Funder: National Science Foundation
Due Dates: Proposals accepted anytime
Funding Amounts: Typical award: $200,000 (up to 3 years); total program funding: ~$2.5M
Summary: Supports U.S. research teams in visionary, international multilateral partnerships addressing urgent global challenges through collaboration with at least two countries outside the U.S.
Key Information: Proposals must fall outside the scope of existing OISE or directorate programs; only U.S. teams are funded by NSF.
Description
The MultiPLEx program, administered by the National Science Foundation's Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE), aims to accelerate progress on grand research and societal challenges that require international, multilateral collaboration. The program supports ambitious, visionary research partnerships that leverage the strengths of U.S. researchers and at least two international partners from different countries. Projects should address urgent global or regional issues—such as critical and emerging technologies, climate, health, or other societal challenges—where a multilateral approach is essential for impactful results.
MultiPLEx also seeks to advance understanding of effective multilateral collaboration, encouraging diverse participation from U.S. institutions and individuals. The program funds only the U.S. research team; international partners are expected to secure their own funding.
Due Dates
- Proposals may be submitted at any time unless a specific Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) indicates otherwise.
- PIs interested in submitting proposals not responding to a DCL are strongly encouraged to consult a MultiPLEx program director prior to submission.
Funding Amount
- Typical award: $200,000 for up to 3 years.
- Total program funding: approximately $2,500,000.
- NSF funds support only the U.S. research team; international partners must seek funding from their own agencies or other sources.
- No cost-sharing or matching is required.
Eligibility
- Open to U.S.-based researchers and institutions.
- Proposals must involve partnerships with at least two countries outside the U.S.
- All types of U.S. institutions and individuals are eligible, subject to NSF's general eligibility requirements.
- Proposals must fall outside the scope of existing OISE or directorate programs.
Application Process
- Proposals must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).
- Submission is via NSF FastLane, Research.gov, or Grants.gov.
- Proposals may be submitted at any time unless a DCL specifies a deadline.
- PIs are encouraged to consult with a MultiPLEx program director to confirm proposal appropriateness, especially if not responding to a DCL.
- Proposals not responsive to the program description may be transferred to another OISE program or returned without review.
Additional Information
- MultiPLEx is not intended to replace existing OISE or directorate programs.
- Proposals should clearly articulate how the multilateral collaboration will achieve advances and broader impacts beyond what a narrower team could accomplish.
- Projects engaging partners across distinct geographic regions are of particular interest.
- OISE may periodically issue DCLs inviting proposals in specific priority areas.
External Links
- NSF MultiPLEx Program Page
- NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)
- Browse projects funded by this program
- Apply via Grants.gov
Contact Information
| Name | Phone | Organization | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cate Flanley | cflanley@nsf.gov | (703) 292-2707 | OD/OISE |
| Sirin Tekinay | stekinay@nsf.gov | (703) 292-5370 | OD/OISE |
| Maija M. Kukla | mkukla@nsf.gov | (703) 292-4940 | OD/OISE |
| Stacey D. Standridge | sstandri@nsf.gov | (703) 292-7832 | OD/OISE |
For general NSF inquiries:
- NSF Contact Page
- Email: info@nsf.gov
- Phone: 1-703-292-5111