Eight faculty researchers at UNC have been awarded grants with a combined value of nearly $6 million.

The National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development grant, knows as the CAREER award, is the NSF’s “most highly esteemed recognition for junior faculty members conducting scientific research,” according to a release. The grant is intended to support early-career development activities of teacher-scholars.

“These awards represent the future of UNC,” said Terry Magnuson, vice chancellor for research. “The projects themselves reflect the scholarly diversity and excellence of our institution. That we have eight NSF CAREER award winners this year is a testament to Carolina’s national leadership in research.”

The NSF grants are for projects starting in 2016 and represent the most winners in a single year for the university.

“The increased number of CAREER awards this year is a terrific early outcome of our new NSF Learning Community,” said Eliana Perrin, associate vice chancellor for research and director of the Office of Research Development. “In time, we expect to see a vibrant community of NSF scholars who work together, share resources, and celebrate in each other’s successes. It’s always great to secure nearly $6 million in new funding for research in North Carolina, and the contribution to science is priceless.”

The 2016 awardees are Eric Brustad, James Cahoon, Leslie Hicks and Alexander Miller, all assistant professors of chemistry; Nicholas Law, assistant professor of physics and astronomy; and Justin Sawon, associate professor of mathematics; all from the College of Arts and Sciences; Robert Capra, assistant professor of information and library science, School of Information and Library Science; and Kihyun “Kelly” Ryoo, assistant professor of learning sciences, School of Education.

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