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

Proposals accepted anytime

~$15,000,000 total program funding annually; typical awards $85,000–$160,000/year for 2–4 years

Supports fundamental theoretical and computational research advancing understanding of hard and soft materials and related phenomena.

Proposals may be submitted at any time; avoid submitting between March 15–May 15 if possible.

--- ## Description This program supports fundamental research in theoretical and computational condensed matter and materials science. The focus is on advancing conceptual understanding of hard and soft materials, developing analytical, computational, and data-centric techniques, and creating predictive theory, simulation, and modeling tools for materials research. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, condensed matter physics, biomaterials, ceramics, electronic and photonic materials, metals and metallic nanostructures, polymers, and solid-state/materials chemistry. The program welcomes research using methods such as first-principles electronic structure, quantum many-body and field theories, statistical mechanics, Monte Carlo, molecular dynamics, and emerging data-driven approaches (e.g., machine learning). Projects may span multiple length and time scales, and address phenomena such as correlated electron systems, active matter, topological phases, low-dimensional systems, nonequilibrium phenomena, glasses, nanostructured materials, soft matter, biologically inspired materials, and more. Transformative, interdisciplinary, and frontier proposals are encouraged, including those advancing new paradigms or fostering research at interfaces among subdisciplines. Projects involving significant software development for the broader community should be submitted under the Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering (CDS&E) solicitation during its annual window. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals are accepted at any time. - Investigators are encouraged to avoid submitting proposals between March 15 and May 15. - For certain topical areas, submissions are encouraged (not required) around the following dates: - CMMT/Chemical Theory interface: September 15 - Data-centric/machine learning: October 15 - Soft matter/polymers: November 15 - First-principles theory/methods: December 15 - Strongly correlated materials: January 15 --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total annual program funding: ~$15,000,000 (pending availability of funds). - Typical award size: $85,000–$160,000 per year. - Typical project duration: 2–4 years. - Approximately 40 awards are made annually. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible organizations:** - U.S. institutions of higher education (two- and four-year colleges, including community colleges) accredited in, and with a campus located in, the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty. - U.S.-based nonprofit, non-academic organizations (e.g., independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies) with direct links to research or educational activities. - **Principal Investigators:** See specific program restrictions below. - **Submission Limits:** - An investigator (PI or co-PI) may not submit a proposal to the CMMT program within 6 months before or after submitting any proposal to another DMR Topical Materials Research Program or the Chemical Theory, Models and Computational Methods program in the Division of Chemistry. - Investigators must wait at least 12 months between CMMT submissions. - No organizational limits on the number of proposals. - **International Branch Campuses:** Proposals involving international branches of U.S. institutions require justification for conducting work abroad. --- ## Application Process - Proposals can be submitted via [NSF FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - Follow the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) for proposal preparation. - Letters of Intent and preliminary proposals are not required. - Include a statement on the relationship of the present proposal to any current or pending awards. - Upload a list of at least four suggested reviewers (with contact info and expertise). - For resubmissions, provide a one-page summary of changes made in response to previous reviews. - Cost sharing is not required and not allowed. - For projects involving significant software development, submit through the CDS&E solicitation during its annual window. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals for EAGER, RAPID, RAISE, and conferences require prior consultation with a program officer. - Investigators are encouraged to consult with program directors if unsure about program fit or submission timing. - Standard NSF merit review criteria (Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts) apply. - Reporting requirements: annual and final project reports via [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/). --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/cmmt-condensed-matter-materials-theory) - [Full Program Solicitation (NSF 18-500)](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf18500) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359493) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Resource | Email | Phone | Notes | |------------------------ |----------------------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------------| | Daryl W. Hess | [dhess@nsf.gov](mailto:dhess@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4942 | Program Director | | Alexios Klironomos | [aklirono@nsf.gov](mailto:aklirono@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4920 | Program Director | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | Technical/application support | | NSF Information Center | | (703) 292-5111 | General inquiries | | FastLane Help Desk | [fastlane@nsf.gov](mailto:fastlane@nsf.gov) | 1-800-673-6188 | FastLane technical support | | Grants.gov Contact Ctr | [support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov) | 1-800-518-4726 | Grants.gov technical support |

Condensed Matter and Materials Theory

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