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

Proposals accepted anytime | July 23, 2025 (CAREER)

Estimated total program funding: $3,200,000 annually; typical unsolicited awards up to 3 years, CAREER awards 5 years

Supports fundamental research on atomic- and molecular-scale interfacial phenomena and engineering of interfacial properties, processes, and materials to advance industrial chemical or biochemical processes.

--- ## Description The Interfacial Engineering program, part of NSF's Chemical Process Systems cluster, funds fundamental research on atomic- and molecular-scale interfacial phenomena and the engineering of interfacial properties, processes, and materials. The program aims to improve chemical process efficiency and resource utilization by deepening the thermodynamic, kinetic, and transport understanding of interfacial systems. Proposals should articulate how results may translate into industrial chemical or biochemical process advancements. Key research areas include: - **Chemical separations:** Scalable mass separating agents (sorbents, membranes) and field-induced separation processes to reduce energy/materials requirements. - **Biological separations:** Downstream processing for biologically-derived chemicals, therapeutic proteins, and biologics; engineering interfaces for molecular recognition. - **Interfacial phenomena at engineered interfaces/surfaces:** Kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption/desorption and complex molecular/ionic interactions at surfaces. - **Nanoconfinement and engineered surfaces:** Theoretical and experimental approaches to transport and thermodynamic properties of fluids within nanopores or at engineered surfaces. Collaborative and interdisciplinary proposals, especially those combining experimental and theoretical/modeling approaches, are encouraged. Proposals outside these areas may be considered, but PIs are strongly advised to consult with the Program Director regarding program fit prior to submission. Proposals must emphasize novelty, potentially transformative impact, and relevance to engineering science, with clear societal or industrial benefits. --- ## Due Dates - **Unsolicited proposals:** Accepted anytime - **Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) program:** July 23, 2025 *All proposals must comply with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).* --- ## Funding Amount - **Estimated total program funding:** $3,200,000 annually - **Award duration:** - Unsolicited proposals: up to 3 years - CAREER awards: 5 years - **Typical budget:** Single-investigator awards generally support one graduate student (or equivalent) and up to one month of PI time per year; larger budgets for multi-investigator projects must be discussed with the Program Director in advance. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** Unrestricted. Open to all types of entities, including academic institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, and government agencies. - **International collaborations:** Permitted, but awards are typically made to U.S.-based organizations. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Proposals must be submitted via [NSF FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/), [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/), or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - **Compliance:** Proposals must adhere to the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1). - **Pre-submission:** It is strongly recommended to contact the Program Director, especially for proposals that may not fit squarely within the listed research areas or for budgets exceeding typical levels. - **Special proposal types:** RAPID, EAGER, and GOALI proposals are accepted at any time but require prior discussion with a Program Director. - **Conference, workshop, and supplement proposals:** Discuss with the Program Director before submission. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals not compliant with the PAPPG will be returned without review. - Proposals focused on nanomaterial interactions for environmental/biological applications may be better suited for the Nanoscale Interactions program (CBET 1179). - Proposals on interfacial dynamics affecting multiphase system transport/bulk properties may fit the Particulate and Multiphase Processes program (CBET 1415). - For recent award amounts and abstracts, see [What Has Been Funded](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=141700&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results). --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Description](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/interfacial-engineering/505726/pd20-1417) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [CAREER Program Description](https://www.nsf.gov/career) - [Recent Awards Made Through This Program](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=141700&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) - [Browse Funded Projects Map](https://tableau.external.nsf.gov/views/ProgramAwards/Summary?pims_id=505726&embed=y&%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&%3Atoolbar=no&Fpec=141700) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Organization | |------------------|--------------------------------|---------------|----------------------| | Christina Payne | [cpayne@nsf.gov](mailto:cpayne@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-2895 | MPS/OAD | | 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 |

Interfacial Engineering

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