Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)

Overview

The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on outstanding scientists and engineers who are beginning their independent research careers and who show exceptional potential for leadership at the frontiers of scientific and technological innovation.

The PECASE awards are intended to recognize and support the early career development of scientists and engineers who have already demonstrated exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology and who are likely to continue making significant contributions throughout their careers.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a PECASE award, a scientist or engineer must:

* Be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident alien, or a non-citizen national of the United States;
* Have received a doctorate degree or equivalent in science or engineering within the past five years;
* Be employed or affiliated with a U.S.-based institution of higher education or other research institution;
* Have a record of outstanding research accomplishments and a demonstrated commitment to mentoring and professional development of students, postdocs, and other researchers;
* Have a clear plan for continuing their research and leadership activities in the future.

Nomination Process

Nominations for the PECASE awards are made by universities, government laboratories, and other research institutions. The nominations are reviewed by a panel of experts in the nominee’s field of research, who make recommendations to the President’s National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). The NSTC then makes the final selection of the awardees.

Award Benefits

PECASE awardees receive a one-time award of $250,000 to support their research and professional development activities. The awards are typically used to purchase equipment, travel to conferences, and support the salaries of students, postdocs, and other researchers.

In addition to the monetary award, PECASE awardees are invited to attend a White House ceremony where they receive their awards from the President of the United States. They are also given the opportunity to meet with other leaders in science and technology, and to share their research with policymakers and the public.

Past Awardees

Since its inception in 1996, the PECASE award has been awarded to over 1,000 scientists and engineers. Past awardees have gone on to become leaders in academia, industry, and government. They have made significant contributions to a wide range of fields, including medicine, energy, materials science, and computer science.

Impact of the PECASE Award

The PECASE award has had a significant impact on the careers of its recipients. The award has provided financial support for their research, allowed them to travel and present their work to the scientific community, and given them the opportunity to meet and collaborate with other leaders in their field.

The PECASE award has also helped to raise the profile of early career scientists and engineers. The award has shown that the United States is committed to supporting the next generation of scientific and technological leaders.

Conclusion

The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers is a prestigious award that recognizes the outstanding achievements and leadership potential of early career scientists and engineers. The award provides financial support, professional development opportunities, and recognition to help awardees continue their research and make significant contributions to science and technology.