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

Proposals accepted anytime | July 15, 2025 (CAREER)

Estimated total program funding: $4,900,000; typical awards up to 3 years (5 years for CAREER)

Supports fundamental research on chemical reaction engineering, process systems, and molecular thermodynamics for improved chemical processes and materials.

--- ## Description This program, part of NSF's Chemical Process Systems cluster, funds fundamental engineering research in chemical reaction engineering, process systems design and optimization, and molecular thermodynamics. The focus is on advancing understanding and innovation in the design and operation of chemical reactors, the development of specialized materials, and the creation of more sustainable and efficient chemical manufacturing processes. Research supported includes: - **Chemical reaction engineering:** Investigating reaction mechanisms, kinetics, transport phenomena, and novel reactor designs (e.g., catalytic, membrane, micro-reactors, atomic layer deposition systems, and more). - **Process design, optimization, and control:** Developing advanced algorithms for process intensification, modular systems, smart manufacturing, carbon capture/conversion, and real-time optimization, including the use of machine learning and enterprise-level process management. - **Reactive polymer processing:** Engineering nanoscale structures and compositions in polymers to enhance recyclability, biodegradability, and environmental performance. - **Molecular thermodynamics:** Combining thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and atomistic simulations to improve chemical processing and synthesize novel materials (e.g., catalysts, polymers, solvents, colloids). Proposals outside these core areas may be considered, but PIs are strongly encouraged to consult the Program Director before submission to ensure fit. --- ## Due Dates - **Proposals:** Accepted anytime. - **CAREER proposals:** July 15, 2025 (annual deadline for Engineering CAREER). --- ## Funding Amount - **Estimated total program funding:** $4,900,000. - **Typical award duration:** Up to 3 years for unsolicited proposals; up to 5 years for CAREER awards. - **Typical budget:** Single-investigator awards generally support one graduate student (or equivalent) and up to one month of PI time per year; multi-investigator projects may be larger. - **No cost-sharing or matching required.** - **Proposals with budgets significantly above typical levels should be discussed with the Program Director before submission.** --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** Unrestricted — open to all types of entities (universities, nonprofits, for-profits, etc.), subject to standard NSF eligibility guidelines. - **Special proposal types (RAPID, EAGER, GOALI, Conferences/Workshops):** Must be discussed with the Program Director prior to submission. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** 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/359381). - **Guidance:** All proposals must comply with the current [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1). - **Compliance:** Non-compliant proposals will be returned without review. - **Novelty/Impact:** Proposals should clearly articulate their novelty or transformative potential, importance to engineering science, and potential societal/industrial impact. --- ## Additional Information - **Consult Program Director:** Strongly recommended for topics outside the listed focus areas or for special proposal types. - **Recent Awards:** [Browse funded projects](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=140300&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results). - **Program description:** [NSF Program Description PD-20-1403](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505727) - **CAREER program details:** [NSF CAREER Program](https://www.nsf.gov/career) --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Description PD-20-1403](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505727) - [NSF Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359381) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [Browse projects funded by this program](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=140300&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) - [NSF CAREER Program](https://www.nsf.gov/career) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |-----------------------|-------------------------------|---------------| | Raymond A. Adomaitis | [radomait@nsf.gov](mailto:radomait@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7519 | | Catherine Walker | [cawalker@nsf.gov](mailto:cawalker@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7125 | | NSF Grants.gov Support| [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | |

Process Systems, Reaction Engineering, and Molecular Thermodynamics

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