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

Proposals accepted anytime

$110,000–$160,000 per year per project (typically 4 years); total program funding approx. $10M

Supports fundamental scientific research in ceramics and related inorganic materials, with an emphasis on experimental projects and predictive understanding of material properties.

--- ## Description This program funds fundamental scientific research in ceramics—including oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, glass-ceramics, inorganic glasses, ceramic-based composites, and inorganic carbon-based materials. The focus is on experimental research, but proposals that include computational and theoretical components are encouraged. The aim is to advance the fundamental understanding of synthesis, processing, and microstructure, and to develop predictive capabilities relating these factors to material properties and performance in various environments and applications. Research that leads to the discovery or creation of new ceramic materials, as well as the development of new experimental techniques or innovative approaches, is welcomed. Supported topics include nucleation and growth of thin films, bulk crystal growth, phase transformations, morphology, surface modification, corrosion, interfaces and grain boundary structure, and defects. Broader impact activities—such as dissemination of results, societal benefits, and broadening participation of underrepresented groups—should be included in the initial proposal. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted anytime --- ## Funding Amount - Typical project budget: $110,000–$160,000 per year (smaller budgets permissible) - Typical project duration: 4 years (shorter durations also considered) - Budgets in excess of $160,000 per year may be returned without review - Estimated total program funding: $10,000,000 --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Organizations:** - U.S.-based institutions of higher education (two- and four-year, including community colleges) acting on behalf of their faculty members - U.S.-based non-profit, non-academic organizations (independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies, etc.) directly associated with educational or research activities - **Special instructions for international branch campuses:** Proposals involving funding to international branch campuses of U.S. institutions must justify why activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus and explain the benefit of the international location. - **PI/Co-PI Limits:** - An investigator may only have one active CER submission at a time - At least 12 months must elapse between submissions to CER by the same investigator - Submission to CER and another Division of Materials Research (DMR) disciplinary research activity program (as PI or co-PI) during the same annual window is discouraged and may result in return without review - Concurrent submissions to DMREF, PREM, MRSEC, and MIP programs are permitted --- ## Application Process - Proposals may be submitted via [NSF FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/) - Follow the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) for preparation and submission - Letters of intent and preliminary proposals are not required - Include all anticipated broader impact activities in the initial proposal - If resubmitting, include a statement describing substantive changes made in response to prior reviews - Collaborative proposals from multiple organizations must be submitted via FastLane --- ## Additional Information - Cost sharing is not required and voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited - Most projects have one or two investigators; budgets do not scale with additional investigators - Proposals not aligned with the program synopsis may be returned without review - For projects anticipating Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) or Teachers (RET), include these in the main proposal - For special proposal types (EAGER/RAPID, conferences/workshops), contact the CER Program Director before submission --- ## External Links - [Program Solicitation (NSF 16-597)](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf16597) - [NSF Ceramics Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/cer-ceramics/505354) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359366) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Program Director | Dr. Lynnette D. Madsen
Phone: (703) 292-4936
Email: [lmadsen@nsf.gov](mailto:lmadsen@nsf.gov) | | Grants.gov Support | Email: [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | NSF Information Center | Phone: (703) 292-5111 | | FastLane Help Desk | Phone: 1-800-673-6188
Email: [fastlane@nsf.gov](mailto:fastlane@nsf.gov) | | Publications/Forms | Email: [nsfpubs@nsf.gov](mailto:nsfpubs@nsf.gov)
Phone: (703) 292-7827 |

Ceramics

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