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

Proposals accepted anytime | July 23, 2025 (CAREER)

Estimated total program funding: $13,093,000; typical unsolicited awards up to 3 years; CAREER awards 5 years

Supports fundamental engineering research on electrochemical and photochemical systems for sustainable energy, fuels, and chemical production.

--- ## Description This program supports fundamental engineering science research that enables innovative electrochemical or photochemical processes for the sustainable production of electricity, fuels, chemicals, and other products. Projects should focus on scalable, environmentally benign approaches that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and utilize renewable resources. Priority is given to research that advances the fundamental understanding of barriers to improved system or component-level performance, such as energy efficiency, product yield, and process intensification. Topics of interest include: - Electrochemical energy storage (e.g., advanced batteries beyond lithium-ion, flow batteries, fuel cells) - Electrochemical production and conversion systems - Photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical processes (e.g., water splitting, CO₂ reduction) - Novel systems for chemical and high-value product synthesis Highly integrated multidisciplinary projects and collaborations with industry (GOALI), as well as proposals that combine experimental and theoretical approaches, are encouraged. Proposals focused on commercially available batteries (such as lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride, or lithium-ion for consumer/medical use) will not be considered. Proposals must articulate the novelty and potential transformative impact of the work, its importance to engineering science, and its broader societal or industrial implications. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals are accepted at any time for unsolicited research, RAPID, EAGER, and GOALI proposals. - Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) program proposals are due July 23, 2025. --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $13,093,000. - Typical unsolicited awards are up to 3 years in duration, generally supporting one graduate student and up to one month of PI time per year. - CAREER awards are for 5 years. - Budgets significantly larger than typical should be discussed with the Program Director prior to submission. --- ## Eligibility - Open to all applicants (unrestricted): universities, colleges, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and other entities. - Proposals must comply with the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1). --- ## Application Process - Submit proposals via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359507) or [NSF FastLane/Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/). - Proposals must address: - Novelty and transformative potential - Importance to engineering science - Potential societal/industrial impact - For RAPID, EAGER, or GOALI proposals, consult the Program Director before submission. - Proposals not compliant with the PAPPG will be returned without review. --- ## Additional Information - Multidisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged. - Proposals outside the core areas may be considered, but applicants should contact the Program Director before submission to ensure fit. - Proposals focused on topics such as electric-field driven separations, thermal management, or photovoltaic device performance may be better suited to other NSF programs. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Description & Details](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505725) - [Browse Recent Awards](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=764400&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) - [NSF CAREER Program](https://www.nsf.gov/career) - [Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [Official Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359507) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Organization | |--------------------|------------------------------------|----------------|--------------| | Carole J. Read | [cread@nsf.gov](mailto:cread@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-2418 | ENG/CBET | | Catherine Walker | [cawalker@nsf.gov](mailto:cawalker@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7125 | ENG/CBET | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | NSF |

Electrochemical Systems

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