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Programs
Fellowship/Professional Development Program

Air Force Science & Technology Fellowship Program

The Air Force Science & Technology Fellowship Program (AF STFP) provides nationally competitive fellowship awards for postdoctoral and senior scientists. Selected individuals have the unique opportunity to engage in collaborative research alongside Air Force scientists and engineers within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), and the U.S. Space Force (USSF). This program offers high-quality research opportunities, aiming to foster innovation and technological advancement within the Air Force through these collaborations.

Not accepting applications

Under review

Nov 2, 2025 - December

About Application process Resources

For awardees

Award Management

Use InfoRAP to update contact information, submit travel requests, complete progress reports, and request tenure renewals.

Policies, Practices, and Procedures (PPP)

The document below provides a comprehensive review of the structure, expectations, and guidelines of both the AF STFP and the NRC Research Associateship Programs.

Travel and Relocation

All travel taken throughout your AF STFP Fellowship is governed by the policies and procedures in the Travel and Professional Development Guide. Before booking travel, please review the guide to ensure that your travel plans are compliant with the policy. If you have any questions regarding travel policy and procedures, please contact raptravel@nas.edu.

Tax Liability

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (The National Academies) are not able to provide tax advice to AF STFP Fellows; however, the following is general information to help you comply with U.S. Internal Revenue Service requirements. As discussed below, the forms and procedures may be different depending on whether you are a U.S. citizen or nonresident alien.

It is your responsibility to determine your individual tax liability. Please note that you may be subject to state and local taxes in addition to the federal income tax. We strongly suggest that you review your individual tax situation with a tax advisor or an IRS representative to determine the proper tax treatment for your fellowship award and any obligation for payment of quarterly estimated taxes.

Tax Status of Awards under the AF STFP
AF STFP Fellows are considered as guest investigators residing in host laboratories and are therefore not employees of the National Academies or the laboratories to which they are assigned. Accordingly, the National Academies characterize fellowship awards under the AF STFP as non-compensatory grants.

According to the IRS, fellowship stipends and benefits are generally taxable where:

  • Amounts used for incidental expenses, such as room and board, travel, and optional equipment.
  • Amounts received as payments for teaching, research, or other services required as a condition for receiving the scholarship or fellowship grant.

When personal services are not provided as a condition for a fellowship award, such as is the case with the AF STFP, the IRS generally takes the position that grant awards are not subject to social security self-employment taxes.

Reporting and Withholding Procedures for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
If you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, the National Academies will send you a Statement of Stipends Paid Memorandum by mid-March. This Memorandum includes an end-of-year summary of stipend payments, contributions to health insurance made on your behalf, and all relocation and travel expenses. The National Academies will not withhold taxes or report fellowship award payments for tax purposes on IRS form 1099-MISC, or form W2, as this is not required by the IRS for non-compensatory scholarship or fellowship payments.

It is the responsibility of each AF STFP Fellow to determine whether it is taxable and whether he or she must report it on a relevant income tax return. We strongly suggest that you review your individual tax situation with a tax advisor or an IRS representative to determine the proper tax treatment for your specific award and any obligation for payment of estimated taxes.

FAQs for awardees

FAQs for awardees

For stakeholders

Laboratory Program Representatives (LPRs) and Current Research Advisers

InfoRAP is the online system for the Air Force Science and Technology Fellowship Program, as well as the NRC Research Associateship Programs. InfoRAP allows Research Advisers and the LPR to manage:

  • Contact information
  • Research Opportunities
  • Application recommendations
  • Award offers (LPR only)
  • Fellow travel requests
  • Fellow tenure renewal requests

Sign into InfoRap.

Advisers and LPRs should use the link above to access InfoRAP and enter the login credentials provided by the Fellowships Office. Advisers and LPRs should contact the Fellowships Office at afstfp@nas.edu if they have forgotten their credentials or experience any difficulties with signing in.

Research Advisers
The Research Adviser Guide outlines the roles of a Research Adviser and the process for updating Research Opportunities. The Fellowships Office also offers Mentoring Guides, crafted with insights from a former NRC Research Associate and current executive leadership coach. Supported by veteran Research Advisers, these guides cover mentoring essentials for postdoctoral Research Associates in federal labs. They provide a roadmap from initial planning to ensuring a rewarding research experience and career progression for both Advisers and Associates.

LPRs
Financial information for LPRs can also be accessed through InfoRAP, and agencies that wish to make changes to the stipends and travel allowances for one or more locations, divisions, etc., should submit the Stipend Form to afstfp@nas.edu.

Prospective Research Advisers

Research Advisers play a pivotal role in the success of the Air Force Science and Technology Fellowship. Serving as scientific mentors, they provide Fellows with indispensable expertise, guidance, and consistent support throughout their fellowship journey. Their contributions are key to fostering the development and success of the Fellows under their mentorship.

If you are a scientific or engineering staff member holding a permanent position within a sponsoring Air Force laboratory and have a genuine passion for mentorship, we invite you to consider the role of a Research Adviser. For a comprehensive understanding of the role and its responsibilities, please consult the Adviser Guide.

How to Apply
To become a Research Adviser, candidates must:

  1. Hold a research doctorate.
  2. Possess a minimum of five years of research experience post their doctoral studies.
  3. Demonstrate an active record of publications.

While it's typical for Research Advisers to be employed by a sponsoring federal agency, non-federal employees can also serve in this capacity if they are working under a long-term contract with a sponsoring Air Force laboratory and satisfy all other criteria set for Research Advisers.

All applications for the Research Adviser position should be made via the online portal. Upon submission, the Program Administrator will first review your application for requisite qualifications. If successful, your application will then be forwarded to the Air Force program manager (Laboratory Program Representative) for final approval.

Prospective Advisers are required to furnish the following details during the application process:

  • Contact information
  • Agency affiliation
  • Position Title
  • A curriculum vita (10-page maximum)
  • A brief statement of mentoring experience
  • Proposed Research Opportunity information
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