[U.S. National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov/)

November 17, 2025

Typical award duration: 3 years; 4–5 years possible; ~25 awards expected per cycle

Supports fundamental research in plasma physics, including laboratory, space, astrophysical, and applied plasma science.

--- ## Description This program supports fundamental research in plasma physics, focusing on the collective behavior of large ensembles of free charged particles. The scope includes, but is not limited to, magnetized plasmas in laboratory, space, and astrophysical environments; high energy density plasmas; low temperature plasmas; strongly coupled and ultra-cold plasmas; non-neutral plasmas; and intense field-matter interactions in plasmas. Research supported by this program advances the fundamental understanding of plasma phenomena and their broad applications in areas such as space and astrophysics, fusion science, materials science, applied mathematics, accelerator science, and engineering. The program encourages proposals that broaden participation of underrepresented groups in STEM, as well as the development or enhancement of plasma physics curricula at educational institutions. The Plasma Physics program participates in NSF meta-programs like ECLIPSE (Leading Innovation in Plasma Science and Engineering), Windows on the Universe: The Era of Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (WoU-MMA), and Computational and Data-enabled Science and Engineering (CDS&E). Proposals may also be considered for joint funding with other agencies or international partners via existing Memoranda of Understanding. --- ## Due Dates - Full proposal deadline: November 17, 2025 --- ## Funding Amount - Typical award duration: 3 years - Awards of 4–5 years possible for projects requiring extended time (consult with the Program Director) - Approximately 25 awards are expected per cycle --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants: Unrestricted (open to all categories of proposers, including universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, and government agencies) - Researchers should ensure their project aligns with plasma physics; proposals focused on related but distinct fields (e.g., atomic/molecular/optical physics, astrophysics, geospace, or plasma-assisted manufacturing) should be submitted to the relevant NSF program. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - Submit via [NSF FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/), [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/), or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/) - Early consultation with the Program Director is encouraged for proposals requesting durations longer than 3 years --- ## Additional Information - Cost sharing or matching is not required. - Indirect costs are subject to NSF’s standard policy (see [NSF Indirect Cost Rate Policy](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/document/indirect-cost-rate)). - Proposals should include Broader Impacts, such as efforts to increase diversity and participation in plasma physics. - Some activities may be better suited to other NSF programs; review the program description or consult the Program Director if unsure. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: NSF Plasma Physics](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/plasma-physics) - [Program Description & Additional Information](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503252) - [Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/350018) - [Division of Physics: Investigator-Initiated Research Projects](https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/division-physics-investigator-initiated-research) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Organization | |---------------------------|-------------------------------|---------------|--------------------| | Vyacheslav (Slava) Lukin | vlukin@nsf.gov | (703) 292-7382| MPS/PHY | | Jeremiah D. Williams | jdwillia@nsf.gov | (703) 292-4687| MPS/PHY | | NSF Grants.gov Support | grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov | – | NSF |

Plasma Physics

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