Launching Early-Career Academic Pathways in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (LEAPS-MPS)
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering the Launching Early-Career Academic Pathways in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (LEAPS-MPS) grant to support pre-tenure faculty in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) fields at institutions that typically receive limited MPS funding. This initiative aims to foster the careers of eligible faculty members by enabling them to establish productive research programs that can lead to future competitive proposals for traditional NSF funding opportunities. The LEAPS-MPS program is particularly focused on enhancing diversity in STEM by increasing participation from underrepresented and underserved communities, with awards ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 over a 24-month period. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by April 17, 2025, and 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: -<p style="display: inline !important;">The proposal must be submitted by Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) accredited in, and having a campus located in the U.S., that arenotcurrently classified as a Doctoral University with “Very High Research Activity” (R1 institutions) according to the most recent Carnegie Classification:<a class="cf0" href="https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/"><span class="cf0">https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/</span></a>. These include two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty members. Eligibility is based on the classification on the date of proposal submission deadline. *Who May Serve as PI: The Principal Investigator must fulfill these three conditions at the time of proposal submission: <ul> <li>hold a doctoral degree in a discipline in which the Divisions of the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences support fundamental research</li> <li>be in the pre-tenure period of a tenure-track or tenure-track equivalent faculty appointment</li> <li>have not previously served as Principal or co-Principal Investigator on an NSF research award. For this solicitation, Fellowship, Conference/Workshop, Equipment, Travel, Instrumentation Infrastructure, and Research Opportunity Award (ROA) awards are not included in the research grant category</li> </ul> Tenure-track equivalency - For a position to be considered tenure-track-equivalent, it must simultaneously meet these three requirements: (1) the continuing appointment is expected to last at least three years from the start date of the LEAPS award; (2) the appointment comes with substantial research and educational responsibilities; and (3) the employee's career goals and job responsibilities as well as the mission of the department or organization will be served by the proposed LEAPS project. Co-Principal Investigators are not permitted on LEAPS-MPS proposals.