The PFE: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation (PFE: RIEF) grant is designed to support engineering faculty who are new to research in the education and social science aspects of engineering. The goal is to help these faculty members start research projects that focus on how engineers are educated and formed professionally. This grant is not for established researchers in these fields.
Who it's for: This grant is for engineering faculty who have a strong background in teaching, mentoring, or leading educational reforms but have little to no experience in social science or education research. It's aimed at those who want to start research in how engineers are educated and formed professionally.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Being an established researcher in engineering education
- Being an established researcher in social science fields
- Proposing a project outside the scope of engineering education research
What You May Need
- Proof of faculty status in an engineering department
- A detailed research proposal
- Budget justification
- Biographical sketches of key personnel
- Current and pending support documentation
- Collaborative plans if applicable
- Institutional support letters
Cautions
- This grant is not for established researchers in engineering education or social sciences.
- Ensure your proposal aligns with the goals of the Professional Formation of Engineers initiative.
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
The grant is open to engineering faculty who are interested in initiating research in the professional formation of engineers. It is specifically for those with little or no experience in social science or education research. The program is unrestricted in terms of applicant types, meaning any eligible engineering faculty member can apply, provided they meet the experience criteria.
Overview
This grant is for engineering faculty who have a strong background in teaching, mentoring, or leading educational reforms but have little to no experience in social science or education research. It's aimed at those who want to start research in how engineers are educated and formed professionally.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Being an established researcher in engineering education
- Being an established researcher in social science fields
- Proposing a project outside the scope of engineering education research
Use of Funds
The funds can be used to support research activities related to the professional formation of engineers. This includes costs associated with conducting research, such as materials, personnel, and possibly travel for research purposes.
Total Program Funding
$3,000,000
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Sep 1, 2026
- Deadline
- Nov 10, 2026(59 days)
- Archive Date
- Dec 10, 2026
- Est. Award Date (AI estimate)
- Early 2027
Application Checklist
- Verify eligibility as an engineering faculty member
- Develop a research proposal focused on engineering education
- Prepare a detailed budget and justification
- Gather biographical sketches of all key personnel
- Compile current and pending support documentation
- Obtain institutional support letters
- Submit the application by the deadline