Skip to main content

NSF CAREER Grant Preparation Program

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.

2027 NSF CAREER Support Program and Writing Group Schedule

The University of Arizona’s Research Development Services (RDS) and the Office of Societal Impact will guide 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 2027, 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 2028, continuing to offer critical support for faculty seeking to advance their research careers through the CAREER program.

 

Schedule for the 2026-2027 Academic Year

Overview of the CAREERS program at NSF and the grant preparation program timeline at the U of A.

Applications for the UA NSF CAREER Prep Program are submitted via AZCultivate (NetID Login Required).

Review the program details and submit your application here: AZCultivate UA NSF CAREER Prep Program

 Deadline: February 10 at 5:00 pm (MST)

Introduction to proposal components, required elements, review criteria, and reviewer insights.

The Office of Societal Impact will lead this session, helping applicants structure societal impact sections early in the process. RDS will also briefly discuss opportunities for industry and community partnerships.

Discuss all required documents (including letters) and timing.

Participants will bring outlines for peer review and feedback, including their research plan, education plan, and broader impacts.

Panel discussion with past awardees to discuss proposal strategy and field questions from participants.

RDS reviews of full early drafts.

Ongoing RDS Associate support and review, Red Team reviews.

Proposal submission to NSF.

 

For more information about the program, please contact Brian Heinze at heinze@arizona.edu.

For logistical questions about the program series, or to request accommodations, contact Marisol Corrado at mcorrado@arizona.edu

Contact RDS

ResDev@arizona.edu 

(520) 621-8585 
1618 E. Helen St
Tucson, AZ 85719

Sign up for The Current newsletter