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

Proposals accepted anytime | July 23, 2025 (CAREER)

Typical awards: ~$100,000/year for 1–3 years; total program funding ~$3,200,000; CAREER awards: 5 years

Supports fundamental research on novel molecular separation methods and materials relevant to chemical, biochemical, energy, and related industries.

--- ## Description The Molecular Separations program, part of the Chemical Process Systems cluster at NSF, funds research on innovative methods and materials for separation processes at the molecular level. The program aims to advance the fundamental understanding of interfacial, transport, and thermodynamic behavior in multiphase chemical systems, with implications for the chemical, biochemical, materials, energy, and pharmaceutical industries. Priority areas include: - Molecular-level design of scalable mass separating agents (e.g., adsorbents, membranes) for specific gas, chemical, or water separations - Interfacial thermodynamics, fluid nanoconfinement, and transport within nanopores or engineered surfaces - Mechanistic understanding of mass transport and separation process design - Downstream processing of biologically derived chemicals - Integration of chemical separations with conversion processes for process intensification - Innovative separation mechanisms, including field-induced separations aiming for significant reductions in energy/materials use Proposals that address long-standing or emerging challenges, demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches, and integrate research with education are encouraged. Some topics (e.g., blood component separation with biosensors, water purification with existing materials) should be directed to other NSF programs; see "Additional Information" below. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals are accepted at any time (no fixed deadline). - Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) proposals: July 23, 2025. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical award: Approximately $100,000 per year for 1–3 years. - Total estimated program funding: ~$3,200,000. - CAREER awards: 5 years duration. - Proposals requesting substantially higher budgets require prior consultation with the Program Director. --- ## Eligibility - Unrestricted: Open to any type of applicant (universities, colleges, nonprofits, for-profits, etc.), subject to NSF's general policies. - Proposals must comply with the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1). --- ## Application Process - Submit proposals via [NSF FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/), [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/), or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359629). - Carefully review the [program description](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505559) and PAPPG for formatting and compliance requirements. - For proposals outside the listed interest areas or with unusually high budgets, contact the Program Director before submission to avoid return without review. - Special proposal types (e.g., RAPID, EAGER, Conference, Workshop, GOALI) require prior discussion with the Program Director. --- ## Additional Information - Field-based particle separations with novel transport principles may be co-reviewed with the Particulate and Multiphase Processes program. - Proposals focused on blood separation with biosensing should go to the Biosensing program. - Proposals on water purification using existing materials should go to the Environmental Engineering program. - GOALI proposals (academic–industry partnerships) are encouraged but must be submitted during the regular proposal window. - All proposals must clearly articulate the novelty and/or transformative potential, engineering significance, and societal/industrial impact. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Description & Additional Details](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505559) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359629) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [NSF CAREER Program Information](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503214) - [GOALI Program Details](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=papp) - [Browse Recent Awards in Molecular Separations](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=141700&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Organization | |------------------|--------------------------------|---------------|----------------------| | Christina Payne | [cpayne@nsf.gov](mailto:cpayne@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-2895 | NSF, ENG/CBET | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | — | NSF |

Molecular Separations

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