Mid-Career Advancement

The Mid-Career Advancement (MCA) Program by the National Science Foundation (NSF) provides support to mid-career scientists and engineers who seek to advance their research programs and career trajectories. This grant aims to alleviate constraints related to service, teaching, and other institutional responsibilities that often limit mid-career researchers' capacity to conduct innovative research. The program fosters collaborations with external institutions to develop new skills and expand research capabilities. Participation is open to researchers in various NSF directorates, including Biological Sciences, Geosciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, and STEM Education.

MCA provides protected time and financial resources to enable mid-career researchers to pursue bold and transformative research projects. Proposals must include a clearly articulated plan demonstrating how the protected time and collaboration will lead to significant career enhancement and scientific advancement. The program particularly encourages applications from underrepresented groups in STEM, including women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds.

The grant funds up to 6.5 months of salary support for the Principal Investigator (PI) and up to $100,000 for direct costs supporting the research advancement plan. Additionally, MCA includes funding for summer salary support for collaborative partners or other reasonable costs for research collaboration. Proposals must include letters of collaboration from partners, a departmental support letter, and a two-page impact statement outlining how the MCA support will enhance the PI’s career trajectory.

Eligibility is limited to faculty at accredited U.S. institutions of higher education and eligible nonprofit organizations. The standard track is open to Associate Professors (or equivalent) who have held that rank for at least three years. A pilot track in the Directorates for Biological Sciences and Geosciences extends eligibility to Full Professors (or equivalent) at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs). Collaborative partners must hold faculty or equivalent research positions but are not listed as co-principal investigators.

Proposals must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with NSF's Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). The submission window is February 1 - March 1 annually. Proposals are evaluated based on Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, with additional considerations for career enhancement, collaboration quality, and research significance. Award decisions are made within approximately six months after the submission deadline.

The anticipated funding amount is $14 million to $18 million, with 35 to 45 awards expected per year, depending on program budgets. Awards are issued as standard grants under NSF terms and conditions. The program requires compliance with NSF's reporting standards, including annual and final project reports.

For inquiries, applicants can contact MCA Program Officers at (703) 292-4628 or MCA.info@nsf.gov. Additionally, NSF encourages applicants to discuss proposal suitability with program officers before submission.