nation’s future prosperity. Individuals are not able to directly apply for the PECASE. Nominations are initiated exclusively by participating federal agencies. Within NSF, up to twenty-six nominees are chosen each year from the pool of PECASE-eligible CAREER awardees. These nominees are identified as those with the highest likelihood of becoming the academic research and education leaders of the twenty-first century. The final selection and announcement of PECASE awardees are made by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, signifying the national importance of these awards and the career development they represent.
