MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics)
This NSF grant funds innovative, foundational research across multiple physics disciplines, including quantum, particle, nuclear, plasma, and living systems, without requiring immediate commercial applications.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: September 25, 2076 (listed application deadline) | Anytime (proposals accepted)
Funding Amounts: $180 million estimated program funding; approximately 300 awards anticipated
Summary: NSF supports foundational physics research across 12 core and three cross-cutting programs.
Key Information: Unaffiliated individuals cannot submit proposals under this solicitation.
Description
The U.S. National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences supports theoretical, experimental, computational, and observational research aimed at understanding fundamental aspects of nature. Its 12 core programs span atomic, molecular, and optical physics; particle and nuclear physics; gravitation; particle astrophysics; living systems; plasma physics; and quantum information science. Three cross-cutting programs support advanced instrumentation, theoretical-physics research hubs, and cyberinfrastructure at the intersection of big data and high-performance computing.
The opportunity supports single investigators and groups, multidisciplinary collaborations, centers and facilities, equipment and instrument development, and new research tools and techniques. NSF is particularly interested in intellectually ambitious, potentially transformative foundational research. A proposal does not need to promise a near-term product or commercial outcome.
