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

Archived (no current deadline)

No specific limit; award sizes and durations vary based on project scope.

Supports research and infrastructure related to LIGO operations and experimental gravitational physics, including user support and related activities.

This opportunity is currently archived; no new proposals are being accepted.

--- ## Description This program supported research at the frontiers of gravitational physics, with a focus on the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). It aimed to answer fundamental questions about space, time, and gravity, and leveraged gravitational wave observations to explore the universe. The program funded a broad range of activities, including LIGO operations, instrument science, data analysis, detector characterization, source population modeling, and multi-messenger astrophysics connecting gravitational waves to electromagnetic and neutrino signals. In addition, it supported infrastructure such as visitor programs, workshops, and research centers, fostering collaboration among universities, national laboratories, industry partners, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. All proposals to this program were required to be submitted through the Division of Physics: Investigator-Initiated Research Projects solicitation, following NSF’s Grant Proposal Guide and additional requirements for multi-source funding and significant instrumentation development. --- ## Due Dates - Archived (no current deadline) --- ## Funding Amount - No explicit funding cap; budgets were determined by project needs and scope. - Award size and duration varied, generally consistent with NSF Physics Division research grants. --- ## Eligibility - Open to a wide range of applicants, including: - Universities and colleges - Non-profit, non-academic organizations - For-profit organizations - State and local governments - Other organizations as defined by NSF policy - Both U.S. and international collaborations may have been considered, but lead institutions must meet NSF eligibility requirements. --- ## Application Process - Proposals had to be submitted via the [Division of Physics: Investigator-Initiated Research Projects](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505058) solicitation. - Applications required adherence to the NSF [Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg). - Projects involving multiple funding sources or significant instrumentation development had additional requirements. - Proposals not governed by another solicitation (e.g., CAREER) were to be submitted here; otherwise, they would be returned without review. --- ## Additional Information - As of June 2025, this opportunity is archived and not accepting new proposals. - For reference, awards made through this program can be browsed via the [NSF Award Search](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=125200&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results). - NSF awards made on or after October 1, 2024, are subject to the revised 2 CFR award conditions and the standard 15% indirect cost rate. --- ## External Links - [Program Description & Updates](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=504855) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg) - [Division of Physics: Investigator-Initiated Research Projects](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505058) - [Browse Awards Made by This Program](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=125200&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) - [NSF Award Conditions](https://www.nsf.gov/awards/managing/award_conditions.jsp?org=NSF) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Organization | |-------------------|----------------------------------|----------------|---------------| | Mark Coles | [mcoles@nsf.gov](mailto:mcoles@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4432 | NSF | | Pedro Marronetti | [pmarrone@nsf.gov](mailto:pmarrone@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7372 | MPS/PHY | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | NSF |

LIGO Research Support

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