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

No active deadline (program currently archived)

~15 awards per cycle; typical NSF award duration and size varies by project

Supports fundamental research for new paradigms in the design and accelerated development of advanced engineering material systems.

Program is currently archived; check NSF for future re-openings or related opportunities.

--- ## Description The Design of Engineering Material Systems (DEMS) program aimed to support fundamental research leading to innovative approaches for the design, development, and rapid deployment of advanced engineering material systems. The program encouraged proposals that creatively integrate theory, processing/manufacturing, data/informatics, experimental, and/or computational approaches with rigorous engineering design principles. The ultimate goal was to establish methodologies that enable the discovery and rapid insertion of materials with novel properties into engineering systems. Research should systematically tailor material system behaviors based on performance metrics and incorporate processing/manufacturing considerations. While proposals could focus on a specific material system for project clarity, the developed techniques were expected to have broader applicability across material systems. Proposals centered solely on modeling, simulation, or performance prediction—without a core emphasis on design—were considered outside the scope and directed to other NSF disciplinary programs. --- ## Due Dates - No current deadline; the program is archived as of June 2025. - For updates or future cycles, monitor the [NSF program page](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=504809). --- ## Funding Amount - Approximately 15 awards were made per cycle. - Award size and duration varied depending on project scope and NSF guidelines. - No cost sharing or matching required. --- ## Eligibility - Open to all applicants; unrestricted eligibility. - Typical NSF requirements apply (universities, colleges, nonprofits, industry, etc.). --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted according to the NSF [Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1). - Submission was via [NSF FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/), [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/), or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - Carefully review the archived [program description](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=504809) for requirements and ensure alignment with program goals. - For future cycles, consult the NSF program page for updates on deadlines and any changes to requirements. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals must emphasize the integration of design with material science, rather than focusing solely on modeling or performance prediction. - NSF has implemented a standard 15% indirect cost rate policy for certain awards; see the [policy notice](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/document/indirect-cost-rate). - Awards made on or after October 1, 2024, are subject to updated terms per the revised OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Description PD-12-8086](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=504809) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359615) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [Browse projects funded by this program](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=808600&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |-----------------|--------------------------------|---------------| | Mary Toney | [dems@nsf.gov](mailto:dems@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7008 | | Kara Peters | [dems@nsf.gov](mailto:dems@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7076 | | Richard Malak | [rmalak@nsf.gov](mailto:rmalak@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7902 | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | — |

Design of Engineering Material Systems

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