PFE: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for Engineering and Engineering Education and Centers division, offers the PFE: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation (PFE: RIEF) program under solicitation NSF 20-558. This initiative is part of the broader Professional Formation of Engineers (PFE) effort aimed at building a vibrant, innovative, and inclusive engineering profession. The solicitation supports two primary goals: conducting research in the professional formation of engineers and expanding the community of engineering faculty who engage in this type of research, particularly those without prior experience in social science or education research. The PFE: RIEF program is designed for engineering faculty who are well known for their educational contributions such as teaching and mentoring, and who are interested in initiating research in engineering education. It is specifically targeted toward faculty members in engineering departments who have not received NSF funding from the Engineering Education and Centers (EEC) division for engineering education or professional formation in the last three years. The initiative strongly encourages applications from faculty actively involved in disciplinary research who seek to broaden their focus to include engineering formation. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions of higher education, including two-year and four-year colleges and universities, as well as nonprofit, non-academic entities such as museums, professional societies, and research labs associated with educational or research activities. Only proposals from institutions accredited in the U.S. and with domestic campuses are eligible, unless justification is provided for activities at international branch campuses. The program offers awards of up to $200,000 for a maximum duration of 24 months. It anticipates supporting approximately 15 projects with a total program budget of $3 million, contingent on the availability of funds. Proposals must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Submissions via FastLane are not permitted. While letters of intent and preliminary proposals are not required, all full proposals must follow specific guidelines outlined in the solicitation, including the inclusion of a mentoring plan and evaluation strategy. Applications are due annually on the second Tuesday of November, with the next cycle closing on November 12, 2025. The program is recurring, and the submission schedule indicates it will reopen each November. The merit review process evaluates submissions on both intellectual merit and broader societal impacts. Additional review criteria focus on the applicant's lack of prior education research experience and the quality of the mentoring plan. For further information, applicants are encouraged to contact the Cognizant Program Officer, Matthew A. Verleger, at mverlege@nsf.gov or by phone at (703) 292-2961. Help is also available via the Research.gov and Grants.gov support centers. This funding opportunity aligns with NSF's strategic goals of supporting interdisciplinary research and developing a diverse, skilled STEM workforce. It plays a critical role in transforming engineering education to meet evolving societal and workforce needs.

Include a clear and practical mentoring plan, and ensure alignment with eligibility criteria regarding research background.