PFE: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering a grant opportunity titled "PFE: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation" aimed at supporting research in the professional formation of engineers and expanding the community of researchers in this field. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, independent museums, research laboratories, and institutions of higher education, with a specific requirement that at least one principal investigator (PI) must be a member of an engineering department and not have received prior funding in this area within the last three years. This initiative is part of NSF's broader effort to foster an innovative and inclusive engineering profession that meets national priorities and workforce needs, with an estimated total program funding of $3 million and a minimum award amount of $200,000. Proposals are due by November 12, 2025, and interested parties can reach out to NSF grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov for assistance.
Eligible Applicants
*Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: -Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. -Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus. *Who May Serve as PI: <div>The PFE: RIEF program is designed to expand the community of engineering faculty equipped to conduct research in professional formation of engineers. At least one (co) PI must be a member of an engineering department AND not have received engineering education or professional formation funding through EEC in the last three years.</div> <div></div> <div>Submissions from faculty with active disciplinary research programs, or faculty seeking a shift in their research focus, are especially encouraged. The program is not intended to create an additional funding channel for researchers with expertise in social science or education research; such researchers should apply to the Research in the Formation of Engineers program (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505681), or other related NSF opportunities.</div>