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

Proposals accepted anytime | July 23, 2025 (Engineering CAREER proposals)

Typical awards up to 3 years; single PI budgets usually support one grad student and up to one month PI time/year; CAREER awards are 5 years.

Supports fundamental research on interactions of nanomaterials and nanosystems with biological and environmental media.

--- ## Description The Nanoscale Interactions program, part of the Environmental Engineering and Sustainability cluster at NSF, funds research to advance fundamental, quantitative understanding of how nanomaterials and nanosystems interact with biological and environmental media. Areas of interest include one- to three-dimensional nanostructures, nano-bio hybrid assemblies, dendritic and micelle structures, quantum dots, and other nanoparticles, especially where these materials display novel physical, chemical, photonic, electronic, or biological behaviors compared to their bulk counterparts. The program encourages collaborative and interdisciplinary proposals. Supported research topics include: - Characterization of interfaces between nanomaterials/nanosystems and biological or environmental media. - Development of predictive tools for environmentally benign processing and engineering solutions over the full life cycle of nanomaterials. - Study of the transport, interaction, and impact of nanostructured materials and nanosystems on biological systems and the environment. - Simulations and new theoretical approaches to nanoparticle behavior at interfaces and their transformation in various media. - Exploratory projects on nanoscale quantum interactions, including quantum vibration and electron spin phenomena. Proposals outside these specific areas may be considered, but PIs are encouraged to contact a program director before submitting to ensure programmatic fit. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals: Accepted anytime (no fixed deadline) - Engineering CAREER proposals: July 23, 2025 --- ## Funding Amount - Typical unsolicited awards: Up to 3 years of support. - Single-investigator budgets usually cover one graduate student (or equivalent) and up to one month of PI time per year. - Multi-investigator projects may receive larger budgets. - Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) awards: 5 years. - Proposal budgets significantly larger than typical should be discussed with the program director prior to submission. --- ## Eligibility - Open to all applicants (“Unrestricted”). - Universities, colleges, non-profits, for-profit organizations, and other entities are eligible. - International collaborations may be supported, but funding is generally limited to U.S. participants. --- ## Application Process - 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/search-results-detail/359476). - All proposals must comply with the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1). - For RAPID, EAGER, GOALI, conference, or workshop proposals, contact the program director before submission. - Proposals not compliant with PAPPG will be returned without review. --- ## Additional Information - Studies focused on atomic- and molecular-scale interfacial phenomena for industrial chemical or biochemical processes may be better suited for the Interfacial Engineering program (CBET 1417). - Proposers are encouraged to address the novelty or transformative nature of the proposed research and its potential impact on engineering science and society. - For large or unusual budgets, or if unsure of program fit, consult with a program director before submitting. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Description and Additional Information](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505696) - [Official Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359476) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [Browse recent awards from this program](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=117900&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) - [NSF CAREER Program Description](https://www.nsf.gov/career) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Organization | |-----------------|----------------------------------|----------------|-------------------| | Nora F. Savage | [nosavage@nsf.gov](mailto:nosavage@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7949 | ENG/CBET | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | — | NSF |

Nanoscale Interactions

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