The MPS Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI) invests in workforce development, training and educational opportunities across all fields supported by the U.S National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physics Sciences, including astronomical sciences, chemistry, mathematical sciences, materials research and physics.
OSI strives to inspire and prepare the next generation of researchers who will lead the U.S. STEM enterprise and create the innovations of tomorrow. From high school students to postdoctoral researchers and other early-career scientists, OSI provides support that helps more people and communities pursue rewarding careers in the mathematical and physical sciences.
This page highlights NSF programs focused on building a diverse, highly skilled national workforce across the mathematical and physical sciences.
Workforce development and broadening participation programs
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 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.
High School Student Research Assistantships (MPS-High)
Encourages requests that stimulate interest in studying mathematical and physical sciences, while expanding the participation of high school students from traditionally underrepresented and underserved groups in STEM fields.
MPS Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate - Graduate Research Supplements (MPS AGEP-GRS)
Provides supplemental funding for MPS awardees to support an additional doctorate student. Applicants must be at institutions involved in the NSF-wide Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate program.