💡 Grant Writing Tip: Preparing to apply for NSF CAREER in 2026
Quick Summary
- The prestigious NSF CAREER award provides 5 years of funding for early career investigators in the sciences
- Important updates to NSF policies and priorities may impact CAREER applicants this year
- Proposal Development Services (PDS) has a variety of programming and resources to support investigators at UC Davis applying for the NSF CAREER
Our team is ready to support University of California, Davis faculty applying for the 2026 National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER, so it's time to share what we have planned for our researchers this year!
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 22 by 5pm (submitting org. time)
- Amount: 5 years, 400-500k min (depending on program)
- 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
Important Updates for 2026 Applicants
- Changes to the review process - From PAPPG 24-1 Supplement 1, Section 7: Reduced reviewer requirement, internal reviews allowed, and optional panel reviews
- NSF agency reorganization - From May 2025 Science article: Planned elimination of NSF Divisions
- New dissemination of research tool and policy changes - From PAPPG 24-1, Supplement 2: Changes to timing and audience for dissemination, and new DMSP tool coming in April 2026
- Updated Broader Impacts priorities - From April, 2025 NSF announcement: Shift in Broadening Participation focus area, see our August 2025 analysis - NSF Update: Changes to broader impacts priorities
PDS Support for NSF CAREER applicants
Our team offers a variety of support for our cohort of NSF CAREER applicants, including:
NSF CAREER Infosessions
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 March 18th - Learn about the NSF CAREER award and how to get started on your proposal!
- Winner’s Roundtable (Planned for April 2026) - Hear from our panel of previous awardees on the secrets to their success.
- Developing an Education Plan (Planned for May 2026) - Learn about campus resources available to help you build a strong NSF CAREER education plan and experience from a previous CAREER awardee.
- Zoom Power Hour Writing Sessions - Designated writing time to help you get started and keep momentum on your proposal alongside peers and members of our team.
- 2026 NSF CAREER Power Hour Writing Sessions - Thursdays 9-10:30 am (These sessions are exclusive to 2026 NSF CAREER applicants)
- Weekly Grant Writing Power Hour - Mondays 9-10:30 am (These sessions are open to all investigators on campus working on grant proposals, including NSF CAREERs).
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 (Contact Stephanie to be added) - 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 to be added)
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 early career investigators prepare their NSF CAREER proposal! Reach out to our team at [email protected] to schedule a spot!
We look forward to supporting you prepare your 2026 NSF CAREER proposal!