Launching Early-Career Academic Pathways in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences

The Launching Early-Career Academic Pathways in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (LEAPS-MPS) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is designed to support the career development of pre-tenure faculty conducting research in the fields of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS). The initiative targets faculty based at institutions that have historically received lower levels of MPS funding, including Carnegie Research 2 (R2) universities, minority-serving institutions (MSIs), and predominantly undergraduate institutions (PUIs). The objective of the program is to empower early-career faculty to initiate robust research programs that can generate competitive results for future NSF submissions. The LEAPS-MPS program emphasizes broadening participation in STEM fields by increasing research opportunities for faculty and students from underrepresented and underserved communities. A significant goal is to cultivate a STEM workforce that reflects the full spectrum of societal talent. Faculty supported by this program are expected to act as role models and mentors for students, thus enhancing representation and inclusion within the broader STEM community. Awards under this solicitation span a duration of 24 months and are capped at a total budget of $250,000, including both direct and indirect costs. Proposals must be submitted to one of the five MPS divisions, specifically: Astronomical Sciences (AST), Chemistry (CHE), Materials Research (DMR), Mathematical Sciences (DMS), and Physics (PHY). Proposers are expected to adhere to the guidance outlined in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) applicable to their submission date. Eligibility for this funding is limited to pre-tenure faculty at eligible institutions. Only one proposal may be submitted per PI or co-PI. Comprehensive details about submission requirements and eligibility are outlined in solicitation NSF 25-535. Proposals are evaluated based on standard NSF merit review criteria, including the potential for broader impacts and intellectual merit of the proposed research. The current deadline for full proposal submissions is January 22, 2026, and future cycles are expected to follow an annual schedule on the fourth Thursday in January. The application portal opens in alignment with this schedule, and all submissions are due by 5 p.m. local time of the submitting organization. Applicants are encouraged to utilize available resources, including webinars and FAQs, to prepare strong proposals. Program-specific contacts are available for each MPS division to support applicants with guidance tailored to their field.