As our team prepares to support University of California, Davis faculty apply for the 2025 National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER, it's a good time to share what we have planned for our researchers this season!

About the NSF CAREER

• Brief description: “Supports early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.” 
• Deadline: Due July 23 by 5pm (submitting org. time)
• Amount: 5 years, 400-500k min (depending on directorate)
• Eligibility: Assistant prof. (or equivalent) with at least 50% tenure-track (or equivalent), no co-PIs
• Submission: Max. 3 applications allowed, only 1 per year
• Full details: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/career-faculty-early-career-development-program

PDS Support for NSF CAREER applicants

Our team offers a variety of support for our cohort of NSF CAREER applicants, including:

NSF CAREER Prep Presentations

If you're an eligible UCD investigator planning to apply for the NSF CAREER, you should attend our annual NSF CAREER Prep series to learn more about this award, how to get started, tips from previous winners, and more!

• Getting Started presentation April 3, 12-1 pm (Zoom) - Learn about the NSF CAREER award and how to get started on your proposal!
• Winner’s Roundtable (Spring 2025) - Hear from our panel of previous awardees on the secrets to their success.
• Developing an Education Plan (Spring 2025) - Learn about campus resources available to help you build a strong NSF CAREER education plan.
• Zoom Power Hour Events - This year we are adding regular, short writing retreats to help applicants get going on their proposals alongside peers, and with support from our team.

NSF CAREER Grant Writing Resources

• Research Development Toolbox – Browse our extensive library of templates, calendars, and more specifically designed for preparing an NSF CAREER proposal 
• NSF CAREER Grant Writing Bootcamp (Coming soon!) - Researchers planning to apply this summer can join our Canvas-based bootcamp designed specifically for preparing a 2025 NSF CAREER proposal
• Stay updated with our NSF CAREER email list (Contact Stephanie at pdtraining@ucdavis.edu to be added to the email list and/or Canvas Bootcamp)

Individual Consultations

Whether you’re applying for the first time, revising for resubmission, or looking to pivot your research to NSF, our team is happy to help UCD Asst. Profs. prepare their NSF CAREER proposal! Reach out to our team at pds@ucdavis.edu to schedule a spot!

We look forward to supporting you prepare your 2025 NSF CAREER proposal!