Faculty Fellowship Program

Accepting applications through September 15th, 2025!

Overview

The Faculty Fellowship Program (FFP) provides opportunities and resources for faculty employed at U.S. universities to work in residence at NSF NCAR facilities in Boulder, CO. The program will provide financial support for faculty members, and one of their students, covering travel and living expenses for 1-3 month duration visits to NSF NCAR. This program is an opportunity for faculty and students to collaborate with NSF NCAR scientists and engineers while taking advantage of the facilities and resources at NSF NCAR. The anticipated, mutually beneficial, outcomes include the development of new research collaborations, joint research proposals and scientific publications that further NSF NCAR’s strategic priorities. In addition the program can support the development of classroom content, offer student mentoring opportunities, and contribute to skills exchanges between NCAR staff and faculty.

Through on-site visits and direct collaboration with NSF NCAR staff, the program enhances NSF NCAR’s university partnerships and opens avenues for collaboration. The program will support research aligned with NSF NCAR strategic projects and priorities, including:

  • Conducting research to reduce damage and disruption to livelihoods, safety, and critical infrastructure from weather and space weather hazards
  • Supporting air quality management and water, energy, and food availability
  • Advancing predictive science and technology for weather and water risks
  • Assessing and predicting societally relevant Earth system variability across time scales and corresponding societal responses

During their visits, faculty will also have the opportunity to participate in workshops, seminars and lectures, and to disseminate their findings to the broader NSF NCAR community.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The FFP will open applications twice a yearr, anticipated in September and March. There is no limit to the number of times any individual may apply. Priority will be given to applicants that have not received prior funding from the program.

To be eligible, the faculty must:

  • Be employed at a U.S. college or university.
    • Non-US citizens will be required to submit a statement from their sponsoring Institution confirming that the applicant can participate in the program.
  • Identify a NSF NCAR scientist or engineer who will serve as a host and will complete a short host form on their behalf.
  • Visits must happen within a year of award notification.

The selection will be determined through a competitive process with applications reviewed by EdEC and FFP staff. Selection will be based on innovative science proposals and demonstrated need to spend time at NSF NCAR to conduct research. Consideration will be given to proposals addressing grand challenges in atmospheric science and Earth system science aligned with NSF NCAR strategic priorities. Evaluation criteria will assess faculty qualifications, justification for the visit and the research strategic alignment with NSF NCAR priorities.

Funding

Competitive applicants selected for funding will receive travel support and living allowance for faculty and a student. The living allowance will be $7500/month for faculty and $3000/month for students. Additional travel during the visit (e.g., to conferences, university, etc) will be the responsibility of the faculty. Resources for scientific computing will be provided by NSF NCAR to the extent possible.

Application Process and Timeline

To apply, please submit the following documentation to faculty-fellowship@ucar.edu.

  1. Cover sheet
    1. Applicant information
      1. Full name, job title, institution, academic department and/or program and institutional address
    2. Host information
      1. Collaborator name and lab affiliation
    3. Visit information
      1. Proposed dates of visit (approximate dates)
    4. If you plan on bringing a student, please include the following information:
      1. Student name
      2. Proposed dates of student visit
  2. Application proposal
    In 2-pages or less please address the following:
    1. Outline the purpose of your visit. Please provide a short description of the research to be conducted and how it aligns with NSF NCAR priorities, as well as why it merits a visit.
    2. Describe any resources needed to successfully complete your visit (e.g., computing resources).
    3. If you plan to bring a student, explain why bringing them is necessary and how your student will benefit from the visit.
    4. A key aspect of the program involves knowledge sharing between faculty and NCAR NSF staff. What expertise or skills do you plan to contribute and how will they be shared? Examples include teaching skills 1-1, hosting a skills workshop or technical training seminar.

  3. C.V.
    Please include your 2-page or full C.V. Do not include biosketch formats.

    Discuss your research ideas, intent for the visit, and dates with your prospective host. Your host will be required to submit a short statement confirming their interest and availability to support your visit and the availability of lab space and other resources needed. Please have your collaborator fill out this host form.

Applications open: July 15, 2025 
Application close: September 15, 2025 
Awards will be made by: October 15, 2025 
Visits starting: January 2026 (Visits in 2025 may be able to be accommodated–please reach out to program staff if interested in visiting before the end of the year.)

Faculty Fellowship Program - FAQ

  1. Should I work with a specific person at NSF NCAR to develop my statement of work?
    Yes. Please identify someone on the scientific staff with whom you can develop a collaboration, or have an existing work relationship with, and work with that person to develop your statement of work. As your host, they must submit the required host form as part of the application process.
  2. Can I bring my graduate and/or undergraduate student?
    Absolutely! The program has funds to cover up to one student per faculty. Please note that we do not pay salaries, only duplicate living expenses called Temporary Living Per Diem.
  3. Does the program provide computing resources for participants?
    Computing resources on NSF NCAR HPC systems will be provided to the extent possible. Please include the anticipated resources needed in your application.
  4. Are international faculty with visas eligible to apply?
    Yes, but International faculty must be based at a U.S. university.
  5. Can I split my visit into two trips?
    No. Your award cannot be split into more than one visit.
  6. Can I stay longer than three months?
    You may stay longer if you have additional funding, for example from your home institution or from another program at NSF NCAR. The FFP only has funding for up to three months.
  7. Does the Faculty Fellowship Program provide health insurance?
    No, we assume that you will retain your current health insurance.

Program Contact

faculty-fellowship@ucar.edu