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 Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) program aims to enhance research capabilities at minority-serving institutions (MSIs) by establishing research and education centers. CREST seeks to advance new knowledge, increase faculty research productivity, and enhance the presence of underrepresented groups in STEM fields. The CREST Postdoctoral Research Program (CREST-PRP) specifically supports early career scientists with two years of research experience and training at CREST Centers, aiming to increase the STEM workforce diversity. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary interactions and leadership development for postdoctoral scholars, who will engage in research aligned with their host CREST Center's focus. Active mentoring by a scientific mentor is a key component, ensuring mutual benefits and integration into the research group. CREST-PRP promotes the application of women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups in STEM, fostering a diverse scientific community.