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

Proposals accepted anytime

No specified ceiling or floor; award amounts and durations vary by project and program

Supports crosscutting, interdisciplinary, and educational activities in materials research, including REU and RET programs, with a focus on broadening participation and collaboration.

--- ## Description The Office of Special Programs in Materials Research (OSP), within NSF's Division of Materials Research (DMR), coordinates and funds crosscutting initiatives in materials research. OSP supports activities that may span multiple disciplines, promote education and workforce development, broaden participation of underrepresented groups, and foster collaborations both within DMR and across NSF-wide programs. Notable OSP activities include Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites and Research Experiences for Teachers (RET). Many OSP initiatives are co-funded with other NSF units to maximize impact. The Materials World Network program has ended, but international collaboration opportunities may be available through other mechanisms. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted anytime --- ## Funding Amount - No specific award ceiling or floor is stated; funding levels and project durations vary depending on the proposed activity and available program resources. - Cost sharing or matching is **not required**. --- ## Eligibility - **Unrestricted:** Open to all types of applicants, including higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and other entities. - See the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) for detailed eligibility and submission requirements. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the current [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1). - Submission is through [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - Carefully review the [program description and requirements](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=12803) before preparing your application. - Contact the program officer for guidance on project fit and proposal preparation. --- ## Additional Information - OSP activities emphasize education, workforce training, and broadening participation in materials research. - REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) and RET (Research Experiences for Teachers) are major program components. - For international collaborations, refer to the [Dear Colleague Letter on International Collaboration in the Division of Materials Research](https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14100/nsf14100.jsp?org=DMR). - Recent policy updates, including indirect cost rates and award conditions, are available on the [NSF policies page](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/). --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Description PD-14-7222](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=12803) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359361) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [Division of Materials Research (DMR)](https://www.nsf.gov/mps/dmr) - [Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites](http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/reu/list_result.cfm?unitid=5052) - [Browse projects funded by this program](http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/progSearch.do?SearchType=progSearch&page=2&QueryText=&ProgOrganization=DMR&ProgOfficer=&ProgEleCode=722200&BooleanElement=false&ProgRefCode=&BooleanRef=true&ProgProgram=&ProgFoaCode=&RestrictActive=on&Search=Search#results) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Organization | |-----------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------|--------------| | Dr. Lynnette D. Madsen| [lmadsen@nsf.gov](mailto:lmadsen@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4936| EDU/DUE | | NSF Grants.gov Support| [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | NSF |

Office of Special Programs in Materials Research

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