About FAME 2026

The Future Academics & Mentorship Excellence (FAME) program is designed to prepare future faculty and provide mentorship that supports the next generation of academic leaders. Supported by the Advancing Faculty Diversity program from the University of California Office of the President (UCOP), FAME provides resources for PhD candidates and postdoctoral scholars who are considering faculty positions in engineering.

To support this goal, the program will host a three-day Future Faculty Workshop at the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE) at UC Riverside on April 8–10, 2026.

On Day 1 (April 8) and Day 3 (April 10), participants will take part in a mock faculty interview experience, which includes delivering a department seminar (approximately one hour), and meeting with a department chair, the Dean, and faculty members.

On Day 2 (April 9), participants will receive training on the academic job market and faculty life, including:

• The faculty search process
• Defining a research agenda
• Funding strategies
• Developing a strong application package

2026 Theme: Human-Centric Engineering

This year’s workshop theme is “Human-Centric Engineering.” We encourage applications from individuals working in, or intending to work in, areas aligned with this theme. The program remains open to all relevant engineering fields.

Example areas include (but are not limited to):

• Bioengineering: Neuroengineering, rehabilitation engineering
• Mechanical Engineering: Medical robotics, health systems
• Chemical & Environmental Engineering: Air quality, climate, biotechnology
• Computer Science: Artificial intelligence for social good, responsible AI
• Electrical Engineering: Privacy, health informatics

Participants will be invited to apply for relevant faculty openings at BCOE. They will also be considered for additional mentorship and support opportunities, including formal mentorship and writing support programs, with further details to be provided.

Important Dates:

Interested applicants should submit their application by the deadline listed below. Following a competitive selection process, selected participants will be invited to attend the workshop and will receive the FAME Award, which provides full funding to attend. This includes airfare, lodging, transportation, and related expenses.

Selection is based on academic excellence and alignment with the program’s goals. In accordance with California Proposition 209, the selection process does not provide preferential consideration based on gender, race, or ethnicity. Previous applicants are encouraged to reapply; however, past FAME award recipients are not eligible.

Application deadline: February 23rd, 2026
Notification date: March 9th, 2026
Workshop date: April 8-10, 2026