Overview
The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers the Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program annually. The Program is a NSF-wide activity that offers prestigious awards in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars. UA’s Research Development Services (RDS) offers a guided program to potential applicants and interested parties that provides an overview of the NSF CAREER Program as well as proposal development assistance to those that choose to submit a full CAREER proposal. The RDS program is available for UA faculty at no-cost.
This program is a joint effort between Research Development Services and the Office of Societal Impact.
Information Sessions
Introduction to the NSF CAREER, including a panel of faculty that have successfully obtained the CAREER awards
The NSF Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) is currently underway, offering prestigious awards to support junior faculty in their research careers. The University of Arizona’s Research Development Services (RDS) and the Office of Societal Impact are guiding potential applicants through the process with a series of informational meetings and proposal development assistance. This year’s program, culminating in proposal submission in July 2025, provides support from February through July, including peer reviews and ongoing assistance from RDS Associates. Faculty who participate in this cohort program will submit a complete proposal package, including project summaries, descriptions, and budgets. The program will run again in 2026, continuing to offer critical support for faculty seeking to advance their research careers through the CAREER program..
For more information about the program or information about the self study program, please contact Brian Heinze at heinze@arizona.edu.
For Logistical questions, contact ResearchEvents@arizona.edu.
2025 Self-Study Online Guide by Academic Research & Funding Strategies
The University of Arizona has purchased the institutional access for this online course. Access is available through July 10, 2025. Please do not distribute access outside of The University of Arizona. This online course provides a comprehensive and detailed discussion of the NSF CAREER program and how to write a winning proposal, stepping through the process from developing an idea to interpreting reviews. The course (coming soon) includes videos, downloadable slides and resources:
- The NSF CAREER Program: The Basics
- Planning your research component
- Identifying your NSF program and talking to your PO
- Planning your education component
- Final planning steps and writing your proposal, step by step
- Understanding and responding to reviews
Background materials provided for download:
- The webinar slides with active hyperlinks
- Example outlines
- Excerpts from successful NSF CAREER proposals, annotated with comments
- Relevant articles from Research Development & Grant Writing Newsletter