The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program, a flagship initiative of the National Science Foundation (NSF), stands as a beacon for early-career academics aiming to make significant strides in their Career Planning Program. This prestigious award is meticulously designed to recognize and support faculty members at the nascent stages of their careers who exhibit exceptional potential to become academic role models. These individuals are expected to not only excel in research and education but also to champion advancements within their departments and organizations, embodying the spirit of a robust career planning program.
The NSF CAREER award serves as a catalyst, empowering early-career faculty to lay a robust groundwork for a lifetime of leadership. It emphasizes the crucial integration of education and research, encouraging a holistic approach to academic development. The program is a cornerstone career planning program for those in STEM, actively promoting inclusivity and diversity within the scientific community. NSF strongly encourages applications from all CAREER-eligible organizations, with a particular emphasis on fostering the participation of women, underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to this pivotal career planning program.
Furthermore, the NSF CAREER program acts as a gateway to even greater recognition through the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). Each year, NSF meticulously selects nominees for PECASE from the most distinguished recipients of the CAREER awards. This nomination is a testament to the profound impact of the CAREER career planning program.
Selection for the PECASE award is grounded in three core criteria, each highlighting the multifaceted achievements of the awardees. These benchmarks include: pioneering innovative research at the frontiers of science, engineering, and technology that directly aligns with the mission of the sponsoring organization or agency; demonstrating exemplary community service through scientific leadership, educational initiatives, or community outreach; and a steadfast commitment to STEM equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion. These awards are instrumental in nurturing groundbreaking developments in science and technology, amplifying awareness of STEM careers, and underscoring the vital connection between fundamental research and national objectives.
It is important to note that individuals cannot directly apply for the PECASE award. Instead, federal agencies participating in the PECASE program initiate nominations. Within NSF, up to twenty-six nominees are chosen annually from the pool of PECASE-eligible CAREER awardees. These nominees are identified as individuals with the highest potential to emerge as the leading figures in academic research and education in the years to come. 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 this recognition and the profound impact of the CAREER career planning program in shaping the future of STEM leadership.
