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

Proposals accepted anytime | July 23, 2025 (CAREER)

Typical unsolicited award: $100,000/year for 1–3 years; CAREER awards: 5 years

Supports fundamental research on the interactions of nanomaterials with biological and environmental systems.

Proposals requesting higher budgets require prior consultation with the Program Director.

--- ## Description This program supports research that advances the fundamental and 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, and other nanoparticles, which often display novel physical, chemical, or biological behaviors compared to their bulk counterparts. The program encourages projects that: - Characterize interactions at the interfaces between nanomaterials/nanosystems and biological or environmental media (including both simple nanoparticles and complex composites) - Develop predictive tools for nanostructure behavior in biological and ecological contexts, supporting cost-effective and environmentally benign processing and engineering solutions - Examine the transport, interaction, and impact of nanostructured materials on biological systems - Conduct simulations and theoretical studies of nanoparticle behavior at interfaces and their transformation in various media Innovative proposals outside these specific areas may be considered, but it is recommended to contact the Program Director before submission to ensure fit. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals are accepted at any time for unsolicited research. - Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) proposals are strongly encouraged; the next deadline for Engineering CAREER proposals is **July 23, 2025**. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical unsolicited award: **$100,000 per year** for 1–3 years. - Proposals requesting substantially more funding must consult the Program Director before submission. - CAREER awards: **5 years** duration. --- ## Eligibility - **Unrestricted:** Open to all types of applicants, including universities, colleges, non-profit and for-profit organizations, and government agencies. - Proposals must comply with the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1). --- ## Application Process - Submit proposals via [NSF FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359510). - Proposals must: - Clearly address the novelty and/or potentially transformative nature of the work - Explain the importance to engineering science and potential societal/industry impact - Include the novelty/transformative aspects in the Project Summary - For proposals outside the listed interest areas or those requesting higher budgets, contact the Program Director prior to submission. - Special proposal types (e.g., RAPID, EAGER, GOALI, conferences/workshops) require prior discussion with the Program Director. --- ## Additional Information - Noncompliant proposals will be returned without review. - See the [program page](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505424) for full details and updates. - [Browse funded projects](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=117900&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results). --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Description PD-18-1179](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505424) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359510) - [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/pubs/policydocs/pappg17_1/pappg_2.jsp#IIE4) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |----------------|--------------------------------|--------------| | Nora F. Savage | [nosavage@nsf.gov](mailto:nosavage@nsf.gov) | 703-292-7949 | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | — | ---

Biological and Environmental Interactions of Nanoscale Materials

Sign in to see full grant listing