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

Proposals accepted anytime

No specified minimum or maximum; typical NSF awards in this area range from $100,000–$500,000 per year for up to 3 years

Supports fundamental research in geotechnical engineering and materials to advance civil infrastructure systems, with emphasis on sustainable geosystems.

--- ## Description The Geotechnical Engineering and Materials (GEM) Program supports basic research focused on soil and rock mechanics and dynamics as they pertain to physical civil infrastructure systems. This program encourages projects that seek to improve the engineering properties of geologic materials for infrastructure use through mechanical, biological, thermal, chemical, or electrical processes. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: - Foundation engineering - Earth structures - Underground construction and tunneling - Geoenvironmental engineering - Site characterization - Bio-geo engineering for civil applications, especially those addressing sustainable geosystems The program also supports research related to geotechnical aspects of geothermal energy and heat pump systems, as well as projects that leverage advanced computing techniques to enable significant advances in geotechnical engineering. Research that addresses the National Academy of Engineering's Grand Challenges, such as restoring and improving urban infrastructure and providing access to clean water, is specifically encouraged. Knowledge dissemination and technology transfer activities that broaden societal impact are also welcome. **Note:** Projects focused on the geotechnical engineering aspects of natural hazards (e.g., earthquakes, windstorms, tsunamis, landslides) should be submitted to the [Engineering for Natural Hazards (ENH) Program](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13391), unless the focus is on fundamental soil/rock behavior at the micro level. The GEM program does **not** support research: - More appropriate for mission-oriented federal agencies (e.g., nuclear power plants, bridges, pavements, transportation structures) - Related to natural resource exploration or recovery --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted anytime --- ## Funding Amount - No formal award floor or ceiling specified. - Typical NSF awards in this area range from approximately $100,000 to $500,000 per year for up to 3 years, depending on project scope and budget justification. - No cost sharing or matching is required. --- ## Eligibility - Open to all applicants ("Unrestricted"): universities, colleges, non-profit/non-academic organizations, for-profit organizations, and other entities are eligible to apply. - See NSF [Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg) for full details on eligibility and proposal requirements. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be prepared and 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/359532). - All proposals must adhere to the requirements in the current [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg). - There are no fixed deadlines; proposals may be submitted at any time. --- ## Additional Information - Indirect cost reimbursement follows NSF policy; see [NSF notice on indirect cost rates](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/document/indirect-cost-rate). - Awards made on or after October 1, 2024, are subject to updated NSF award conditions in alignment with revised federal guidance. - For research topics outside the scope of GEM, consider alternative NSF programs such as [Engineering for Natural Hazards (ENH)](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13391). --- ## External Links - [Program Information and Additional Details](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505409) - [Browse Recent Awards in this Program](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=163600&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359532) - [Grand Challenges for Engineering](http://www.engineeringchallenges.org) - [National Research Council Report: Geological and Geotechnical Engineering in the New Millennium](http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11558) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |----------------------|------------------------------|----------------| | Richard J. Fragaszy | [rfragasz@nsf.gov](mailto:rfragasz@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7011 | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | |

Geotechnical Engineering and Materials

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