Plain-language brief
What this opportunity funds
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) supports multiple research programs in the astronomical sciences. NSF MPS funds foundational astronomical sciences research and instrumentation focused on exploring space and advancing fundamental understanding of the universe. The programs covered by this funding opportunity are: Astronomical Sciences Core Research Astronomical Sciences Technology & Instrumentation Astronomical Sciences Innovations Research supported by these programs is essential for ongoing discovery in a range of fields. The programs provide a strong scientific foundation for America's capabilities in multiple areas: predicting solar storms, discovering potentially habitable planets in other solar systems, understanding the physical workings of extreme astrophysical objects like black holes, and more. NSF MPS is particularly interested in intellectually ambitious and potentially transformative foundational research. Proposals need not promise a near-term product, deployment, or commercial outcome, nor need they address later-stage development to be competitive.
Eligibility at a glance
- Eligible applicants
- Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
- Eligible locations
- See official notice
- Eligible activities
- Science and Technology and other Research and Development
- Matching requirement
- Not specified
- Registration
- SAM.gov, Grants.gov
Application process
- Read the complete official notice and confirm every eligibility rule.
- Complete required registrations early; federal registrations can take time.
- Build the budget, work plan, evidence, and attachments requested by the sponsor.
- Submit through the official portal and retain the confirmation.
Change history
No material changes have been recorded since this opportunity entered the hub.