The Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ascending Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (MPS-Ascend) aims to support postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented groups, including Blacks, Hispanics, Indigenous peoples, and others, within the fields of mathematical and physical sciences (MPS). This fellowship seeks to enhance diversity and promote inclusion in academia and other scientific fields. By offering research opportunities to postdoctoral fellows, the program aims to build a future pool of scientists who will drive innovative research and serve as advocates for broader participation in MPS disciplines.

Awardees are expected to conduct research in a scientific area supported by the MPS divisions, including astronomy, chemistry, materials research, mathematical sciences, and physics. Fellows will receive financial support to work at host institutions of their choosing, provided the institutions offer robust research environments to foster scientific development. Fellows are encouraged to gain experience in new research settings, but they may also remain at their current institution if a strong justification is provided, demonstrating how it benefits their career development.

Each fellowship award is expected to last between 12 to 36 months, and awardees are provided with a stipend of $70,000 annually, along with an additional $30,000 annually to cover research expenses such as supplies, travel, and health insurance. Fellows are prohibited from holding other appointments or fellowships during this period. The total funding amount per fellow is designed to support their full-time commitment to the research and career development activities outlined in their proposals.

To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents at the time of application, have completed their doctoral degrees, and must not have previously been principal investigators on NSF awards, except in limited cases such as conference or workshop grants. Proposals should outline a research plan, career development activities, and strategies for broadening participation in MPS fields.

The fellowship selection process will consider the scientific merit of the proposed research, the potential for the fellow’s career advancement, and the likelihood of increasing diversity within MPS fields. Reviewers will also assess the strength of the proposed mentor’s support and the research environment at the host institution.

Proposals must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov, and applicants are encouraged to begin the process early due to the complexity of the required documentation, including mentor statements and letters of reference. The next submission deadline is set for the third Wednesday in October annually, with fellowship start dates no later than September 1 following the submission.

The program is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), and up to 50 fellowships may be awarded annually, with a total funding pool ranging from $6 million to $10 million depending on available NSF resources. The initiative plays a critical role in fostering innovation, diversity, and the next generation of scientific leaders.