Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ascending Faculty Catalyst Awards

The **Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ascending Faculty Catalyst Awards (MPS-AFCA)** program, offered by the **National Science Foundation (NSF)**, aims to support previous recipients of the **MPS-Ascend Postdoctoral Fellowships** as they transition into tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions at accredited **Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs)** in the United States. The program is administered across five NSF divisions: **Astronomical Sciences (AST), Chemistry (CHE), Materials Research (DMR), Mathematical Sciences (DMS), and Physics (PHY)**. The awards provide funding beyond institutional start-up packages to enable impactful scientific research and leadership in broadening participation in STEM. The primary goal of the MPS-AFCA program is to foster the development of early-career faculty members into leaders in their respective scientific fields and champions of diversity and inclusion in STEM disciplines. Eligible applicants must have completed at least **12 months as an MPS-Ascend Postdoctoral Fellow**, secured a tenure-track or equivalent faculty position, and consulted with their managing or cognizant NSF Program Director. Proposals must be submitted **within 12 months of completing the fellowship** and **within six months of starting the faculty position**. Eligibility is restricted to untenured faculty members in tenure-track or equivalent roles; associate professors, adjunct faculty, or visiting appointments are not eligible. Successful proposals must include a clear **research vision and plan**, aligned with the funding purview of one of the five participating NSF divisions, and demonstrate a commitment to **broadening participation in STEM fields**. The research plan should outline specific objectives, methodologies, and anticipated outcomes, while the broadening participation component must detail strategies for enhancing diversity and inclusion within the mathematical and physical sciences. Proposals must also include a **letter from the Department Chair or Dean**, affirming institutional support, alignment with departmental goals, and clarity on teaching and service expectations. Each award has a duration of **24 months** and provides up to **$150,000 per year** (including direct and indirect costs), contingent on the availability of funds. Budgets may include funds for research-related expenses, including limited course release to facilitate focus on research and participation activities. However, the award is not intended to replace institutional start-up packages or solely fund equipment purchases. Proposals are evaluated based on **Intellectual Merit** and **Broader Impacts**, including alignment with NSF priorities and the applicant's potential to advance both scientific knowledge and societal outcomes. The application process requires applicants to submit drafts of key proposal components—including a **project summary**, **project description**, **budget justification**, and institutional support letters—to their managing or cognizant Program Director before receiving an invitation to submit a full proposal. Proposals must then be submitted through **Research.gov** or **Grants.gov**, adhering to NSF's **Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG)** requirements. Awardees are expected to **actively engage in research, mentorship, and broadening participation activities** throughout the project period. NSF emphasizes the importance of building sustainable research programs and contributing to institutional and national goals for equity and inclusion in STEM. Reporting requirements include annual progress reports, a final project report, and a public project outcomes report, all submitted via **Research.gov**. The MPS-AFCA program represents an important mechanism for supporting early-career faculty in establishing independent research programs while fostering meaningful contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the mathematical and physical sciences. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with their NSF Program Directors early in the process to ensure alignment with program goals and eligibility requirements.