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

Proposals accepted anytime | July 23, 2025 (Engineering CAREER proposals)

~$7,047,000 total program funding annually; typical awards up to 3 years; CAREER awards up to 5 years

Supports transformative research advancing fundamental understanding and application of thermal transport processes in engineering.

--- ## Description The Thermal Transport Processes program supports fundamental engineering research aimed at advancing the science and applications of thermal transport phenomena. Projects may develop new knowledge or combine existing concepts from thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat/mass transfer to drive innovation in thermal transport. The program seeks transformative projects that enhance understanding, predictability, and application of thermal processes, with a strong focus on projects that demonstrate clear economic, environmental, or societal impacts. Research areas of interest include: - Heat and mass transfer in complex structures (convection, diffusion, radiation) - Thermal-related turbulence and design methodologies - Phonon transport and energy carrier interactions - Thermal-electric energy conversion, battery thermal issues, and power generation - Biological thermal transport, biomimicry, and health-related mass transport - Nanoscale, microscale, and multi-scale thermal processes - Thermal solutions for climate change, decarbonization, and clean energy - Quantum technology interfaces and quantum materials - Advanced metrology, thermal imaging, and AI/machine learning for thermal sciences Collaborative and interdisciplinary proposals are encouraged, provided the primary contribution is to thermal transport fundamentals. Proposals focused on chemical kinetics, materials synthesis/processing, or computational/mathematical science interfaces should be directed to the appropriate NSF programs as outlined in the solicitation. --- ## Due Dates - **Proposals accepted anytime** (unsolicited proposals, RAPID, EAGER, GOALI, and most supplements) - **Engineering CAREER proposals:** July 23, 2025 Conference, workshop, and supplement proposals should be discussed with the program director prior to submission. --- ## Funding Amount - **Estimated total program funding:** ~$7,047,000 annually - **Typical award duration:** Up to 3 years for unsolicited proposals; 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 project budgets may be larger - **No cost-sharing or matching required** - **Proposal budgets significantly above typical should be discussed with the program director before submission** --- ## Eligibility - **Unrestricted:** Open to all types of applicants (universities, colleges, nonprofits, for-profits, government entities, etc.), subject to NSF policies. - Proposals must comply with the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1). --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Proposals must be submitted electronically via [NSF FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/), [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/), or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - **Format:** Follow the current [NSF PAPPG](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) for proposal preparation and submission requirements. - **Contact:** It is strongly recommended to contact the program director before submitting proposals, especially if the project is outside the listed interest areas or if the budget is substantially higher than typical. - **Special proposal types:** RAPID, EAGER, and GOALI proposals require prior discussion with the program director. - **CAREER proposals:** Follow the [CAREER program description](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503214) for eligibility and requirements. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals must clearly describe the novelty and potential transformative impact of the work, both in the field of engineering science and for broader societal or industrial benefit. - Proposals not compliant with NSF guidelines will be returned without review. - For proposals involving the International Space Station, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, or Department of Energy collaborations, contact the program director to confirm suitability. - Recent awards and abstracts can be reviewed for guidance on typical project scope and budget via the [NSF award search](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=140600&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results). --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Description PD-20-1406](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505701) - [NSF Funding Opportunity Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/ttp-thermal-transport-processes) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359383) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [Browse Recent Awards](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=140600&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) - [NSF CAREER Program](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503214) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Organization | |-------------|-----------------------------|---------------|--------------| | Fangyu Cao | [fcao@nsf.gov](mailto:fcao@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4736 | ENG/CBET | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | — | NSF | ---

Thermal Transport Processes

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