01/13/2025
By Eric Si

Are you interested in applying to the National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (NSF CAREER) program? The Office of Research Development (ORD) presents an annual series of workshops about NSF CAREER to support pre-tenure faculty in strengthening their CAREER proposals.

This year, ORD is providing a three-part series of workshops to support NSF CAREER applicants:

Introduction to the CAREER Award
Virtual – Tuesday, Jan 28, 2-3 p.m.
Register for Introduction to the CAREER Award

The Office of Research Development will provide an overview of this highly prestigious, early-career grant. ORD will also discuss the resources available at UMass Lowell to support your NSF CAREER proposal preparation, including a virtual short course in Spring 2025 tailored to NSF CAREER applicants, UML’s NSF CAREER Resource Library, and other supports.

Short Course: How to Win an NSF CAREER Grant
Virtual – Tuesdays, 2 - 3:30 p.m., Feb, 25 – March 25
Apply to participate in the Short Course via InfoReady by Wednesday, Feb. 5

This small group training focuses on key strategies for assembling a successful CAREER proposal. Sessions will be held weekly on Tuesdays from Feb. 25 to March 25 (excluding the week of spring break) and hosted by Maureen Bonnefin, lead grants consultant at Affinity Grants Insights LLC. Session topics include:
• Setting the Stage: Components Required to Win a CAREER Grant (Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2 - 3:30 p.m.)
• Going Deeper: Motivation and Narrative Arc (Tuesday, March 4, 2 - 3:30 p.m.)
• Critical Details: The Integrated Components of the Project Narrative (Tuesday, March 18, 2 - 3:30 p.m.)
• Wrapping it Up: Small Items that Make a Difference (Tuesday, March 25, 2 - 3:30 p.m.)

Insights from NSF CAREER Awardees and the Office of Sponsored Programs
In-person at University Crossing, Room 158 Building B, Thursday, April 3, 2 - 4 p.m.
Register for Insights from NSF CAREER Awardees

Join ORD for a moderated panel discussion with previous NSF CAREER awardees who will present their projects and answer audience questions. A guest speaker from the Office of Sponsored Programs will also review the submission process for CAREER proposals at UMass Lowell, including an overview of UMass Lowell's internal deadlines and budgeting tips for a smooth submission.

More information and additional NSF CAREER proposal preparation resources can be found on ORD’s NSF CAREER Series page. Please contact rd@uml.edu with any questions. Thank you!