Research in the Formation of Engineers
About
The NSF Engineering Directorate (ENG) has launched a multi-year initiative, theProfessional Formation of Engineers, to create and support an innovative and inclusive engineering profession for the 21 st century. Professional Formation of Engineers (PFE) refers to the formal and informal processes and value systems by which people become engineers. It also includes the ethical responsibility of practicing engineers to sustain and grow the profession in order to improve quality of life for all peoples. The engineering profession must be responsive to national priorities, grand challenges, and dynamic workforce needs; it must be equally open and accessible to all. Professional Formation of Engineers includes, but is not limited, to: Introductions to the profession at any age; Development of deep technical and professional skills, knowledge, and abilities in both formal and informal settings/domains; Development of outlooks, perspectives, ways of thinking, knowing, and doing; Development of identity as an engineer and its intersection with other identities; and Acculturation to the profession, its standards, and norms. The goal of the Research in the Formation of Engineers (RFE) program is to advance our understanding of professional formation. It seeks both to deepen our fundamental understanding of the underlying processes and mechanisms that support professional formation and to demonstrate how professional formation is or can be accomplished. Ultimately RFE aims to transform.
The Research in the Formation of Engineers (RFE) program, launched by the NSF Engineering Directorate (ENG), funds research that advances understanding of how people become engineers and how the engineering profession develops. This program is designed for researchers, academic institutions, and organizations studying professional formation—the formal and informal processes by which individuals develop engineering identity, technical skills, ethical responsibility, and professional competency. RFE supports both fundamental research into the mechanisms of professional formation and applied demonstrations of how engineering formation can be accomplished effectively and inclusively. Researchers should apply if they investigate topics such as introducing engineering at any age, developing technical and professional skills in diverse settings, fostering engineering identity, understanding intersectionality in the profession, or studying acculturation to engineering standards and norms. The program emphasizes creating an innovative, inclusive engineering profession responsive to national priorities and grand challenges. RFE is ideal for those committed to understanding and improving how the engineering profession attracts, develops, and retains talent from all backgrounds to address workforce needs and improve quality of life.
Funding Facts
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by cycle and project scope
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Check NSF website for current deadlines
Best For
Researchers, academic institutions, and organizations studying engineering professional formation, workforce development, and inclusive engineering education
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Research in the Formation of Engineers?
Eligibility criteria are not specified in the available information. Typically, NSF programs fund researchers and institutions, but specific eligibility requirements may include organizational type, researcher credentials, or institutional affiliation. Visit the official NSF Engineering Directorate website or the RFE program page for current eligibility requirements.
How much funding does Research in the Formation of Engineers provide?
Funding amounts are not specified in the available program information. Award amounts may vary by project scope, research focus, and funding cycle. Contact the NSF directly or consult the official RFE program guidelines for specific funding ranges and current budget information.
How do I apply for Research in the Formation of Engineers?
Application procedures and timelines are not detailed in the available information. The NSF accepts proposals through Grants.gov and the NSF FastLane system. Visit the official NSF Engineering Directorate website to access the RFE program solicitation, which includes application deadlines, proposal requirements, and submission instructions.
What can Research in the Formation of Engineers funding be used for?
RFE funding supports research that advances understanding of professional formation of engineers. This includes research on how people develop engineering identity, technical and professional skills, ethical responsibility, inclusive access to the profession, and acculturation to engineering standards. Funding may support both fundamental research into formation mechanisms and demonstration projects showing how professional formation is or can be accomplished.
Last updated: July 5, 2026