Important information for proposers and award recipients

All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the requirements specified in the funding opportunity and in the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and its supplements.

All NSF grants and cooperative agreements are subject to the applicable set of NSF award terms and conditions.

NSF has updated its research security policies for NSF funded projects.

Mid-Career Advancement Participating Programs

October 26, 2026

Email mca.info@nsf.gov to contact a Program Officer in any of the NSF directorates participating in the Mid-Career Advancement (MCA) opportunity.

Directorate for Biological Sciences (NFS BIO)

All core research areas are accepting MCA proposals.

Directorate for Geosciences (NSF GEO)

Core research areas listed below are accepting MCA proposals. Submit to the appropriate research area.

Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS)
Earth Sciences (EAR)
Ocean Sciences (OCE)

Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (NSF SBE)

Learn more about the research areas supported by NSF SBE.

Directorate for STEM Education (NSF EDU)

The programs listed below are accepting MCA proposals. Submit to the program with goals best aligned with the proposal's research area and objectives.

Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Directorate for STEM Education (IUSE: EDU)
EDU Core Research (ECR:Core)
Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP)
Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP)