PFE: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation (PFE: RIEF)

The National Science Foundation’s Engineering Directorate is issuing a grant program (PFE: RIEF) to expand the community of engineering faculty who can conduct research on the professional formation of engineers. The program targets faculty with strong teaching or mentorship records but little or no experience in social‑science or education research. Up to $3 million in total funding is anticipated, with a minimum award of $200 k. Applicants must be members of an engineering department and must not have received NSF engineering education funding in the prior three years. The solicitation runs from September 1 2026 to November 10 2026, and NSF expects roughly 75 proposals. • Grant (not a contract) – research‑oriented award. • Open to U.S. engineering faculty (any discipline) who are new to engineering‑education research. • Funding: $200 k minimum, up to $3 M total across all awards. • No pre‑bid meeting or site visit required. • Primary contact: Alice L. Pawley (eer‑[email protected]). • Expected award timeline: post‑Nov 10 2026 (award date not specified). • Project length not defined; typical NSF research grants range 2‑3 years.