ORAU awards $180,000 in research grants to 36 junior faculty

ORAU has distributed $180,000 in research grants to 36 junior faculty members from its member universities through the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Awards program. This initiative supports early-career researchers by providing seed funding to advance their work and foster professional development. Among the awards, Temple University, one of ORAU’s member institutions, sponsored a grant in collaboration with ORAU. 

The awards honor faculty members for their contributions across five key science and technology disciplines: engineering and applied science; life sciences; mathematics and computer science; physical sciences; and policy, management or education. Temple University’s award supports a research project within the life sciences discipline.

“Junior faculty at our member institutions play a critical role in shaping the future of the nation’s research enterprise. By supporting the research and professional growth of these emerging leaders, ORAU is making a strategic investment in the advancement of science and innovation,” said Ashley Stowe, ORAU chief research and university partnerships officer. “The Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Awards program consistently attracts strong interest and is highly competitive. This year, we are especially pleased to partner with Temple University to broaden the impact of these awards.”

Each Powe Award recipient, all of whom are within the first two years of a tenure-track position, will receive $5,000 in seed funding for the 2026-27 academic year to advance their research during this pivotal stage of their careers. The recipients’ institutions will match the award with an additional $5,000, bringing the total funding for each winner to $10,000. These grants can be used to purchase equipment, support ongoing research or travel to cover expenses for professional meetings and conferences.

Since the program’s launch, ORAU has awarded 981 grants totaling more than $4.9 million. With the matching funds contributed by member institutions, the program has facilitated more than $9.86 million in research funding.

Now in its 36th year, the awards are named in honor of Ralph E. Powe, who served as the ORAU councilor from Mississippi State University for 16 years. During his tenure, Powe contributed to numerous committees and special projects and was elected chair of ORAU’s Council of Sponsoring Institutions. He passed away in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to advancing research and education.

Recipients of the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Awards for the 2026-2027 academic year are listed below: