The U.S. National Science Foundation Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) provides opportunities for workforce development and education to help more people and communities explore a rewarding career in the astronomical sciences and to support the work of early-career researchers.
This page highlights NSF programs focused on building a diverse, highly skilled national workforce in astronomy and astrophysics and across the mathematical and physical sciences.
Workforce development and broadening participation programs
Partnerships in Astronomy and Astrophysics Research and Education (PAARE)
Builds long-term partnerships that provide pathways into the research enterprise and broaden participation in astronomy by encouraging proposals from the full spectrum of talent across society, including individuals from groups that have been historically underrepresented.
NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships (AAPF)
Provides recent doctoral recipients with support for research and education activities across the broad spectrum of science supported by AST.
NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Supports multiple sites providing undergraduate students with research and career development pathways, including several at major astronomical facilities supported by the division.
Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ascending Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (MPS-Ascend)
Supports postdoctoral fellows performing impactful research across all fields supported by MPS while broadening the participation of groups that are underrepresented in the mathematical and physical sciences.
Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ascending Faculty Catalyst Awards (MPS-AFCA)
Supports NSF Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ascending Postdoctoral Research Fellows who transition into tenure-track faculty positions in any scientific area supported by the NSF Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS).
Launching Early-Career Academic Pathways
Supports the research of pre-tenure faculty in mathematical and physical sciences, with an emphasis on those at institutions that traditionally do not receive significant NSF funding, such as minority-serving, predominantly undergraduate or R2 institutions.