NSF CAREER: Opportunity Kick-Off

Please click HERE to view the recording, slides and resources.

Presented by Stephanie Hyche, Director, Office of Research Development

The National Science Foundation's Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) is designed to help new faculty members become academic role models and lead advancements in their respective fields. The current NSF CAREER proposal submission window closes in July, 2026. This program will guide attendees through the process of developing a quality CAREER proposal, including understanding the goals of the funder, how to align the project with the required research, education, and career development elements; where to get help when needed; and a review of the mandatory proposal components. Our team will provide a toolkit of resources including templates, forms and examples to assist with preparation. Who should attend? Faculty members considering submitting to the NSF CAREER funding mechanism for the July 2026 application cycle and who meet the funder’s “early career faculty” eligibility criteria as of the submission deadline:

Hold a doctoral degree in a field supported by NSF;

Be engaged in research in an area of science, engineering, or education supported by NSF;

Hold at least a 50% tenure-track (or tenure-track-equivalent) position as an assistant professor (or equivalent title);

Be untenured; and

Have not previously received a CAREER award.

Professional staff who assist faculty with proposal preparation and management are also welcome to attend this program.