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 at the frontiers of discovery in physics. Physics research supported by NSF MPS enables understanding of the fundamental aspects of nature at all scales, from the quantum effects inside atoms to the mysterious dark energy spanning the entire universe. The core research programs covered by this funding opportunity are: Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics - Experiment (AMO-Experiment) Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics - Theory (AMO-Theory) Elementary Particle Physics - Experiment (EPP-Experiment) Elementary Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology - Theory (EPP/Cosmology-Theory) Gravitational Physics Integrative Activities in Physics (IAP) Nuclear Physics - Experiment (NP-Experiment) Nuclear Physics - Theory (NP-Theory) Particle Astrophysics - Experiment (PA-Experiment) Physics of Living Systems (PoLS) Plasma Physics Quantum Information Science (QIS) The cross-cutting research programs covered by this funding opportunity are: Advanced Physics Instrumentation (API) Focused Research Hubs in Theoretical Physics (FRHTP) Physics at the Information Frontier (PIF) 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.