Early career programs are initiatives designed to support professionals at the beginning of their independent careers. These programs often provide resources, mentorship, and funding to help individuals establish themselves in their chosen fields. In academia and research, a prominent example is the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program.
The NSF CAREER program stands as the foundation’s most prestigious award for early-career faculty. It aims to recognize and support those who demonstrate the potential to be academic role models in both research and education. The program encourages these faculty members to integrate education and research throughout their careers, fostering leadership within their departments and organizations. NSF actively encourages applications from all CAREER-eligible institutions and strongly welcomes submissions from women, underrepresented minorities, and individuals with disabilities.
Within the CAREER program, exceptional awardees may be nominated for the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). PECASE is a high honor, evaluating nominees based on three key criteria: pioneering research at the cutting edge of science and engineering relevant to the sponsoring agency’s mission, community service through scientific leadership and outreach, and a commitment to STEM equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion. PECASE awards serve to promote innovation in science and technology, raise awareness of STEM careers, recognize the scientific goals of participating agencies, strengthen the link between fundamental research and national objectives, and emphasize the vital role of science and technology for the nation’s future. Individuals cannot directly apply for PECASE; nominations are made by participating federal agencies like NSF from the pool of outstanding CAREER awardees. NSF can nominate up to twenty-six CAREER recipients annually for PECASE, identifying those with the greatest potential to become leaders in academic research and education in the 21st century. The final PECASE selections and announcements are made by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
