Atom | Topology

Funder: National Science Foundation

Due Dates: April 30, 2025 (Conference/travel proposals) | September 30, 2025 (Conference/travel proposals) | April 30, 2026 | September 30, 2026

Funding Amounts: No explicit ceiling; conference/travel proposals ≤ $50,000 (submit ≥6 months prior), >$50,000 (submit ≥8 months prior); typical NSF research awards vary in size and duration.

Summary: Supports research in algebraic topology, manifolds, knots, geometric group theory, and related areas, including conferences and workshops.

Key Information: Conference/workshop proposals must use the dedicated solicitation and list Topology as a program of interest.

Description

The National Science Foundation's Topology program funds research in all areas of topology, including but not limited to:

Algebraic topology (homotopy theory, homology and cohomology theories, cobordism theory, K-theory)
Topological manifolds and cell complexes
Fiberings, knots, and links
Differential topology and group actions
Geometric group theory

The program also supports conferences, workshops, and similar activities relevant to the field. Proposals for such events must be submitted through the "Conferences and Workshops in the Mathematical Sciences" solicitation, with Topology listed as the program of interest.

Due Dates

Conference/travel proposal windows:
- April 1–30 and September 1–30 each year
- For events with budgets ≤ $50,000: submit at least 6 months before the event, during a submission window
- For events with budgets > $50,000: submit at least 8 months before the event, during a submission window
Upcoming submission windows:
- April 1–30, 2025
- September 1–30, 2025
- April 1–30, 2026
- September 1–30, 2026

Funding Amount

Research proposals: No explicit maximum; award size and duration vary by project and are consistent with typical NSF mathematics research grants.
Conference/travel proposals:
- Budgets ≤ $50,000: submit at least 6 months prior to the event
- Budgets > $50,000: submit at least 8 months prior to the event

There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

Eligibility

Open to a wide range of applicants, including:
- Academic institutions
- Nonprofit organizations
- For-profit organizations
- Unrestricted, subject to NSF's general eligibility guidelines

Refer to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) for detailed eligibility requirements.

Application Process

Research proposals: Submit via NSF FastLane, Research.gov, or Grants.gov.
Conference/workshop proposals:
- Must use the Conferences and Workshops in the Mathematical Sciences solicitation
- List "Topology" as the program of interest
- Adhere to the submission window and advance notice requirements based on budget size

All proposals must comply with the current NSF PAPPG.

Additional Information

Proposals for international travel support have additional requirements; consult the solicitation and PAPPG.
All awards made on or after October 1, 2024, are subject to updated NSF award conditions (details).
For guidance on award periods, extensions, and administration, see the NSF PAPPG Chapter VI.

External Links

Contact Information

Name	Email	Phone	Organization
Swatee Naik (Program Director)	snaik@nsf.gov	(703) 292-4876	MPS/DMS
Eriko Hironaka (Program Director)	ehironak@nsf.gov	(703) 292-7041	MPS/DMS
Qun Li	qli@nsf.gov	(703) 292-7465	MPS/DMS
Paulo M. Lima Filho	plimafil@nsf.gov	(703) 292-7972	MPS/DMS
NSF Grants.gov Support	grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

For general NSF inquiries, see the NSF Contact Us page.