The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Mid-Career Advancement (MCA) Program

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has opened applications for the Mid-Career Advancement (MCA) program, a major funding opportunity designed to support researchers at critical mid-career stages. MCA provides protected time and resources that enable scientists and scholars to advance their research trajectories, pivot to new directions, or acquire new skills and knowledge that will elevate their long-term impact.

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About the Program

The MCA Program (NSF 22-603) supports mid-career researchers—typically associate professors or equivalent—by enabling them to pursue ambitious new research directions or collaborate across disciplines. The program aims to address the challenges often faced during mid-career, particularly for researchers balancing leadership, service, and mentoring responsibilities.

The initiative strengthens research capacity across STEM fields supported by NSF and promotes inclusive scientific advancement.

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What the MCA Supports

Funding & Activities

MCA awards provide support for:

• Pursuing new or interdisciplinary research directions
• Acquiring new skills, methods, or collaborations
• Establishing new partnerships with hosts or mentors
• Advancing scientific leadership and innovation
• Enhancing research productivity through dedicated time

Awards typically fund:

• Salary support
• Travel
• Research costs
• Time buyout for focused research

Additionally, each applicant must identify a host mentor—an established expert who will provide intellectual support, training, and collaboration throughout the MCA project.

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Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be mid-career scholars (usually at the associate professor or equivalent rank)
• Hold a research-active appointment
• Propose a project aligned with NSF-supported disciplines
• Demonstrate the need for release time to advance research
• Secure a host mentor and institutional commitment

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Key Proposal Components

Applications must include:

• A detailed project description
• A professional development plan
• A mentoring plan from the host
• Institutional support letter
• Budget and justification
• Biosketches and supplementary documents following NSF guidelines

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Why Apply? (Benefits)

• Dedicated time to reinvigorate or expand your research
• Strengthened collaborations with leading experts
• Acquisition of new skills or methodologies
• Enhanced competitiveness for future funding
• Support for major career transitions, including exploring new fields

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Deadlines

• Annual deadline:  February 1 – March 1, Annually Thereafter  (consult NSF website for the exact current cycle)
• Submissions are made through Research.gov or grants.gov

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More Information

Full program details: Click Here