For early-career faculty in technology fields, establishing a robust research and education foundation is crucial. The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) program, a prestigious initiative by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is designed to empower individuals like you. This program not only recognizes potential but also provides substantial support to those poised to become academic role models and leaders in their respective departments and organizations. The CAREER program is particularly invested in fostering a lifetime of leadership, seamlessly integrating innovative education with cutting-edge research endeavors.
NSF strongly encourages applications from all CAREER-eligible institutions, with a special emphasis on broadening participation. Women, individuals from underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities are particularly invited to apply, ensuring a diverse and inclusive landscape for the future of technology and innovation.
Furthermore, the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) elevates recognition to the most exceptional CAREER awardees. Each year, NSF nominates a select group from the most meritorious recent CAREER recipients for PECASE, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their independent research careers.
The selection for PECASE is based on three core criteria, highlighting well-rounded excellence:
- Pioneering Research: Demonstration of innovative research at the forefront of science, engineering, and technology that directly contributes to the mission of the sponsoring organization or agency. This emphasizes the real-world impact and relevance of the research.
- Community Engagement: Active community service through scientific leadership, impactful education initiatives, or significant community outreach. This criterion underscores the importance of giving back and inspiring the next generation.
- Commitment to STEM Equity: A demonstrated commitment to enhancing STEM equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion. This reflects the critical need for diverse perspectives and equal opportunities in the technology and STEM fields.
PECASE awards serve multiple vital purposes. They stimulate innovation in science and technology, raise awareness about the exciting career paths within STEM, acknowledge the crucial scientific missions of participating agencies, strengthen the vital links between fundamental research and national objectives, and underscore the paramount importance of science and technology for the nation’s future prosperity. Individuals cannot directly apply for PECASE; nomination is through participating federal agencies. NSF can nominate up to twenty-six individuals annually from the PECASE-eligible CAREER awardees who exhibit the greatest potential to become the academic research and education leaders of the 21st century. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy ultimately selects and announces the PECASE awardees.
These early career development programs, particularly CAREER and PECASE, represent unparalleled opportunities for those in technology and related fields to accelerate their professional growth, contribute meaningfully to their disciplines, and gain national recognition for their efforts and potential. By focusing on both research excellence and broader impacts, these programs are shaping the future leaders of technology and innovation.
