The U.S. National Science Foundation Division of Mathematical Sciences supports multiple initiatives aimed at developing a skilled future workforce in mathematical sciences research while broadening participation across all U.S. communities and regions.
This page highlights NSF programs focused on building a diverse, highly skilled national workforce in mathematics and across the mathematical and physical sciences.
Workforce development and broadening participation programs
Partnerships for Research and Education in Mathematical Sciences (PRIMES)
This program builds lasting and productive research and training partnerships between the Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes and minority-serving institutions.
Workforce Program in the Mathematical Sciences
Through this program, the division offers multiple training, education and mentorship opportunities for students and researchers at different career levels including doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers. This program includes the following three components:
- Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships: Mathematical sciences postdoctoral Research Fellowships support future leaders in mathematics and statistics by facilitating their participation in postdoctoral research environments that will have maximal impact on their future scientific development.
- Research Experiences for Undergraduates Sites: This program supports intensive research by undergraduate students in mathematical sciences. REU sites provide cohorts of students with opportunities to participate in advanced mathematics research spanning all DMS programs.
- Research Training Groups in the Mathematical Sciences: DMS research training groups support student training and professional development in collaborative research environments for graduate students, undergraduates and postdoctoral researchers.
Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ascending Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (MPS-Ascend)
Supports postdoctoral fellows performing impactful research across all fields supported by Mathematics and Physical Sciences Directorate (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 MPS-Ascend postdoctoral research fellows who transition into tenure-track faculty positions in any scientific area supported by 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 high research activity (R2) institutions.