NSF CAREER Faculty Writing Group
This writing group is designed to prepare early-career faculty at MSU to submit a strong CAREER proposal to the National Science Foundation (NSF). Participants will receive information and advice on all aspects of the grant writing process during cohort meetings and personal mentoring sessions. Participants will be expected to participate in group discussions and provide feedback to other group members on proposal documents.
- Get tips for planning a successful NSF CAREER
- Learn how to identify and contact a Program Officer at NSF
- Understand how the CAREER differs from other solicitations, and how to tailor your proposal to be maximally responsive
- Learn how to develop the Project Summary, Research Plan, and Education Plan and Broader Impacts for CAREER proposals
- Get extensive feedback on your proposal, through group discussion and one-on-one consultations, to improve your chance to win
Target Audience
Early career faculty intending to submit or resubmit an NSF CAREER proposal in July 2026. Proposers must meet all of the following eligibility requirements as of the annual deadline:
- Hold a doctoral degree in a field supported by NSF;
- Be engaged in research in an area of science, engineering, or education supported by NSF;
- Hold at least a 50% tenure-track (or tenure-track-equivalent) position as an assistant professor (or equivalent title);
- Be untenured; and
- Have not previously received a CAREER award. (Prior or concurrent Federal support for other types of awards for non-duplicative research does not preclude eligibility.)
Timeline
This group will meet weekly during the spring semester, and meetings will include presentations on components of the CAREER proposal, group discussions, and individual consultations. Participants will work on developing and writing each section of their NSF proposals between meetings. Meetings will be held virtually.
Program Overview
The writing group will focus on writing key sections of the NSF CAREER proposal, including the Project Summary, the Research Plan, Education Plan, and Broader Impacts. Participants will learn about NSF’s overall philosophy and approach, making connections with program officers, understanding the CAREER funding opportunity, and the proposal review process.
To Apply
In order to fill out the application form, you will need to provide:
- A tentative title for this proposal
- A short description of your proposal or your Project Summary, not to exceed one page
Applications will be open in late 2025 or early 2026.
If you have identified the program and cognizant program officer, please include this information as well. Enrollment in this writing group will be limited. If you have any questions, please contact ORI.Editors@msu.edu.