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U.S. National Science Foundation · United States

MPS Materials Research Programs (MPS Materials)

Open

U.S. National Science Foundation expects to make 300 awards, from a total budget of $100 million. Eligible applicant types include others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification).

About this call

The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) supports multiple materials research programs that advance fundamental understanding of materials, their properties, and their potential applications.

The programs covered by this solicitation are:

• Biomaterials

• Ceramics

• Condensed Matter and Materials Theory

• Condensed Matter Physics

• Electronic and Photonic Materials

• Metals and Metallic Nanostructures

• Polymers

• Solid State and Materials Chemistry

Other materials research funding opportunities are covered by separate NSF solicitations, such as the NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers and Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future.

NSF MPS is particularly interested in intellectually ambitious and potentially transformative foundational research. Proposals need not promise a near-term product, deployment, or commercial outcome, nor need they address later-stage development to be competitive.

Who can apply

• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

*Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following:

-Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities.

-Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus.

Applicant categories are a starting point. The official call decides eligibility.

Topics

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Timing

Proposals accepted anytime

How to apply

1. Apply through the funder’s official page (link below); it states the procedure, documents and deadline.

From the call text

Who can apply

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Company stage

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Single applicant or consortium

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Where applicants must be based

*Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: -Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. -Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members.

Where to apply

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Contact

U.S. National Science Foundation · grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov · 703-292-4203

Official sources

Official call page · Funder's programme page

Facts on this page come from the official source and were last checked 13 Nov 2026. The funder's own documents, including later amendments, always take precedence.

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