The U.S. National Science Foundation Office of Emerging Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Activities will host an informational webinar on Jan. 13, 2026, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern to discuss the NSF Trailblazer Engineering Impact Award (NSF TRAILBLAZER) solicitation NSF 26-502 and to answer questions from prospective applicants.
NSF TRAILBLAZER supports individual investigators who propose novel research projects with the potential to address new areas of fundamental or applied research, catalyze new industries or capabilities that increase U.S. leadership, and/or make significant progress towards addressing a national need or grand challenge. Current priority areas include, but are not limited to, artificial intelligence, bioengineering, quantum engineering, robotics and nuclear engineering.
TRAILBLAZER will support engineers and scientists who leverage their distinctive track record of innovation and creativity to pursue new research directions that are distinct from their previous or current research areas.
For additional assistance with accessibility and reasonable accommodations, contact rarequest@nsf.gov or call 703-292-8020 to request support. Please contact NSF at least 14 days before your meeting or event date for sessions lasting one day or less and 30 days in advance for sessions lasting two or more consecutive days to allow sufficient time to coordinate arrangements.