The PFE: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation (PFE: RIEF) grant is designed to help engineering faculty who are new to social science or education research start projects related to how engineers are trained and formed. This program aims to expand the community of researchers in this field and is not for those already established in engineering education research.
Who it's for: This grant is for engineering faculty who are known for their teaching, mentoring, or educational reform efforts but have little or no experience in social science or education research. It's an opportunity for them to start research projects in the area of Professional Formation of Engineers.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Established researchers in engineering education
- Researchers with significant experience in social science fields
- Applicants not affiliated with an engineering faculty
What You May Need
- Proof of faculty position in engineering
- Description of teaching or mentoring achievements
- Research proposal focused on engineering formation
- Budget plan for up to $200,000
- Institutional support letter
Cautions
- Not for established researchers in engineering education
- Must align with the Professional Formation of Engineers initiative
- Ensure proposal is focused on educational research, not technical research
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants are engineering faculty who have little or no experience in social science or education research. The program is specifically designed for those who are recognized for their teaching, mentoring, or leadership in educational reform but are new to conducting research in the Professional Formation of Engineers.
Overview
This grant is for engineering faculty who are known for their teaching, mentoring, or educational reform efforts but have little or no experience in social science or education research. It's an opportunity for them to start research projects in the area of Professional Formation of Engineers.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Established researchers in engineering education
- Researchers with significant experience in social science fields
- Applicants not affiliated with an engineering faculty
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to support research activities related to the Professional Formation of Engineers, including but not limited to project materials, personnel costs, and other research-related expenses.
Total Program Funding
$3,000,000
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Sep 1, 2026
- Deadline
- Nov 10, 2026(18 days)
- Archive Date
- Dec 10, 2026
- Last Updated
- Oct 5, 2026
Application Checklist
- Verify eligibility as an engineering faculty member
- Prepare a research proposal on engineering formation
- Gather evidence of teaching or mentoring excellence
- Develop a detailed budget plan
- Obtain a letter of support from your institution