The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NSF was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure the national defense.
The Re-entry to Active Research (RARE) program, steered by the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems (CBET) and the Division of Chemistry (CHE), aims to offer pathways back into active research for individuals who have taken a hiatus. Its central goal is to catalyze the resurgence and progression of individuals along the academic tenure track, thereby enhancing the national pool of skilled scientists and engineers. This initiative not only seeks to reinvest in America's top-tier professionals by facilitating their return to research-oriented roles but also strives to diversify the academic workforce by including individuals with a broad spectrum of experiences. The program outlines two Tracks: Track 1 focuses on re-engaging researchers through competitive funding opportunities, taking into consideration any gaps in their research record due to their hiatus. Track 2 is designed for researchers needing new or updated skills to return to competitive research activities, offering funds for specific retraining activities such as workshops, conferences, sabbaticals, or seed funding for preliminary research efforts.