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

Proposals accepted anytime

No fixed ceiling or floor; award size and duration vary by project and NSF budget availability.

Supports fundamental research in geotechnical engineering and materials to advance civil infrastructure systems, with emphasis on sustainable and emerging geosystems.

--- ## Description The Geotechnical Engineering and Materials (GEM) program supports fundamental research in soil and rock mechanics, dynamics, and the improvement of geologic materials for use in civil infrastructure. The program encompasses traditional geotechnical areas such as foundation engineering, earth structures, underground construction, tunneling, geoenvironmental engineering, and site characterization. It also welcomes proposals in emerging areas like bio-geo engineering, sustainable geosystems, and geotechnical aspects of geothermal energy. GEM encourages work leveraging advanced computing techniques, knowledge dissemination, and technology transfer for broader societal impacts. Projects should align with grand challenges such as restoring and improving urban infrastructure and providing access to clean water. Research focused on natural hazards (e.g., earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides) should generally be submitted to the Engineering for Natural Hazards program, unless the focus is on fundamental soil/rock micro-level behavior. The program does not support research more appropriate for mission-oriented agencies (e.g., related to nuclear power plants, bridges, pavements, transportation structures) or natural resource exploration/recovery. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals are accepted at any time; there are no fixed deadlines. --- ## Funding Amount - No specified minimum or maximum award size; typical awards are based on project scope and NSF budget. - Duration and budget are determined by the proposed research and program priorities. - No cost sharing or matching requirement. --- ## Eligibility - Open to all applicant types, including universities, colleges, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and other entities. - There are no restrictions on applicant type, but all proposals must comply with NSF's general eligibility requirements. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be prepared and submitted according to the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1). - Submission is through [NSF FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/), [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/), or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - Carefully review the [program page](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13351) for specific requirements and updates. --- ## Additional Information - The program encourages interdisciplinary and innovative approaches that address the grand challenges for engineering. - Proposals focused on natural hazards at the system level should be directed to the Engineering for Natural Hazards (ENH) program. - Indirect cost rates and award conditions are subject to current NSF and federal policy. --- ## External Links - [GEM Program Information (NSF)](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13351) - [Official Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359516) - [Browse Recent GEM Awards](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=163600&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Notes | |-----------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------|---------------------------------------------| | NSF Grants.gov Support| [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | For technical issues with application | | Richard J. Fragaszy | [rfragasz@nsf.gov](mailto:rfragasz@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7011 | NSF Program Officer (subject to change) |

Geotechnical Engineering and Materials

Sign in to see full grant listing