Funding Opportunities
Expand the boxes below to see current funding opportunities by agency. This list has been curated specifically to the interests of NSM and is updated monthly. The NEW tag indicates opportunities most recently added.
NEW Measurement Science and Engineering (MSE) Research Grant Programs
Solicitation: 2025-NIST-MSE-01
Sponsored by: National Institute of Standards and Technology
Deadline: Continually accepted
Description: This program aims to support activities that develop, expand, strengthen, or sustain
NIST partnership programs and/or support the conduct of research or a recipient's
portion of collaborative research in a variety of areas including, but not limited
to: Metrology; Standards; Nanotechnology; Artificial Intelligence; Advanced Communications;
Advanced Manufacturing; Promotion of U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness;
Measurements in Sciences; Neutron Research; and enhancing coordination of the U.S.
Standards System with government and private sector organizations.
FY 2024 – 2026 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric
Research (OAR)
Solicitation: NOAA-OAR-CPO-2024-28363
Sponsored by: Department of Commerce, DOC NOAA - ERA Production
Deadline: Continually accepted through Sep 30, 2026
Description: The purpose of this notice is to request applications for special projects and programs
associated with NOAA's strategic plan and mission goals, as well as to provide the
general public with information and guidelines on how NOAA will select applications
and administer discretionary Federal assistance under this Broad Agency Announcement
(BAA). Each NOAA Line Office that supports financial assistance (National Marine Fisheries
Service, National Ocean Service, National Weather Service, Office of Atmospheric Research,
Office of Education, and National Environmental Satellite Data Information Service)
has a separate BAA found in Grants.gov, so applicants should submit their application
to the BAA for the Line Office that best fits their application.
Biomedical Research (CDMRP, SOCOM):
NEW Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) Technology/Therapeutic Development
Award
Solicitation: HT942525PRMRPTTDA
Deadline: Letter of Intent: June 9, 2025; Full Application: July 21, 2025
Description: TheTechnology/Therapeutic Development Award (TTDA) is a product-driven award mechanism
intended to provide support for the translation of promising preclinical findings
into products for clinical applications, including prevention, detection, diagnosis,
treatment, or quality of life, for a disease or condition related to one of the FY25
PRMRP topic areas and one of the FY25 PRMRP strategic goals. Products can be tangible
items, such as drugs or devices, or can be knowledge products, such as clinical decision-making
tools or practice guidelines. Products in development should be responsive to the
health care needs of military Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. Distinctive
Features: For the PRMRP TTDA, the program expects the research proposed will take
an already established proof-of-concept or prototype through the final stages of preclinical
development. The PRMRP also expects that the research outcome will be a regulatory
filing or translation of findings into clinical practice, as applicable.
NEW Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP) Pilot Award
Solicitation: HT942525OCRPPA
Deadline: Letter of Intent: June 12, 2025; Full Application: September 11, 2025
Description: The OCRP Pilot Award supports the exploration of innovative concepts or theories
in ovarian cancer that could ultimately lead to critical discoveries or major advancements
that will drive the field forward. The proposed research must demonstrate a clear
focus on ovarian cancer and serve as a catalyst to expand or modify current thinking
about and/or approaches in ovarian cancer. The OCRP Pilot Award – Early Detection
or Prevention Option focuses specifically on innovative concepts or theories that
will lead to major advances in the fields of early ovarian cancer detection or ovarian
cancer prevention. The proposed research must demonstrate a clear focus on investigating
early detection and prevention strategies in ovarian cancer.
NEW Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award
Solicitation: HT942525OCRPIIRA
Deadline: Letter of Intent: June 12, 2025; Full Application: September 11, 2025
Description: The OCRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award is intended to support high-impact
research that addresses a critical need and has the potential to make an important
contribution to ovarian cancer or patient/survivor care. Research projects may focus
on any phase of research, from basic laboratory research through translational research,
excluding clinical trials. The application must demonstrate logical reasoning and
a sound scientific rationale established through a critical review and analysis of
the literature for the application to be competitive. Applications must include preliminary
data that are relevant to ovarian cancer and support the proposed research project.
These data may be unpublished or from the published literature.
NEW Melanoma Research Program (MRP) Idea Award
Solicitation: HT942525MRPIA
Deadline: Letter of Intent: June 5, 2025; Full Application: October 1, 2025
Description: The Idea Award supports innovative, untested, exploratory, high-risk/potentially
highreward concepts, theories, paradigms, and/or methods that address at least one
of the FY25 MRP focus areas. The intent of the Idea Award is to generate novel research
avenues for investigation; therefore, novelty and innovation should be key aspects
of the proposed project.
NEW Melanoma Research Program (MRP) Team Science Award
Solicitation: HT942525MRPTSA
Deadline: Letter of Intent: June 30, 2025; Full Application: October 1, 2025
Description: The Team Science Award supports a broad range of hypothesis-driven, multidisciplinary
studies that are responsive to at least one of the FY25 MRP focus areas and have the
short-term goal of advancing the state of the science in melanoma research and/or
patient care. Team science is a synergistic effort that harnesses techniques, approaches,
and perspectives from multiple disciplines and/or therapeutic areas to address complex,
multidimensional problems that will impact patient outcomes. The TSA is intended to
bring together investigators from divergent disciplines to achieve innovations and
advancements in melanoma research and/or patient care that could not be achieved by
any one investigator working independently. While basic research is allowed, all applications
are expected to articulate the short- and long-term benefits of the expected research
outcomes for the melanoma patient community.
Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Breakthrough Award Levels 1 and 2
Solicitation: HT942525BCRPBTA12
Deadline: Letter of Intent: June 13, 2025; Full Application: June 27, 2025
Description: Supports promising research with high potential to lead to or make breakthroughs
in breast cancer. The impact may be near-term or long-term but must go beyond a minor
advancement and have the potential to lead to a fundamentally new strategy or approach
for preventing or ending breast cancer that is significantly more effective than current
strategies or approaches.
Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Breakthrough Award Level 3
Solicitation: HT942525BCRPBTA3
Deadline: Pre-proposal: June 13, 2025; Full Application: September 10, 2025
Description: Supports promising research with high potential to lead to or make breakthroughs
in breast cancer. Research must have the potential for a major impact and accelerate
progress toward ending breast cancer. The impact may be near-term or long-term but
must go beyond a minor advancement and have the potential to lead to a fundamentally
new strategy or approach for preventing or ending breast cancer that is significantly
more effective than current strategies or approaches.
Biomedical and Human Performance Research and Development Award
Solicitation: HT9425-23-S-SOC1
Sponsored by: Department of Defense -- Special Operations Command (SOCOM)
Deadline: BAA, continuously accepting proposals through July 31, 2028
Description: The USSOCOM Biomedical, Human Performance, and Canine Research Program
focuses on identifying and developing techniques, knowledge products, and materiel
(medical devices, drugs, and biologics) to support far-forward early intervention
of life-threatening illnesses or injuries within an Irregular Warfare or asymmetric,
multi-domain operational environment; Prolonged Casualty Care (PCC); human performance
optimization; canine medicine/performance; brain health; immune response; automation
of systematic reviews and metanalysis; and novel post-traumatic stress, depression,
and anxiety treatment. The emphasis is on creating ruggedized, modular, multi-use
equipment that is lightweight, simple to use, requires minimal maintenance, and operates
effectively in extreme environments. Special attention is given to medical solutions
that don’t require refrigeration and can be easily commercialized. Research must address
the health care needs of U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, military families, and the public,
while being applicable to real-world military operations. All proposals should target
relevant health issues and align with specified research areas, including medical
sensors and devices, portable lab assays and diagnostics, neuroimaging, analytics,
and immune response.
Technical and Physical Sciences Research:
NEW Exponentiating Mathematics (expMath)
Solicitation: N00173-24-S-BA01
Sponsored by: DARPA - Information Innovation Office
Deadline: July 08, 2025
Description: The goal of expMath is to radically accelerate the rate of progress in pure mathematics
by developing an AI co-author capable of proposing and proving useful abstractions.
expMath will be comprised of teams focused on developing AI capable of auto decomposition
and auto(in)formalization and teams focused on evaluation with respect to professional-level
mathematics. We will robustly engage with the math and AI communities toward fundamentally
reshaping the practice of mathematics by mathematicians.
Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI)
Solicitation: New FY2027 NOFO expected March 2027
Sponsored by: Department of Defense - AFOSR
Expected Deadline: White papers: May, 2026. Full proposals: Sep, 2026
Description: DoD's MURI program addresses high-risk basic research and attempts to understand
or achieve something that has never been done before. The program has regularly produced
significant scientific breakthroughs with far reaching consequences to the fields
of science, economic growth, and revolutionary new military technologies. A wide variety
of topics are covered, including atmospheric science, chemistry, biology, AI, and
robotics, among other fields.
NRL Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Basic and Applied Research
Solicitation: N00173-24-S-BA01
Sponsored by: Naval Research Laboratory
Deadline: May 31, 2025
Description: The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is the Navy's corporate laboratory. NRL conducts
basic and applied research for the Navy in a variety of scientific and technical disciplines.
The research conducted at NRL is a broadly based multidisciplinary program of scientific
research and advanced technological development directed toward maritime applications
of new and improved materials, techniques, equipment, systems and ocean, atmospheric,
and space sciences and related technologies. Although NRL conducts most of its research
programs within NRL facilities and associated warfare centers, NRL intends to fund
research conducted with educational facilities and industry partners which are related
to specific topics included in this BAA announcement.
Young Faculty Award (YFA)
Sponsored by: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Defense Sciences Office (DSO)
Deadline: Next competition expected November 2025
Description: The YFA aims to identify and engage rising stars in junior research positions in
academia and
equivalent positions at non-profit research institutions, particularly those without
prior DARPA
funding, to expose them to Department of Defense (DoD) needs and DARPA’s mission to
create
and prevent technological surprise. The YFA program will provide high-impact funding
to elite
researchers early in their careers to develop innovative new research that enables
transformative
DoD capabilities. Ultimately, the YFA program is developing the next generations of
researchers
focused on national security issues.
ARO - Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP)
Solicitation: TBD
Sponsored by: Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command
Deadline: FY2027 deadline expected April 2026
Description: DURIP is designed to improve the capabilities of accredited United States (U.S.)
institutions of higher education to conduct research and to educate scientists and
engineers in areas important to national defense, by providing funds for the acquisition
of research equipment or instrumentation.
AFOSR - Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP)
Solicitation: TBD
Sponsored by: Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Deadline: FY2027 deadline expected April 2026
Description: DURIP is designed to improve the capabilities of accredited United States (U.S.)
institutions of higher education to conduct research and to educate scientists and
engineers in areas important to national defense, by providing funds for the acquisition
of research equipment or instrumentation.
ONR - Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP)
Solicitation: TBD
Sponsored by: Office of Naval Research
Deadline: FY2027 deadline expected April 2026
Description: DURIP is designed to improve the capabilities of accredited United States (U.S.)
institutions of higher education to conduct research and to educate scientists and
engineers in areas important to national defense, by providing funds for the acquisition
of research equipment or instrumentation.
Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and
Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI)
Solicitation: W911NF24S0009
Sponsored by: Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command
Deadline: Continually accepted through July 31, 2029
Description: Projects proposed for funding under this FOA include all scientific study and experimentation
directed toward increasing fundamental knowledge and understanding in those fields
of the physical, engineering, environmental, life sciences, and information sciences
related to long-term national security needs. PIs are encouraged to consider innovative
approaches for their research projects with a view toward enhancing the ability of
their institution to develop stronger science and engineering programs that will enable
the institution to participate more competitively in a variety of defense research
programs, attract and retain good students by exposing them to state-of-the-art research,
and encourage them to pursue careers in STEM disciplines.
All ARPA-E Funding Opportunities
Solicitation Number: multiple
Deadline: varies by FOA
Description: ARPA-E aims to radically improve US standing in the global energy landscape while
bringing energy manufacturing back home to support local communities. ARPA-E focuses
on diverse technologies that can be meaningfully advanced with a small amount of funding
and active project management over a defined period of time. Our streamlined awards
process enables us to act quickly to drive disruption across the entire energy portfolio.
Spurring Projects to Advance Energy Research and Knowledge Swiftly (SPARKS) (DOE ARPA-E)
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0003164
Deadline: Proposals are accepted at any time
Description: This program provides a continuing opportunity for the rapid support of early-stage
applied research to explore innovative new concepts with the potential for transformational
and disruptive changes in energy technology. SPARKS awards are intended to be flexible
and may take the form of analyses or exploratory research that provides the agency
with useful information for the subsequent development of focused technology programs.
SPARKS awards may also support proof-of-concept research to develop a unique technology
concept, either in an area not currently supported by the agency or as a potential
enhancement to an ongoing focused technology program.
FY2025 Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance
Program
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0003432
Deadline: Proposals continuously accepted through Sep 30, 2025
Description: The Office of Science hereby announces its continuing interest in receiving grant
applications for support of work in the following program areas: Advanced Scientific
Computing Research, Basic Energy Sciences, Biological and Environmental Research,
Fusion Energy Sciences, High Energy Physics, Nuclear Physics, Isotope R&D and Production,
and Accelerator R&D and Production. There is also an early career track.
DOE: Early Career Research Program
Solicitation Number: TBD
Deadline: pre-proposal February 2026; Full proposal: April 2026 (expected)
Description: This program supports general energy-related research in three areas: (1) science
for energy, economic and national security―building a foundation of scientific and
technical knowledge to spur discoveries and innovations; (2) the frontiers of science—exploring
nature’s mysteries from the study of fundamental subatomic particles, atoms, and molecules
that are the building blocks of the materials of our universe and everything in it;
(3) the 21st-century tools of science—providing the nation’s researchers with 28 state-of-the-art
national scientific user facilities, the most advanced tools of modern science, propelling
the U.S. to the forefront of science, technology development, and deployment through
innovation. Eligibility: No more than 10 years can have passed between the year the
PI’s PhD was awarded and the calendar year in which this NOFO is released.
NEW MUREP Partnership Learning Annual Notification (MPLAN)
Solicitation Number: N/A
Deadline: June 9, 2025
Description: NASA invites Principal Investigators (PIs) from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs)
to apply for an exciting activity to engage in research and work with the space agency
to prepare for larger funding opportunities: MUREP Partnership Learning Annual Notification
(MPLAN) PIs have an opportunity to submit a research proposal within 18 NASA Mission
Directorate topic areas. This opportunity is for institutions with an MSI designation.
NEW Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH): Catalyst Program
Solicitation Number: N/A
Deadline: Continuously accepted
Description: The TRISH Catalyst Program, led by Baylor College of Medicine’s Center for Space
Medicine, supports disruptive, high-risk approaches for addressing human health and
performance in deep spaceflight. Realizing that these cutting-edge programs require
time and investment to be successful, the Catalyst Grant Program permits funding for
innovative, focused research that pertains to the TRISH mission of translating radically
novel approaches to reduce health risk and optimize physical and/or behavioral performance
during deep space exploration.
Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES)-2024
Solicitation Number: NNH24ZDA001N
Deadline: varies by program
Description: ROSES-2024 is an omnibus NASA Research Announcement. It contains over 100 different
proposal opportunities. See Table 2: Solicited Research Programs for the full list
of opportunities.
ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN NASA STEM FY2024 (EONS-2024)
Solicitation Number: NNH24ZHA003C
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
Description: The NASA OSTEM MUREP Program solicits proposals from 4-year colleges/universities
designated by the U.S. Department of Education as MSIs for the MUREP Institutional
Research Opportunity (MIRO) activity. MIRO develops significant scientific, engineering,
and/or technology research centers. The purpose of MIRO is to strengthen and develop
the research capacity and infrastructure of MSIs in areas of strategic importance
and value to NASA’s mission and priorities. MIRO awards promote STEM literacy and
enhance and sustain the capability of institutions to perform NASA-related research
and education. Additionally, MIRO strengthens student participation in research at
MSIs in order to develop and diversify the next generation of the STEM workforce.
MIRO awards directly support research pertinent to NASA’s five Mission Directorates
(MDs) – Aeronautics Research, Exploration Systems Development, Space Operations, Science,
and Space Technology.
NEW Science of Science: Discovery, Communication and Impact (SoS:DCI)
Solicitation Number: PD 19-126Y
Deadline: September 9, annually; February 10, annually
Description: This program is designed to advance theory and knowledge about increasing the public
value of scientific activity. Science of Science draws from multiple disciplinary
and field perspectives to advance theory and research about scientific discovery,
communication and impact.
NEW Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-569
Deadline: October 10, 2025; October 09, 2026
Description: The overall goal is to establish innovative and principled design and analysis approaches
for AI technology using creative yet theoretically grounded mathematical and statistical
frameworks, yielding explainable and interpretable models that can enable sustainable,
socially responsible, and trustworthy AI.
NEW Cyberinfrastructure for Sustained Scientific Innovation (CSSI)
Solicitation Number: NSF 22-632
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Description: This program seeks to enable funding opportunities that are flexible and responsive
to the evolving and emerging needs in cyberinfrastructure. The program continues to
emphasize integrated CI services, quantitative metrics with targets for delivery and
usage of these services, and community creation, with both research and programming
elements.
NEW Human Networks and Data Science (HNDS)
Solicitation Number: NSF 22-632
Deadline: Varies by program
Description: The Human Networks and Data Science program (HNDS) supports research that enhances
understanding of human behavior by leveraging data and network science research across
a broad range of topics. HNDS research will identify ways in which dynamic, distributed,
or heterogeneous data can provide novel answers to fundamental questions about individual
or group behavior. HNDS is especially interested in proposals that provide data-rich
insights about human networks to support improved health, prosperity, and security.
Applied Mathematics
Solicitation Number: PD 16-1266
Deadline: November 17, 2025; November 15, annually
Description: The Applied Mathematics program supports mathematics research motivated by and contributing
to the solution of problems arising in science and engineering. Successful proposals
must demonstrate mathematical innovation, as well as breadth and quality of impact
on applications. Projects that additionally provide opportunities for rigorous mathematical
training of junior applied mathematicians through their involvement in research are
encouraged. The proposals considered by the Applied Mathematics program may range
from single investigator to interdisciplinary team projects.
The Research on Research Security Program (RoRS)
Solicitation Number: PD 25-275Y
Deadline: Proposals accepted anytime
Description: The research that RoRS funds will foster a broad community that builds collaborations
between the STEM research community, research security researchers, and research security
practitioners. Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged, and proposers should address
how they will leverage the range of expertise, theories, and methods of the team to
engage in evidence-based research on research security. Proposers are encouraged to
identify collaborators across a wide range of sectors, and to consider projects in
collaboration with international partners that share U.S. concerns with research security,
when appropriate. RoRS encourages the following types of proposals: Conferences and
Workshops, Planning Grants, and Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER).
Proposal topics may include, but are not limited to, the following: The nature and
pervasiveness of research security threats. Methods for identifying research security
risks, and strategies for preventing and mitigating them. Methods for strengthening
research security protocol and approaches.
The complex relationships between human behavior and research security policies. Research security policies and their implications. Research on organizational change around systemic and cultural factors as they pertain to research security. Research on research security in the context of a particular field or discipline, especially in high-risk areas. The international dimensions of research security.
Earth Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowships (EAR-PF)
Solicitation Number: NSF 25-500
Deadline: October 29, 2025; Last Wednesday in October, Annually Thereafter
Description: The Division of Earth Sciences (EAR) awards postdoctoral fellowships to conduct an
integrated program of independent research and professional development that address
scientific questions within the scope of EAR's disciplinary portfolio. The program
is intended to recognize beginning investigators of significant potential and provide
them with research experience, mentorship, and training that will help establish them
in leadership positions in the Earth Sciences community. Postdoctoral fellows should
pursue research in directions or with tools that will diversify the expertise they
gained during their doctoral studies and research. The fellowship should also enable
broadening of the fellow's professional network. For these reasons, applicants are
strongly encouraged to seek opportunities outside of their doctoral institution and
their organization at the time of submission. Fellowships will include participation
in a professional development program that emphasizes development of mentoring skills.
This program will coordinate the involvement of fellows in conferences and activities
that are focused on increasing the engagement of underrepresented groups in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Geosciences Open Science Ecosystem (GEO OSE)
Solicitation Number: NSF 25-506
Deadline: Track 2 only: November 14, 2025
Description: The GEO OSE program seeks to realize the benefits of open science practices toward
advancing research and education in the geosciences. To achieve this vision, the GEO
OSE program encourages efforts to foster adoption of open, inclusive, and equitable
scientific practices across geoscience domains. The program supports development of
innovative open science approaches that advance geosciences research and education
through leveraging expanding information resources and computing capabilities. The
program also supports initiatives to strengthen the capacity of current and future
geoscientists to access, utilize, and collaborate within the growing ecosystem of
open science resources. GEO OSE projects may pursue a variety of activities to advance
open science practices within the geosciences. This includes community/cohort building
around defining a shared vision for open science and adopting open science practices
within and across geoscience domains. It also includes development and implementation
of open science approaches that accelerate geoscience research discovery via seamless
workflows connecting data, software, physical collections, and computing. In addition,
GEO OSE supports educational activities that instill open science practices and broaden
adoption of cyberinfrastructure resources to reduce barriers to geoscience research
and education.
Emerging Mathematics in Biology (eMB)
Solicitation Number: NSF 25-509
Deadline: March 1, Annually
Description: This program seeks to stimulate the development of innovative mathematical theories,
techniques, and approaches to investigate challenging questions of great interest
to biologists and public health policymakers. It supports truly integrative research
projects in mathematical biology that address challenging and significant biological
questions through novel applications of traditional, but nontrivial, mathematical
tools and methods or the development of new mathematical theories.
Security, Privacy, and Trust in Cyberspace (SaTC 2.0)
Solicitation Number: NSF 25-515
Deadline: September 29, 2025; Last Monday in September, Annually Thereafter; January 26, 2026;
Last Monday in January, Annually Thereafter
Description: This program aims to build trust in global cyber ecosystems. Trust is the core tenet
of this program and, for the purposes of this solicitation, is broadly defined to
include our confidence in the security, privacy, and resilience of cyberspace, particularly
in the face of malicious intent. Achieving this level of confidence in cyberspace
requires not only understanding the vulnerabilities in a system that could be exploited
and how they can be addressed but also understanding the social and technical dimensions
of trust in cyber systems, along with the educational efforts needed to increase public
awareness of risks in cyberspace, and building a well-trained corps of privacy and
security professionals.
Cybersecurity Innovation for Cyberinfrastructure (CICI)
Solicitation Number: NSF 25-531
Deadline: January 21, 2026; 3rd Wednesday in January, Annually Thereafter
Description: The Cybersecurity Innovation for Cyberinfrastructure (CICI) program aims to advance
scientific discovery by improving the security and privacy of cyberinfrastructure.
It supports efforts to secure scientific data, workflows, and infrastructure across
diverse disciplines. The program focuses on four areas: (1) enhancing usability and
security in scientific collaboration (UCSS), (2) creating datasets for reproducible
security research (RSSD), (3) improving resilience and trust in cyberinfrastructure
(TCR), and (4) ensuring data integrity for AI-driven scientific results (IPAAI). These
initiatives address the unique demands of modern, data-driven, and collaborative science.
Advanced Technological Education (ATE)
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-584
Deadline: First Thursday in October, annually
Description: This program supports the education of technicians for the high-technology fields
that drive our nation's economy. The program involves partnerships between academic
institutions (grades 7-12, IHEs), industry, and economic development agencies to promote
improvement in the education of science and engineering technicians. It is strongly
recommended that projects be faculty-led and required that courses and programs are
credit-bearing, although materials developed may also be used for incumbent worker
education.
Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1 (Mid-scale RI-1)
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-598
Deadline: Prelim Proposal: September 01, 2026; Full proposal: February 08, 2027
Description: This program supports an agile, Foundation-wide process to fund experimental research
capabilities in the mid-scale range between MRI and Major Multi-user Facilities. Mid-scale
RI-1 supports either design activities or implementation of unique and compelling
RI projects. Mid-scale implementation projects may include any combination of equipment,
instrumentation, cyberinfrastructure, broadly used large scale datasets and the personnel
needed to successfully commission the project.
Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL)
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-601
Deadline: January 14, 2026; Second Wednesday in January, Annually Thereafter
Description: This program is committed to funding research and practice, with continued focus
on investigating a range of informal STEM learning experiences and environments that
make lifelong learning a reality. This program seeks proposals that center engagement,
broadening participation, and belonging, and further the well-being of individuals
and communities who have been and continue to be excluded, underserved, or underrepresented
in STEM along several dimensions. The current solicitation encourages proposals from
institutions and organizations that serve public audiences, and specifically focus
on public engagement with and understanding of STEM, including community STEM; public
participation in scientific research; science communication; intergenerational STEM
engagement; and STEM media.
Mathematical Foundations of Digital Twins
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-559
Deadline: March 15, Annually
Description: The Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) in the Directorate for Mathematical and
Physical Sciences (MPS) at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Air Force
Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) plan to jointly support foundational mathematical
and statistical research on Digital Twins in applied sciences. Recent years have witnessed
a significant increase in the demand and interest in applications that involve collaborative
teams developing and analyzing Digital Twins to support decision making in various
fields, including science, engineering, medicine, urban planning, and more. Both agencies
recognize the need to promote research aiming to stimulate an interplay between mathematics/statistics/computation
and practical applications in the realm of Digital Twins. This program encourages
new collaborative efforts within the realm of Digital Twins, aiming at stimulating
fundamental research innovation, pushing, and expanding the boundaries of knowledge,
and exploring new frontiers in mathematics and computation for Digital Twin development,
and its applications. By leveraging this synergy, the program aims to harness science,
technology, and innovation to address some of our Society's most pressing challenges.
Foundations for Digital Twins as Catalyzers of Biomedical Technological Innovation
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-561
Deadline: First Monday in May, Annually
Description: The Foundations for Digital Twins as Catalyzers of Biomedical Technological Innovation
(FDT-BioTech) program supports inherently interdisciplinary research projects that
underpin the mathematical and engineering foundations behind the development and use
of digital twins and synthetic data in biomedical and healthcare applications, with
a particular focus on digital, in silico models used in the evaluation of medical
devices and the relevance of the developed models in addressing current and emerging
challenges affecting the development and assessment of biomedical technologies. The
goal of the FDT-BioTech initiative is to catalyze biomedical technological innovation
through new foundational development of methods and algorithms relevant to digital
twins and synthetic humans.
Artificial Intelligence, Formal Methods, and Mathematical Reasoning
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-554
Deadline: February 05, 2026
Description: The Artificial Intelligence, Formal Methods, and Mathematical Reasoning (AIMing)
program seeks to support research at the interface of innovative computational and
artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and new strategies/technologies in mathematical
reasoning to automate knowledge discovery. Mathematical reasoning is a central ability
of human intelligence that plays an important role in knowledge discovery. In the
last decades, both the mathematics and computer science communities have contributed
to research in machine-assisted mathematical reasoning, encompassing conjecture, proof,
and verification. This has been in the form of both formal methods and interactive
theorem provers, as well as using techniques from artificial intelligence. Recent
technological advances have led to a surge of interest in machine-assisted mathematical
reasoning from the mathematical sciences, formal methods, and AI communities. In turn,
advances in this field have potential impact on research in AI.
Partnerships in Astronomy & Astrophysics Research and Education (PAARE)
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-516
Deadline: February 15, 2026
Description: The objective of PAARE is to improve the quality and environment of astronomy and
astrophysics research and education by stimulating the development of formal, long-term
partnerships that provide authentic pathways into the research enterprise and broaden
participation in astronomy by encouraging proposals from the full spectrum of talent
across society to include individuals from groups that have been historically underrepresented.
Partnerships must substantially involve institutions seeking to create opportunities
for student and faculty research that will increase the recruitment, retention, and
success of these individuals. It is expected that the partnerships will build or strengthen
research capacity, as well as foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment
for astronomy and astrophysics research and education at the partnering institutions.
Partnerships for Research Innovation in the Mathematical Sciences (PRIMES)
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-517
Deadline: 2nd Wednesday in February, Annually; August 20, 2025; 3rd Wednesday in August, Annually
Description: The NSF Division of Mathematical Sciences’ Partnerships for Research Innovation in
the Mathematical Sciences program aims to enhance partnerships between minority-serving
institutions and DMS-supported Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes. The activity
seeks to boost the participation of members of groups underrepresented in the mathematical
sciences through their increased involvement in research programs at the institutes.
Ecosystem for Leading Innovation in Plasma Science and Engineering (ECLIPSE)
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-503
Deadline: due dates vary by division
Description: Plasma science is a transdisciplinary field of research where fundamental studies
in many disciplines, including plasma physics, plasma chemistry, materials science,
and space science, come together to advance knowledge for discovery and technological
innovation. The primary goal of the ECosystem for Leading Innovation in Plasma Science
and Engineering (ECLIPSE) program is to identify and capitalize on opportunities for
bringing fundamental plasma science investigations to bear on problems of societal
and technological need within the scope of science and engineering supported by the
participating NSF programs.
Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering and Computer Science
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-503
Deadline: Second Wednesday in October, Annually
Description: This program supports authentic summer research experiences for K-14 educators to
foster long-term collaborations between universities, community colleges, school districts,
and industry partners. With this solicitation, the Directorates for Engineering and
Computer and Information Science and Engineering focus on a reciprocal exchange of
expertise between K-14 educators and research faculty and (when applicable) industry
mentors. K-14 educators will enhance their scientific disciplinary knowledge in engineering
or computer science and translate their research experiences into classroom activities
and curricula.
International Research Experiences for Students (IRES)
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-506
Deadline: October 28, 2024; Fourth Monday in October, Annually Thereafter
Description: The IRES program supports international research and research-related activities
for U.S. science and engineering students. The IRES program contributes to development
of a diverse, globally engaged workforce with world-class skills. IRES focuses on
active research participation by undergraduate and/or graduate students in high quality
international research, education and professional development experiences in NSF-funded
research areas.
Designing Synthetic Cells Beyond the Bounds of Evolution (Designer Cells)
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-505
Deadline: Feb 1, 2026; Feb 1 2028
Description: The goal of this solicitation is to support research that (1) develops cell-like
systems to identify the minimal requirements for the processes of life, (2) designs
synthetically-modified cells to address fundamental questions in the evolution of
life or to explore biological diversity beyond that which currently exists in nature,
and (3) leverages basic research in cell design to build novel synthetic cell-like
systems and cells for innovative biotechnology applications. Highest funding priority
is given to proposals that have outstanding intellectual merit and broader impacts,
while proposals with weaknesses in either category (or those that are perceived as
likely to have an incremental impact) will not be competitive.
Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations (AccelNet)
Solicitation Number: NSF 23-619
Deadline: 3rd Monday in September, Annually
Description: The contemporary research landscape is a collaborative and international enterprise
requiring high level coordination among multi-disciplinary, cross-cultural teams.
As such, the Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations
program (AccelNet) values cooperation over competition. Program goals are to 1) leverage
prior NSF support for building research capacity towards activities that launch international
research network of networks (NoN) that will lead to an accelerated advancement of
an area of science after the award period and 2) recruit and foster a diverse and
internationally competent US-based workforce trained in conducting and leading multi-team
international collaboration. Successful proposals will demonstrate that the proposed
activities will: 1) accelerate scientific research at a rate that would not be possible
without concerted international cooperation in research planning; 2) make NoN members
more competitive for research awards following the period of award; 3) recruit and
foster a US-based diverse and internationally competent workforce trained in conducting
and leading multi-team international collaboration. Proposals must include detailed
plans for collaborative networking activities that will result in a synergy of effort
across the entire NoN.
Focused Research Groups in the Mathematical Sciences (FRGMS)
Solicitation Number: waiting for new FOA
Deadline: TBA
Description: The purpose of the Focused Research Group activity is to support collaborative groups
employing innovative methods to solve specific, major research challenges in the mathematical
sciences. A major challenge is an outstanding problem of significant importance that
requires the focused and synergistic efforts of a collaborative group to solve, and
whose solution will have wide impacts in the mathematical sciences and potentially
in other areas.
Catalysis
Solicitation Number: PD 23-1401
Deadline: Proposals accepted anytime
Description: The goals of the Catalysis program are to increase fundamental understanding in catalytic
engineering science and to advance the development of catalysts and catalytic reactions
that are beneficial to society. Research should focus on critical challenges and opportunities
in both new and proven catalysis technologies. Areas of emphasis may include novel
catalyst compositions, structures, operating environment, data science tools, theory,
and modeling – preferably in various combinations as dictated by the specific reaction
and related knowledge and technology gaps. Target applications include fuels, specialty
and bulk chemicals, environmental catalysis, biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals,
greenhouse gas mitigation, recycling of waste materials, generation of solar hydrogen,
as well as efficient routes to energy utilization.
Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes
Solicitation Number: NSF 23-606
Deadline: March 14, 2029
Description: Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes are national resources that aim to advance
research in the mathematical sciences through programs supporting discovery and dissemination
of knowledge in mathematics and statistics and enhancing connections to related fields
in which the mathematical sciences can play important roles. Institute activities
help focus the attention of some of the best mathematical minds on problems of particular
importance and timeliness. Institutes are also community resources that involve a
broad segment of U.S.-based mathematical sciences researchers in their activities.
The goals of the Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes program include advancing
research in the mathematical sciences, increasing the impact of the mathematical sciences
in other disciplines, and expanding the talent base engaged in mathematical research
in the United States.
National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) Program
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-597
Deadline: November 14, 2024; September 08, 2025; September 8, Annually Thereafter
Description: This program seeks proposals that explore ways for graduate students in research-based
master’s and doctoral degree programs to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies
needed to pursue a range of STEM careers. The program is dedicated to effective training
of STEM graduate students in high priority interdisciplinary or convergent research
areas, through a comprehensive traineeship model that is innovative, evidence-based,
and aligned with changing workforce and research needs.
Research Training Groups in the Mathematical Sciences (RTG)
Solicitation Number: Waiting for new NOFO
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
Description: The long-range goal of the Research Training Groups in the Mathematical Sciences
program is to strengthen the nation's scientific competitiveness by increasing the
number of well-prepared U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents who pursue
careers in the mathematical sciences, be they in academia, government, or industry.
The RTG program supports efforts to improve research training by involving undergraduate
students, graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and faculty members in structured
research groups pursuing coherent research programs. Research groups supported by
RTG must include vertically-integrated activities that span the entire spectrum of
educational levels from undergraduates through postdoctoral associates.
Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST Centers)
Solicitation Number: NSF 23-595
Deadline: Preliminary proposals (required): 1st Friday in December; Full applications: 1st
Friday in December
Description: CREST Center awards provide support to enhance the research capabilities of Minority-serving
institutions (MSIs) through the establishment of centers that effectively integrate
education and research. CREST Center awards promote the development of new knowledge,
enhancements of the research productivity of individual faculty, and an expanded presence
of students historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Successful CREST Center proposals will demonstrate
a clear vision and integration of STEM research and education and will align with
the mission of the Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM (EES) with respect to
the development of a diverse STEM workforce. CREST Centers are also expected to provide
leadership by meaningfully involving the efforts of those faculty, students, and postdoctoral
researchers who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM at all levels. Centers
are required to use evidence-based and innovative strategies to address salient broadening
participation and workforce development issues, such as recruitment, retention, and
mentorship of participants from underrepresented groups. Successful proposals are
expected to achieve national research competitiveness, broaden participation in STEM,
and generate sustained, non-CREST funding from federal, state, and/or private-sector
sources.
CyberCorps(R) Scholarship for Service (SFS)
Solicitation Number: NSF 23-574
Deadline: July 15, Annually
Description: The goals of the CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) program are aligned with
the U.S. strategy to develop a superior cybersecurity workforce. The program goals
are to: (1) increase the number of qualified and diverse cybersecurity candidates
for government cybersecurity positions; (2) improve the national capacity for the
education of cybersecurity professionals and research and development workforce; (3)
hire, monitor, and retain high-quality CyberCorps® graduates in the cybersecurity
mission of the Federal Government; and (4) strengthen partnerships between institutions
of higher education and federal, state, local, and tribal governments. While all three
agencies work together on all four goals, NSF’s strength is in the first two goals;
OPM’s in goal (3); and DHS in goal (4). The SFS Program welcomes proposals to establish
or to continue scholarship programs in cybersecurity. A proposing institution must
provide clearly documented evidence of a strong existing academic program in cybersecurity.
Thermal Transport Processes (TTP)
Solicitation Number: PD-23-1406
Deadline: Continuously accepted
Description: The Thermal Transport Processes program supports engineering research projects that
lay the foundation for new advances in thermal transport phenomena. These projects
should either develop new fundamental knowledge or combine existing knowledge in thermodynamics,
fluid mechanics, and heat and mass transfer to probe new areas of innovation in thermal
transport processes. The program seeks transformative projects with the potential
for improving basic understanding, predictability and application of thermal transport
processes.
NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (S-STEM)
Solicitation Number: NSF 25-514
Deadline: 1st Tuesday in March, Annually
Description: The main goal of the S-STEM program is to enable low-income students with academic
ability, talent or potential to pursue successful careers in promising STEM fields.
Ultimately, the S-STEM program seeks to increase the number of academically promising
low-income students who graduate with a S-STEM eligible degree and contribute to the
American innovation economy with their STEM knowledge. The S-STEM program encourages
collaborations, including but not limited to partnerships among different types of
institutions; collaborations of S-STEM eligible faculty, researchers, and academic
administrators focused on investigating the factors that affect low-income student
success (e.g., institutional, educational, behavioral and social science researchers);
and partnerships.
Training-based Workforce Development for Advanced Cyberinfrastructure
Solicitation Number: NSF 23-520
Deadline: January 15, 2026; 3rd Thursday in January, Annually
Description: This program seeks to prepare, nurture, and grow the national scientific research
workforce for creating, utilizing, and supporting advanced cyberinfrastructure to
enable and potentially transform fundamental science and engineering research and
education and contribute to the Nation's overall economic competitiveness and security.
Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Core Programs (MCB)
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-539
Deadline: Proposals Accepted Anytime
Description: MCB supports research that promises to uncover the fundamental properties of living
systems across atomic, molecular, subcellular, and cellular scales. The program gives
high priority to projects that advance mechanistic understanding of the structure,
function, and evolution of molecular, subcellular, and cellular systems, especially
research that aims at quantitative and predictive knowledge of complex behavior and
emergent properties. MCB encourages research exploring new concepts in molecular and
cellular biology, while incorporating insights and approaches from other scientific
disciplines, such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics,
to illuminate principles that govern life at the molecular and cellular level. MCB
also encourages research that exploits experimental and theoretical approaches and
utilizes a diverse spectrum of model and non-model animals, plants, and microbes across
the tree of life. Proposals that pursue potentially transformative ideas are welcome,
even if these entail higher risk.
EDU Core Research: Building Capacity in STEM Education Research (ECR: BCSER)
Solicitation Number: NSF 22-548
Deadline: 4th Friday in February, Annually
Description: ECR’s Building Capacity in STEM Education Research (ECR: BCSER) supports projects
that build investigators’ capacity to carry out high-quality STEM education research
that will enhance the nation’s STEM education enterprise. In addition, ECR: BCSER
seeks to broaden the pool of researchers who can advance knowledge regarding STEM
learning and learning environments, broadening participation in STEM fields, and STEM
workforce development. Specifically, ECR: BCSER supports activities that enable researchers
to expand their areas of expertise and acquire the requisite knowledge and skills
to conduct rigorous research in STEM education. Career development may be accomplished
through investigator-initiated professional development and research projects or through
institutes that enable researchers to integrate methodological strategies with theoretical
and practical issues in STEM education.
Oceanographic Facilities and Equipment Support
Solicitation Number: NSF 23-525
Deadline: January 10th, annually
Description: These awards are made for the procurement, conversion and/or upgrade, enhancement,
or annual operation of platforms in the ocean, coastal and near-shore waters, and
Great Lakes. Awards are generally directed specifically to support facilities that
lend themselves to shared use within the broad range of Federally supported research
and education programs. The primary objective of these awards is to ensure the availability
of appropriate oceanographic facilities for Federally funded investigators and educators.
Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI)
Solicitation Number: NSF 23-519
Deadline: November 15, 2024; November 14, 2025; November 16, 2026
Description: Supports requests for up to $4 million from NSF for the development or acquisition
of multi-user research instruments that are critical to the advancement of science
and engineering. Track 1: $100,000 - $1,400,000; Track 2: $1,400,000 - $4,000,000;
Track 3: $100,000 - $4,000,000 that include the purchase, installation, operation,
and maintenance of equipment and instrumentation to conserve or reduce the consumption
of helium. Institutions may submit no more than one Track 3 proposal.
Statistics
Solicitation Number: PD 18-1269
Deadline: December 1 - December 15, Annually
Description: The Statistics Program supports research in statistical theory and methods, including
research in statistical methods for applications to any domain of science and engineering.
The theory forms the base for statistical science. The methods are used for stochastic
modeling, and the collection, analysis and interpretation of data. The methods characterize
uncertainty in the data and facilitate advancement in science and engineering. The
Program encourages proposals ranging from single-investigator projects to interdisciplinary
team projects.
Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Directorate for STEM Education (IUSE: EDU)
Solicitation Number: NSF 23-510
Deadline: Level 1: Third Wednesday in January; Level 2 and 3: Third Wednesday in July, Annually
Description: This is a core NSF STEM education program that seeks to promote novel, creative,
and transformative approaches to generating and using new knowledge about STEM teaching
and learning to improve STEM education for undergraduate students. The program is
open to application from all institutions of higher education and associated organizations.
NSF places high value on educating students to be leaders and innovators in emerging
and rapidly changing STEM fields as well as educating a scientifically literate public.
Paleo Perspectives on Present and Projected Climate (P4CLIMATE)
Solicitation Number: NSF 22-612
Deadline: October 20, Annually
Description: The PALEO PERSPECTIVES ON PRESENT AND PROJECTED CLIMATE (P4CLIMATE) competition is
a coordinated paleoclimate science initiative that is funded by the National Science
Foundation (NSF) Divisions of Atmospheric and GeoSpace Sciences (AGS), Earth Sciences
(EAR), Ocean Sciences (OCE), and Office of Polar Programs (OPP) in the Geosciences
(GEO) Directorate. The annual P4CLIMATE competition supports the scientific objectives
of the National Science Foundation by fostering interdisciplinary research and synthesis
of climate data. The goal of the interdisciplinary P4CLIMATE solicitation is to utilize
observational and modeling studies to provide paleo perspectives addressing the two
research themes: 1) Past Regional and Seasonal Climate; and 2) Past Climate Forcing,
Sensitivity, and Feedbacks.
Computer and Information Science and Engineering: Core Programs
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-589
Deadline: OAC Core Projects and MEDIUM Projects: Dec 1–Dec 22, Annually; Small Projects: Oct
1–Sep 30, Annually
Description: The NSF CISE Directorate supports research and education projects that develop new
knowledge in all aspects of computing, communications, and information science and
engineering, as well as advanced cyberinfrastructure, through a variety of core programs.
NSF's Eddie Bernice Johnson Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners
of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES) Initiative
Solicitation Number: Waiting for new NOFO
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
Description: NSF INCLUDES seeks to motivate and accelerate collaborative infrastructure building
to advance equity and sustain systemic change to broaden participation in STEM fields
at scale. Significant advancement in the inclusion of groups that have historically
been excluded from or underserved in STEM will result in a new generation of STEM
talent and leadership to secure the Nation’s future and long-term economic competitiveness.
NSF offers support for five types of projects that connect and contribute to the National
Network: (1) Design and Development Launch Pilots, (2) Collaborative Change Consortia,
(3) Alliances, (4) Network Connectors, and (5) Conferences. The NSF INCLUDES National
Network is a multifaceted collaboration of agencies, organizations, and individuals
working collectively to broaden participation in STEM.
Advanced Technologies and Instrumentation for the Astronomical Sciences (ATI)
Solicitation Number: NSF 22-627
Deadline: Nov 15, annually
Description: This program provides individual investigator and collaborative research grants for
the development of new technologies and instrumentation for use in ground-based astronomy
and astrophysics. The program supports achieving the science objectives of the Division
of Astronomical Sciences. The development of innovative, potentially transformative,
technologies and instruments are sought, even at high technical risk.
Mathematical Biology (NSF)
Solicitation Number: PD 22-7334
Deadline: Oct 14, 2025
Description: The Mathematical Biology Program supports research in areas of applied and computational
mathematics with relevance to the biological sciences. Successful proposals must demonstrate
mathematical innovation, biological relevance and significance, and strong integration
between mathematics and biology.
Division of Chemistry: Disciplinary Research Programs (CHE-DRP)
Solicitation Number: NSF 22-605
Deadline: CAT, CSDM-B, SYN: Sep 1 - Sep 30, annually; CMI, ECS, MSN: Oct 1-Oct 31, annually
Description: This solicitation applies to six (of the nine) CHE Disciplinary Research Programs:
Chemical Catalysis (CAT); Chemical Measurement and Imaging (CMI); Chemical Structure
Dynamics and Mechanisms-B (CSDM-B); Chemical Synthesis (SYN); Environmental Chemical
Sciences (ECS); and Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry (MSN).
Division of Chemistry: Disciplinary Research Programs: No Deadline Pilot (CHE-DRP:NDP)
Solicitation Number: NSF 22-606
Deadline: Proposals Accepted Anytime
Description: With this solicitation, the Division of Chemistry is piloting the removal of deadlines
for the submission of proposals to the CLP, CSDM-A and CTMC Programs. The no-deadline
pilot seeks to assess the benefits and challenges of removing deadlines in proposal
submission for the chemistry research community: the removal of deadlines on proposal
submission is intended to allow principal investigators (PIs) more flexibility and
better facilitate interdisciplinary research. It may, however, have unanticipated
consequences for PIs, reviewers, and institutions.
Condensed Matter and Materials Theory
Solicitation Number: NSF 23-611
Deadline: proposals accepted anytime
Description: CMMT supports theoretical and computational materials research in the topical areas
represented in DMR's other Topical Materials Research Programs (these are also variously
known as Individual Investigator Award (IIA) Programs, or Core Programs, or Disciplinary
Programs), which are: Condensed Matter Physics (CMP), Biomaterials (BMAT), Ceramics
(CER), Electronic and Photonic Materials (EPM), Metals and Metallic Nanostructures
(MMN), Polymers (POL), and Solid State and Materials Chemistry (SSMC). The CMMT program
supports fundamental research that advances conceptual understanding of hard and soft
materials, and materials-related phenomena; the development of associated analytical,
computational, and data-centric techniques; and predictive materials-specific theory,
simulation, and modeling for materials research. First-principles electronic structure,
quantum many-body and field theories, statistical mechanics, classical and quantum
Monte Carlo, and molecular dynamics, are among the methods used in the broad spectrum
of research supported in CMMT.
Division of Materials Research: Topical Materials Research Programs (DMR:TMRP)
Solicitation Number: NSF 23-612
Deadline: proposals accepted anytime
Description: Research supported by the Division of Materials Research (DMR) focuses on advancing
the fundamental understanding of materials, materials discovery, design, synthesis,
characterization, properties, and materials-related phenomena. DMR awards enable understanding
of the electronic, atomic, and molecular structures, mechanisms, and processes that
govern nanoscale to macroscale morphology and properties; manipulation and control
of these properties; discovery of emerging phenomena of matter and materials; and
creation of novel design, synthesis, and processing strategies that lead to new materials
with unique characteristics. These discoveries and advancements transcend traditional
scientific and engineering disciplines.
Mid-Career Advancement (MCA)
Solicitation Number: NSF 22-603
Deadline: Feb 1 - Mar 1, annually
Description: The MCA program offers an opportunity for scientists and engineers at the mid-career
stage (see restrictions under Additional Eligibility Information) to substantively
enhance and advance their research program and career trajectory. Mid-career scientists
are at a critical career transition stage where they need to advance their research
programs to ensure long-term productivity and creativity but are often constrained
by service, teaching, or other activities that limit the amount of time devoted to
research. MCA support is expected to help lift these constraints to reduce workload
inequities and enable a more diverse scientific workforce (more women, persons with
disabilities, and individuals from groups that have been underrepresented) at high
academic ranks.
Division of Physics: Investigator-Initiated Research Projects (PHY)
Solicitation Number: NSF 23-615
Deadline: November and December, annually (deadlines vary by program)
Description: The Division of Physics (PHY) supports physics research and the preparation of future
scientists in the nation’s colleges and universities across a broad range of physics
disciplines that span scales of space and time from the largest to the smallest and
the oldest to the youngest. The Division is comprised of disciplinary programs covering
experimental and theoretical research in the following major subfields of physics:
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics; Elementary Particle Physics; Gravitational
Physics; Integrative Activities in Physics; Nuclear Physics; Particle Astrophysics;
Physics at the Information Frontier; Physics of Living Systems; Plasma Physics; and
Quantum Information Science. Principal Investigators (PIs) are encouraged to consider
including specific efforts to increase diversity of the physics community and broaden
participation of under-represented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM).
Opportunities for Promoting Understanding through Synthesis (OPUS)
Solicitation Number: NSF 22-591
Deadline: Proposals Accepted Anytime
Description: The OPUS program is targeted to individuals, typically at later-career stages, who
have contributed significant insights to a field or body of research over time. The
program provides an opportunity to revisit and synthesize that prior research into
a unique, integrated product(s) useful to the scientific community, now and in the
future. All four clusters within the Division of Environmental Biology (Ecosystem
Science, Evolutionary Processes, Population and Community Ecology, and Systematics
and Biodiversity Science) encourage the submission of OPUS proposals.
Facilities for Atmospheric Research and Education (FARE)
Solicitation Number: PD 22-1529
Deadline: continuous
Description: To facilitate fundamental research in the atmospheric sciences, the Division of Atmospheric
and Geospace Sciences (AGS) supports state-of-the-art instruments and facilities through
the Facilities for Atmospheric Research and Education (FARE) Program. The FARE Program
includes the Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF) and the Community Instruments
and Facilities (CIF).
Coupling, Energetics, and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions (CEDAR)
Solicitation Number: NSF 25-510
Deadline: First Wednesday in March, Annually
Description: The Coupling, Energetics, and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions (CEDAR) program is
a broad-based research program with the goal of understanding the behavior of atmospheric
regions from the middle atmosphere upward through the thermosphere and ionosphere
into the exosphere in terms of coupling, energetics, chemistry, and dynamics on regional
and global scales. These processes are related to the sources of perturbations that
propagate upward from the lower atmosphere as well as to solar radiation and particle
inputs from above. The activities within this program include observations from ground-based
and space-based platforms, theory, and modeling.
Earth Sciences Instrumentation and Facilities (EAR/IF)
Solicitation Number: NSF 22-577
Deadline: Proposals accepted anytime
Description: The NSF Division of Earth Sciences (EAR) hereby solicits proposals for research infrastructure
that is necessary to advance understanding of the Earth System including: the structure,
properties and dynamics of the solid Earth and the interactions between the solid
Earth and its biosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and atmosphere; the history and evolution
of life; and the history and dynamics of Earth’s climate. The EAR Instrumentation
and Facilities Program (EAR/IF) will support meritorious requests for instrument-based
and human research infrastructure that will advance understanding of the Earth system,
contribute toward training a diverse geoscience workforce, and encourage efforts to
support belonging, accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (BAJEDI).
Biological Oceanography (BioOce)
Solicitation Number: PD 23-1650
Deadline: August 15, annually; February 17, 2026; February 15, annually thereafter
Description: The Biological Oceanography Program supports fundamental research in biological oceanography
and marine ecology (populations to the ecosystems) broadly defined: relationships
among aquatic organisms and their interactions with the environments of the oceans
or Great Lakes. Projects submitted to the program are often interdisciplinary efforts
that may include participation by other OCE or BIO Programs.
Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)
Solicitation Number: NSF 21-551
Deadline: SMALL and MEDIUM proposals: anytime; FRONTIER proposals: Aug 28, annually
Description: Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are engineered systems that are built from, and depend
upon, the seamless integration of computation and physical components. Advances in
CPS will enable capability, adaptability, scalability, resiliency, safety, security,
and usability that will expand the horizons of these critical systems. The CPS program
aims to develop the core research needed to engineer these complex CPS, some of which
may also require dependable, high-confidence, or provable behaviors. Core research
areas of the program include control, data analytics, and machine learning including
real-time learning for control, autonomy, design, Internet of Things (IoT), mixed
initiatives including human-in- or human-on-the-loop, networking, privacy, real-time
systems, safety, security, and verification. By abstracting from the particulars of
specific systems and application domains, the CPS program seeks to reveal cross-cutting,
fundamental scientific and engineering principles that underpin the integration of
cyber and physical elements across all application domains. The program additionally
supports the development of methods, tools, and hardware and software components based
upon these cross-cutting principles, along with validation of the principles via prototypes
and testbeds. This program also fosters a research community that is committed to
advancing education and outreach in CPS and accelerating the transition of CPS research
into the real world.
WINDOWS ON THE UNIVERSE: THE ERA OF MULTI-MESSENGER ASTROPHYSICS (WoU-MMA)
Solicitation Number: PD 18-5115
Deadline: varies by field of study
Description: The NSF's Big Idea “Windows on the Universe” is implemented through this WoU-MMA
program. WoU-MMA identifies three categories of messengers - electromagnetic waves,
high-energy particles including neutrinos and cosmic rays, and gravitational waves.
The goals of WoU-MMA are to build the capabilities and accelerate the synergy and
interoperability of the three messengers to realize integrated, multi-messenger astrophysical
explorations of the Universe. The WoU-MMA program welcomes proposals in any area of
research supported through the participating divisions that address at least one of
the following criteria: Coordination: Hardware, software, or other infrastructure
to coordinate observations involving more than one messenger. Observations: Observations
of astrophysical objects or phenomena that are potentially sources of more than one
messenger, including the use of existing observatories, experiments, and data archives,
as well as the development and construction of new capabilities for advancing multi-messenger
astrophysics. Interpretation: Theory, experiment, simulations and other activities
to understand or interpret observations of astrophysical objects that are sources
of more than one messenger.
Computational Mathematics
Solicitation Number: PD 16-1271
Deadline: Submission window: November 16 - December 1, annually
Description: Supports mathematical research in areas where computation plays a central and essential
role, emphasizing analysis, development, and implementation of theoretically justified
and efficient algorithms. The combination of these elements resulting in innovative
computational methods is a hallmark of the program. Proposals ranging from single
investigator to interdisciplinary team projects that not only create and analyze new
computational mathematics techniques but also implement them to model, study, and
solve important application problems are strongly encouraged, as is providing opportunities
for rigorous mathematical training of junior computational mathematicians through
research involvement.
Facility and Instrumentation Request Process
Solicitation Number: NSF 23-602
Deadline: Anytime - Track 1 (Education & Outreach) & Track 2 (Single Facility Request)
Description: The Facility and Instrumentation Request Process (FIRP) solicitation describes the
mechanism by which the research community can propose projects that require access
to instrumentation and facilities sponsored by the Facilities for Atmospheric Research
and Education (FARE) Program in the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences
(AGS). FARE provides funding support to a variety of organizations to make specialized
instrumentation and facilities available to the atmospheric science research community
through the Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF) and the Community Instruments
and Facilities (CIF) programs. FIRP allows for parallel evaluation of intellectual
merit and broader impacts along with the feasibility of the proposed project. All
research proposals and education and outreach proposals that require the use of FARE-sponsored
assets must be submitted through this solicitation. PIs requesting the use of FARE-sponsored
facilities for a scientific and/or educational project must follow the guidelines
for submission in this solicitation. The FIRP solicitation offers three proposal submission
tracks based on the type and purpose of the request: Track 1 - Education and Outreach.
Track 2 - Single Facility Request. Track 3 - Field Campaigns. Preference for funding
will be given to proposals submitted to programs in the Division of Atmospheric and
Geospace Sciences in the Geosciences Directorate. If you are planning to submit a
proposal to a program outside AGS, including NSF-wide or Directorate-wide solicitations
and solicitations released under the NSF 10 Big Ideas, please contact the FARE program
director to discuss the timelines, review process, and budget request for the use
of FARE assets.
Joint DMS/NIGMS Initiative to Support Research at the Interface of the Biological
and Mathematical Sciences (DMS/NIGMS)
Solicitation Number: NSF 22-600
Deadline: Sep 1 – Sep 18, annually
Description: The Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS)in the Directorate for Mathematical and
Physical Sciences (MPS) at the National Science Foundation (NSF)and the National Institute
of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) plan
to support fundamental research in mathematics and statistics necessary to answer
questions in the biological and biomedical sciences. Both agencies recognize the need
to promote research at the interface between mathematical and life sciences. This
program is designed to encourage new collaborations, as well as to support innovative
activities by existing teams.
Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering (CDS&E)
Solicitation Number: PD 22-8084
Deadline: Sep 1 – Nov 15, annually (deadlines vary by division)
Description: Large-scale simulations and the ability to accumulate massive amounts of data have
revolutionized science and engineering. The goal of the CDS&E meta-program is to identify
and capitalize on opportunities for major scientific and engineering breakthroughs
through new computational and data-analysis approaches and best practices. The CDS&E
meta-program supports projects that harness computation and data to advance knowledge
and accelerate discovery above and beyond the goals of the participating individual
programs. The intellectual drivers may be in an individual discipline, or they may
cut across more than one discipline in various Divisions and Directorates. A CDS&E
proposal should enable and/or utilize development and adaptation of advances in research
and infrastructure in computational and data science.
Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering in Mathematical and Statistical
Sciences (CDS&E-MSS)
Solicitation Number: PD 22-8069
Deadline: proposals accepted anytime
Description: The CDS&E-MSS program accepts proposals that engage with the mathematical and statistical
challenges presented by (1) the ever-expanding role of computational experimentation,
modeling, and simulation on the one hand, and (2) the explosion in production and
analysis of digital data from experimental and observational sources on the other.
The goal of the program is to promote the creation and development of the next generation
of mathematical and statistical software tools, and the theory underpinning those
tools, that will be essential for addressing these challenges.
Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program
Solicitation Number: NSF 23-586
Deadline: Last Tuesday in August, Annually
Description: The National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program (Noyce)
invites innovative proposals that address the critical need for recruiting, preparing,
and retaining highly effective elementary and secondary mathematics and science teachers
and teacher leaders in high-need school districts. To achieve this goal, Noyce supports
talented science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) undergraduate majors
and professionals to become effective K-12 STEM teachers. It also supports experienced,
exemplary K-12 STEM teachers to become teacher leaders in high-need school districts.
In addition, Noyce supports research on the effectiveness and retention of K-12 STEM
teachers in high-need school districts. Noyce offers four program tracks: Track 1:
The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarships and Stipends (S&S) Track, Track 2: The NSF Teaching
Fellowships (TF) Track, Track 3: The NSF Master Teaching Fellowships (MTF) Track,
and Track 4: The Noyce Research Track. In addition, Capacity Building proposals are
accepted from proposers intending to develop a proposal in any of the program's tracks.
Education Programs in Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences
Solicitation Number: PD-21-7700
Deadline: Proposals Accepted Anytime
Description: GSEducation supports efforts to integrate atmospheric and geospace research and education
via two main program areas, which are:
- Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site Program. This program provides funding to Universities andResearch Laboratories that allows them to offer summer internships to undergraduate students who would like to participate in atmospheric and/or geospace research efforts. Proposals may be submitted annually (August deadline).
- AGS Postdoctoral Fellowships:AGS awards 2-year Postdoctoral Fellowships to highly qualified investigators within 3 years of obtaining their PhD to carry out an integrated program of independent research and education. While the postdoc program is funded by core programs, the AGS Education program supports the cost of professional development for the fellows.
Conferences and Workshops in the Mathematical Sciences
Solicitation Number: NSF 21-541
Deadline: Proposals Accepted Anytime
Description: Conferences, workshops, and related events (including seasonal schools and international
travel by groups) support research and training activities of the mathematical sciences
community. Proposals for conferences, workshops, or conference-like activities may
request funding of any amount and for durations of up to three years. Proposals under
this solicitation must select "Conference" as the proposal type, and they must be
submitted to the appropriate DMS programs in accordance with the lead-time requirements,
submission windows, or deadlines specified on the program web page. See the DMS Programs
page and click on the appropriate program for program-specific information.
Sustaining Infrastructure for Biological Research
Solicitation Number: NSF 21-503
Deadline: Proposals accepted anytime
Description: The Sustaining Infrastructure for Biological Research (Sustaining) Program supports
the continued operation of existing research infrastructure that advances contemporary
biology in any research area supported by the Directorate for Biological Sciences
(BIO)at NSF. The Sustaining Program focuses primarily on sustaining critical research
infrastructure that is cyberinfrastructure or biological living stocks and that is
broadly applicable to a wide range of researchers. Projects are expected to ensure
continued availability of existing, mature resources that will enable important science
outcomes achieved by users representing a broad range of research supported by BIO
and its collaborating organizations.
Transitions to Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Research (Transitions)
Solicitation Number: NSF 21-508
Deadline: Accepted anytime
Description: The Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) has developed a new opportunity
to enable researchers with a strong track record of prior accomplishment to pursue
a new avenue of research or inquiry. This funding mechanism is designed to facilitate
and promote a PI’s ability to effectively adopt empowering technologies that might
not be readily accessible in the PI’s current research environment or collaboration
network. Transformative research likely spans disciplines and minimizing the practical
barriers to doing so will strengthen research programs poised to make significant
contributions. The award is intended to allow mid-career or later-stage researchers
(Associate or Full Professor, or equivalent) to expand or make a transition in their
research programs via a sabbatical leave or similar mechanism of professional development
and then develop that research program in their own lab. This award will also enable
the PI to acquire new scientific or technical expertise, facilitate the investigator’s
competitiveness, and potentially lead to transformational impacts in molecular and
cellular bioscience. The award would fund up to six months of PI salary during the
first sabbatical or professional development year, followed by support for continued
research for two subsequent years upon the PI’s return to normal academic duties.
Requests for flexibility in the timing of the sabbatical or professional development
year will be considered with appropriate justification. Please contact the cognizant
program director for the solicitation. Through this solicitation MCB and NSF hope
to develop a novel mechanism that will encourage investigators to expand and/or transition
to new research areas aligned with MCB priorities, to increase retention of investigators
in science, and to ensure a diverse scientific workforce that remains engaged in active
research.
Infrastructure Capacity for Biological Research
Solicitation: NSF-23-580
Sponsored by: NSF
Deadline: Accepted anytime
Description: The Infrastructure Capacity for Biological Research (Capacity) Program supports the
implementation of, scaling of, or major improvements to research tools, products,
and services that advance contemporary biology in any research area supported by the
Directorate forBiological Sciences at NSF. The Capacity Program focuses on building
capacity in research infrastructure that is broadly applicable to a wide range of
researchers in three programmatic areas: Cyberinfrastructure, Biological Collections,
and Biological Field Stations and Marine Laboratories. This program will also accept
proposals for planning activities or workshops to facilitate coordination that may
be necessary in building capacity in infrastructure that meets the needs of a research
community. Areas not included in this program are instrumentation (PIs should submit
to the MRI program) and, projects that develop infrastructure for a specific research
project, laboratory, or institution (PIs should submitted to the relevant BIO programs
that would normally support that research). Projects are expected to produce quality
products, result in important science outcomes that will be achieved by the users
of the resource, be openly accessible to a broad scientific and education community,
and serve a community of researchers beyond a single research team.
Infrastructure Innovation for Biological Research (IIBR)
Solicitation: NSF-23-578
Sponsored by: NSF
Deadline: Accepted anytime
Description: The Infrastructure Innovation for Biological Research Program (Innovation) supports
research to design novel or greatly improved research tools and methods that advance
contemporary biology in any research area supported by the Directorate forBiological
Sciences at NSF. The Innovation Program focuses on research infrastructure that is
broadly applicable to researchers in three programmatic areas: Bioinformatics, Instrumentation,
and Research Methods. Infrastructure supported by this program is expected to advance
biological understanding by improving scientists’ abilities to manipulate, control,
analyze, or measure critical aspects of biological systems, which can be essential
for addressing important fundamental research questions. Proposals submitted to these
programmatic areas can do one of three things to advance or transform research in
biology: develop novel infrastructure, significantly redesign existing infrastructure,
or adapt existing infrastructure in novel ways. Projects are expected to have a significant
application to one or more biological science questions and have the potential to
be used by a community of researchers beyond a single research team.
Biophotonics
Solicitation: PD 23-7236
Sponsored by: NSF
Deadline: Accepted anytime
Description: The goal of the Biophotonics program is to explore the research frontiers in photonics
principles, engineering and technology that are relevant for critical problems in
fields of medicine, biology and biotechnology. Fundamental engineering research and
innovation in photonics is required to lay the foundations for new technologies beyond
those that are mature and ready for application in medical diagnostics and therapies.
Advances are needed in nanophotonics, optogenetics, contrast and targeting agents,
ultra-thin probes, wide field imaging, and rapid biomarker screening. Low cost and
minimally invasive medical diagnostics and therapies are key motivating application
goals.
Antarctic Research Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program Support for Fieldwork
Solicitation: NSF 25-525
Sponsored by: NSF
Deadline: Concept Outline (required): January 15, Annually. Full proposal: June 1, Annually.
Description: Through this solicitation, the Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) of the Office of
Polar Programs (OPP) funds cutting-edge research that requires logistical support
from the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) and: (1) Improves understanding of interactions
among the Antarctic region and global systems. (2) Improves understanding of the dynamic
linkages among processes operating in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean and linkages
to global Earth systems, which helps inform decision making regarding environmental
change. (3) Advances fundamental understanding of Earth systems and the biological,
geochemical, and physical processes in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean as drivers
and responders to changes on a global scale. (4) Expands fundamental knowledge of
Antarctic systems, biota, and processes. (5) Utilizes the unique characteristics of
the Antarctic region as a science observing platform. (6) Builds capacity and enhances
diversity in the US workforce for polar-related science. Antarctic fieldwork is supported
only for research that must be performed, or is best performed, in Antarctica.
Electrochemical Systems
Solicitation: PD 23-7644
Sponsored by: NSF
Deadline: Continuously accepted
Description: The Electrochemical Systems program is part of the Chemical Process Systems cluster, which also includes: 1)
the Catalysis program; 2) the Interfacial Engineering program; and 3) the Process Systems, Reaction Engineering, and Molecular Thermodynamics program.
The goal of the Electrochemical Systems program is to support fundamental engineering research that will enable innovative processes involving electro- or photochemistry for the sustainable production of electricity, fuels, and chemicals. Processes for sustainable energy and chemical production must be scalable, environmentally benign, reduce greenhouse gas production, and utilize renewable resources. Research projects that stress fundamental understanding of phenomena that directly impact key barriers to improved system or component-level performance (for example, energy efficiency, product yield, process intensification) are encouraged. Processes for energy storage should address fundamental research barriers for the applications of renewable electricity storage or for transport propulsion. For projects concerning energy storage materials, proposals should involve hypotheses that involve device or component performance characteristics that are tied to fundamental understanding of transport, kinetics, or thermodynamics. Advanced chemistries are encouraged.
Proposed research should be inspired by the need for economic and impactful conversion processes. All proposal project descriptions should address how the proposed work, if successful, will improve process realization and economic feasibility and compare the proposed work against current state of the art. Highly integrated multidisciplinary projects are encouraged.
Current topics of interest include:
Electrochemical Energy and Chemical Production Systems
Organic Photovoltaics Devices and Processing
Nanoscale Interactions
Solicitation Number: PD 23-1179
Deadline: No Deadline - Proposals for this program will be accepted throughout the year.
Description: The Nanoscale Interactions program is part of the Environmental Engineering and Sustainability
cluster, which also includes: 1) the Environmental Engineering program; and 2) the
Environmental Sustainability program.
The goal of the Nanoscale Interactions program is to support research to advance fundamental and quantitative understanding of the interactions of nanomaterials and nanosystems with biological and environmental media.
Materials of interest include one- to three-dimensional nanostructures, heterogeneous nano-bio hybrid assemblies, dendritic and micelle structures, quantum dots, and other nanoparticles. Such nanomaterials and systems frequently exhibit novel physical, chemical, photonic, electronic, and biological behavior as compared to the bulk scale. Collaborative and interdisciplinary proposals are encouraged.
Division of Environmental Biology (DEB)
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-543
Deadline: Accepted anytime
Description: The Division of Environmental Biology (DEB) Core Track supports research and training
on evolutionary and ecological processes acting at the level of populations, species,
communities, and ecosystems. DEB encourages research that elucidates fundamental principles
that identify and explain the unity and diversity of life and its interactions with
the environment over space and time. Research may incorporate field, laboratory, or
collection-based approaches; observational or manipulative studies; synthesis activities;
phylogenetic discovery projects; or theoretical approaches involving analytical, statistical,
or computational modeling. Proposals should be submitted to the core clusters (Ecosystem
Sciences, Evolutionary Processes, Population and Community Ecology, and Systematics
and Biodiversity Sciences).
Division of Integrative Organismal Systems Core Programs
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-546
Deadline: Accepted Anytime
Description: The Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS) Core Programs Track supports research aimed at understanding why organisms are structured the way they
are and function as they do. Areas of inquiry include, but are not limited to, developmental
biology and the evolution of developmental processes, nervous system development,
structure, modification, function, and evolution; biomechanics and functional morphology,
physiological processes, symbioses and microbial interactions, interactions of organisms
with biotic and abiotic environments, plant and animal genomics, and animal behavior.
The IntBIO Track invites submission of collaborative proposals to tackle bold questions in biology
that require an integrated approach to make substantive progress. Integrative biological
research spans sub-disciplines and incorporates cutting-edge methods, tools, and concepts
from each to produce groundbreaking biological discovery that is synergistic, such
that the sum is greater than the parts.
Foundational Research in Robotics
Solicitation Number: PD-20-144Y
Deadline: Proposals accepted anytime
Description: The Foundational Research in Robotics (Robotics) program supports research on robotic
systems that exhibit significant levels of both computational capability and physical
complexity. For the purposes of this program, a robot is defined as intelligence embodied
in an engineered construct, with the ability to process information, sense, and move
within or substantially alter its working environment. Here intelligence includes
a broad class of methods that enable a robot to solve problems or make contextually
appropriate decisions. Research is welcomed that considers inextricably interwoven
questions of intelligence, computation, and embodiment. Projects may also focus on
a distinct aspect of intelligence, computation, or embodiment, as long as the proposed
research is clearly justified in the context of a class of robots.
Dear Colleague Letter: NSF ANR Chemistry Lead Agency Opportunity on Sustainable Chemistry:
Catalysis with Earth-Abundant Elements
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-129
Deadline: An Expression of Interest (EOI) is required (no deadline, but must be approved prior
to full proposal submission. Full proposal: June 2, 2025
Description: Among current sustainability challenges, the development of more sustainable catalysts
or catalytic processes needs to be addressed to unlock the potential of many innovations.
In this context, ANR and NSF aim to strengthen the research on catalysis with earth
abundant elements by fostering collaborations and synergies between research teams
in France and in the US. To this end, the scope of this call for proposals is fundamental
research in homogeneous catalysis with Earth-abundant elements. It will include organometallic
catalysis, organocatalysis, and photocatalysis. The focus of the proposals should
be on advances related to the development of new catalysts and catalytic strategies
and associated mechanistic and computational studies.
Dear Colleague Letter: Improving Undergraduate STEM Education – Adaptation, Implementation,
and Dissemination (IUSE-AID)
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-026
Deadline: NA
Description: This DCL encourages STEM education communities to submit proposals to the Directorate
for STEM Education’s Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE:EDU) program (NSF
23-510) that focus on Adaptation and Implementation, and/or Dissemination of proven
teaching strategies and learning materials reflecting advances in what is known about
undergraduate STEM teaching and learning. Proposals that develop faculty expertise,
implement educational innovations, adapt existing educational innovations for specific
teaching and learning environments, and disseminate teaching and learning innovations
beyond the scale of the efforts that created them are encouraged. Potential project
emphases: Adaptation and Implementation of Existing Instructional Strategies; Dissemination
of Existing Instructional Strategies.
Dear Colleague Letter: Tool Development for Molecular and Cell Biology (Tools4Cells)
Solicitation Number: 23-121
Deadline: NA
Description: This DCL encourages submission of proposals to develop novel tools and methods that
improve scientists’ abilities to measure, analyze, manipulate, or control critical
aspects of cellular properties and functions in order to continue to push boundaries
and open new avenues of inquiry in molecular and cellular biosciences.
Dear Colleague Letter: NSF and the Romanian Executive Agency for Higher Education,
Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI) Lead Agency Opportunity in
the Mathematical Sciences
Solicitation Number: NSF 24-125
Deadline: Varies by division
Description: The Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) within the Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Directorate (MPS) of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Romanian Executive
Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI)
have created a partnership to support international collaboration under the NSF-UEFISCDI
Lead Agency Opportunity in the Mathematical Sciences. The goal of this activity is
to promote collaborative research within the mathematical sciences by reducing barriers
to conducting research with international collaborators. The NSF-UEFISCDI Lead Agency
Opportunity allows U.S. and Romanian researchers to submit a single collaborative
proposal that will undergo a single merit review process through NSF as the lead agency.
Dear Colleague Letter: Interdisciplinary REU Sites at the Intersection of Computing
and Communication Foundations and Mathematics and Statistics
Solicitation Number: NSF 23-082
Deadline: Varies by division
Description: REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or
in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. The REU Sites program
aims to provide appropriate and valuable educational experiences for undergraduate
students through participation in research. Interdisciplinary REU sites offer the
opportunity to bring together researchers and students from different disciplines
to enable cross-fertilization and initiate new research directions. Interdisciplinary
REU sites can also help to grow a new generation of students with unique skills to
tackle important research problems of interest to both disciplines. The purpose of
this Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) is to invite the submission of interdisciplinary
REU Sites proposals that explore high impact topics at the intersection of Computing
and Communication Foundations and Mathematics and Statistics to the REU program.
Dear Colleague Letter: CHE FY22 International Supplement
Solicitation Number: NSF 22-070
Deadline: May 1 (annually)
Description: The Division of Chemistry is inviting requests for supplemental funding from its
existing awardees who may wish to add a new, or strengthen an existing, international
dimension of their research supported by an award from the Division, when an international
collaboration advances the field of chemistry and enhances the U.S. investigator's
own research and/or education objectives. Principal Investigators supported by NSF
Division of Chemistry research awards are advised to consult with their cognizant
NSF program director prior to submitting a supplemental funding request.
Dear Colleague Letter: NSF-DFG Lead Agency Opportunity in Molecular and Cellular Biology
Solicitation Number: NSF 22-015
Deadline: Proposals accepted continuously
Description: Recognizing the importance of international collaborations in promoting scientific
discoveries, the US National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
(DFG, German Research Foundation) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
on research cooperation. The MOU provides an overarching framework to encourage collaboration
between US and German research communities and sets out the principles by which jointly
supported activities might be developed. The MOU provides for a Lead Agency Opportunity
whereby proposals may be submitted to either NSF or DFG. To facilitate the support
of collaborative work between US researchers and their German counterparts, the Division
of Molecular and Cellular Bioscience (BIO/MCB) at NSF and the Division of Molecular
and Organismal Biology and Agriculture (MOBA) at DFG are pleased to announce a Lead
Agency Opportunity in the area of Molecular and Cell Biology (NSF-DFG MolCellBio).
The goal of this Opportunity is to help reduce some of the current barriers to working
internationally. This Lead Agency Opportunity allows US and German researchers to
develop and submit a single proposal to either NSF or DFG describing a project involving
US and German researchers that will undergo a single review process by the designated
Lead Agency. US and German collaborators are invited to submit joint proposals in
the areas covered by NSF's BIO/MCB and DFG's review board 201 "Basic Research in Biology
and Medicine." The proposals should focus on basic research at a molecular, subcellular
or cellular level, including theoretical approaches.
NEW Awards Supporting Cutting-Edge Technologies for Translational Science (ASCETTS) (R21
Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
Solicitation: PAR-25-157
Deadline: June 19, 2025
Description: The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) invites applications
for the Awards Supporting Cutting-Edge Technologies for Translational Science (ASCETTS)
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to foster investigator-initiated development
of highly innovative technologies to address barriers, limitations, or bottlenecks
in translational science – particularly for therapeutic development. This program
will support the early-stage proof of concept, high-risk and potentially high-reward
studies for feasibility and exploratory technology development, which can transform
or significantly improve the efficiency of therapeutic development to achieve NCATS
ultimate goals - more treatments to all people more quickly. The research proposed
should be for the development of technology that can break new ground or extend present
technology toward new directions or novel applications. With this initiative, we expect
to support the development and/or prototyping of new technologies that will lead to
improved efficiency in the therapeutic development pipeline.
NEW NCI Small Grants Program for Cancer Research (NCI Omnibus) (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)
Solicitation: PAR-25-078
Deadline: June 20, 2025; October 17, 2025
Description: This NOFO supports small research projects on cancer that can be carried out in a
short period of time with limited resources. The R03 grant mechanism supports different
types of projects including pilot and feasibility studies; secondary analysis of existing
data; small, self-contained research projects; development of research methodology;
and development of new research technology.
NEW Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant (R01 Basic Experimental
Studies with Human Required)
Solicitation: PAR-24-076
Deadline: September 26, 2025; January 27, 2026; May 27, 2026; September 28, 2026
Description: The Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant supports an innovative
project that represents a change in research direction for an early stage investigator
(ESI) and for which no preliminary data exist. Applications submitted to this Notice
of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) must not include preliminary data. Applications must
include a separate attachment describing the change in research direction. The proposed
project must be related to the programmatic interests of one or more of the participating
NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) based on their scientific missions.
Academic-Industrial Partnerships for Translation of Technologies for Diagnosis and
Treatment (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Solicitation: PAR-25-338
Deadline: Standard due dates through October 5, 2027
Description: This NOFO aims to accelerate the translation of scientific and engineering breakthroughs
into practical tools and methods for understanding and managing diseases. It encourages
interdisciplinary, multi-institutional partnerships that include at least one academic
and one industrial organization to collaboratively develop, validate, and transition
technologies into real-world applications. Funding is provided to adapt and optimize
innovations for various uses such as risk assessment, diagnostics, treatment, and
monitoring in both clinical and pre-clinical settings.
Research Projects to Enhance Applicability of Mammalian Models for Translational Research
(R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Solicitation: PAR-24-306
Deadline: Standard due dates through June 5, 2026
Description: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for projects to expand,
improve, or transform the utility of mammalian cancer and tumor models for translational
research. The NCI, through this NOFO, encourages submission of projects devoted to
demonstrating that mammalian models, including organoids, tumoroids and cell models,
used for translational research are robust representations of human biology, are appropriate
to test questions of clinical importance, and provide reliable information for patient
benefit. These practical goals contrast with the goals of many mechanistic, NCI-supported
R01 projects that use mammals, or develop and use mammalian cancer models, transplantation
tumor models, or models derived from mammalian or human tissues or cells for hypothesis-testing,
non-clinical research. Among many other possible endeavors, applicants in response
to this NOFO could propose demonstrations of how to overcome translational deficiencies
of mammalian oncology models, define new uses of mammalian models or their genetics
for unexplored translational challenges, advance standard practices for use of translational
models, test approaches to validate and credential models, or challenge current practices
for how models are used translationally.
Integration of Imaging and Fluid-Based Tumor Monitoring in Cancer Therapy (R01 Clinical
Trial Optional)
Solicitation: PAR-25-175
Deadline: Standard due dates through October 5, 2027
Description: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites R01 grant applications describing projects
that integrate imaging and fluid-based tumor monitoring (liquid biopsy) assays during
cancer therapy in patients to determine the optimal use of these modalities in the
characterization of therapy response and/or emergence of treatment resistance.
Molecular Imaging of Inflammation in Cancer (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Solicitation: PAR-24-311
Deadline: Standard due dates through October 5, 2027
Description: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites research grant applications (R01) for
the development and application of current and emerging molecular imaging methods
to gain fundamental insights into cancer inflammation in vivo. The motivation for
this initiative is the recognition that much of the current imaging research on inflammation
in cancer relies heavily on in vitro and ex vivo methods. These approaches have limited
potential to provide significant insights into the dynamic interactions between cancer
and inflammation. Utilizing molecular imaging probes in pre-clinical and clinical
investigations allows for precise temporal resolution at molecular and cellular levels.
This information is valuable for identifying and characterizing in vivo inflammatory
cellular physiology in cancer and for detecting molecular changes in response to treatment.
This NOFO encourages applications focused on developing integrated imaging approaches
to investigate the role of inflammation in cancer through strong cross-discipline
collaboration between cancer basic science researchers and imaging scientists. These
collaborations are expected to advance the science and understanding of cancer inflammation
interactions.
Assay development and screening for discovery of chemical probes, drugs or immunomodulators
(R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Solicitation: PAR-25-153
Deadline: Standard due dates through June 5, 2026
Description: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) intends to stimulate research in discovery and
development of novel, small molecules for cancer. Molecules discovered through this
NOFO may be used to probe cancer biology, to validate cancer targets, or as the basis
for optimized drugs. Stages of discovery research covered by this NOFO include: 1)
development of the primary screen assay(s) and testing in an initial pilot screen;
2) primary screen implementation to identify initial screening hits (high throughput
target-focused screens, or moderate throughput screens); 3) hit validation using a
series of assays and initial medicinal chemistry inspection to prioritize the hit
set.
Computational Approaches to Curation at Scale for Biomedical Research Assets (R01
Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Solicitation: PAR-25-131
Deadline: September 15, 2025; January 15, 2026; May 15, 2026; September 15, 2026; January 15,
2027
Description: NLM wishes to accelerate access to, and availability of, secure, complete datasets
and computational models that can serve as the basis for transformative biomedical
discoveries. Innovative at-scale computational approaches that increase the speed
and scope of curation processes are needed for data mining and knowledge discovery
from growing quantities of biomedical data being produced from ongoing data science
advances.
Trailblazer Award for New and Early Stage Investigators (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
Solicitation: PAR-25-169
Deadline: June 16, 2025; Oct 16, 2025.
Description: This Trailblazer Award is an opportunity for NIH-defined New and Early-Stage Investigators
to pursue research programs that integrate engineering and the physical sciences with
the life and/or biomedical sciences. A Trailblazer project may be exploratory, developmental,
proof of concept, or high risk-high impact, and may be technology design-directed,
discovery-driven, or hypothesis-driven. Importantly, applicants must propose research
approaches for which there are minimal or no preliminary data.
Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health
Programs of interest:
Resilient Systems Office: Office-Wide Innovative Solutions Opening for Advanced Research
Projects Agency for Health
Solicitation: ARPA-H-SOL-24-103
Application Deadline: March 3, 2029
Description: This ISO seeks solution summary and proposal submissions for projects that fall within
the scope of the ARPA-H mission Resilient Systems Office (RSO). RSO’s interest areas
will address systemic challenges across the healthcare and public health landscape
by investing in cutting-edge technologies that address long-standing gaps in the quality,
efficacy, and consistent availability of care.
Health Science Futures: Office-Wide Innovative Solutions Opening for Advanced Research
Projects Agency for Health
Solicitation: ARPA-H-SOL-24-104
Application Deadline: March 3, 2029
Description: This ISO seeks solution summaries and proposal submissions for projects that fall
within the general scope of the ARPA-H Health Science Futures (HSF) mission office.
HSF expands what is technically possible by developing approaches that will remove
the scientific and technological limitations that stymie progress towards the healthcare
of the future. HSF supports cutting-edge, often disease-agnostic research programs
that have the potential for translational real-world change.
Scalable Solutions Office: Office-Wide Innovative Solutions Opening for Advanced Research
Projects Agency for Health
Solicitation: ARPA-H-SOL-24-105
Application Deadline: March 3, 2029
Description: This ISO seeks solution summaries and proposals for projects that fall within the
general scope of the ARPA-H Scalable Solutions mission office. SSO expands what is
technically possible by developing approaches that will leverage an interdisciplinary
approach and collaborative networks to address challenges of geography, distribution,
manufacturing, data and information, thereby improving health care access and affordability.
In the United States, many communities and remote areas lack access to timely and
quality health care, which leads to disparities in health outcomes for those populations.
Bottlenecks during the manufacturing processes of products and health technologies
also lead to delays and limited availability, preventing effective distribution of
health care solutions to areas of need, especially in emergencies.
Proactive Health Office: Office-Wide Innovative Solutions Opening for Advanced Research
Projects Agency for Health
Solicitation: ARPA-H-SOL-24-106
Application Deadline: March 3, 2029
Description: The Proactive Health Office (PHO) at ARPA-H is seeking solutions to improve the healthspan
and health outcomes of Americans prior to the onset of disease and/or the development
of diminished quality of life from illness. Specifically, PHO hypothesizes that 1)
population-level improvements in access to and uptake of disease prevention and wellness-promoting
behaviors and 2) development of novel early-detection methods and prophylactic interventions
could drastically improve the health of American throughout their lives, and 3) that
system level innovations are required for delivery of proactive health effectively.
Early-stage Biomedical Data Repositories and Knowledgebases (R24 Clinical Trial Not
Allowed)
Solicitation: PAR-23-236
Deadline: Standard due dates through Jan 25, 2026. LOI (strongly encouraged) due 60 days prior
to the application due date.
Description: This program supports the development of early-stage or new data repositories or
knowledgebases that could be valuable for the biomedical research community. The overall
goal is to support pilot activities that demonstrate the need and potential impact
of the data resource. The NOFO will also support transitioning resources that are
currently supported as investigator-initiated research efforts into quality controlled,
standards-based resources that address governance, and efficiency of operations. Efforts
to consolidate existing data repositories or independent knowledgebases are also in
scope for this NOFO.
Enhancement and Management of Established Biomedical Data Repositories and Knowledgebases
(U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Solicitation: PAR-23-237
Deadline: Standard due dates through Jan 25, 2026. LOI (strongly encouraged) due 60 days prior
to the application due date.
Description: This program supports established biomedical data resources that have demonstrated
impact and have potential for continued benefit to the mission of one or more of the
NIH Institutes and Centers participating in this announcement. Applications funded
under this NOFO for established data resources must already exist, address the needs
of the targeted biomedical research community, document scientific impact they have
had thus far, and have potential for continued benefit to the community served. Applications
appropriate for this NOFO can support data resources for biomedical research, spanning
biological scales including molecular, cellular, tissue, organism, and/or population
data, as well as social and behavioral data. Support for software and tool development
must be limited to that which provides essential functions or significantly increases
the efficiency of the resource operations. An application should distinctly support
either a data repository or a knowledgebase. Resources that desire to support both
should submit separate applications to ensure their proper review per the distinct
review criteria.
Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (R35 - Clinical Trial Optional)
Solicitation: Expired
Deadline:Waiting for new NOFO
Description: Supporting fundamental research by funding individual projects has a number of consequences
that reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of the biomedical research enterprise
in the U.S. To address these issues and increase the efficiency and efficacy of grant
funding, the NIGMS Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) is a single grant
to provide support for the NIGMS-relevant program of research in an investigator's
laboratory. For this FOA, the "program of research" is defined as a collection of
projects in an investigator's laboratory that are within the mission of NIGMS.
Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESI)
(R35 - Clinical Trial Optional)
Solicitation: PAR-23-145
Deadline: October 03, 2025; February 03, 2026
Description: The Maximizing Investigators' Research Award provides support for a program of research
in an early stage investigator's laboratory that falls within the mission of NIGMS.
For the purpose of this NOFO, a program of research is a collection of projects in
the investigator's lab that are relevant to the mission of NIGMS. The goal of MIRA
is to increase the efficiency and efficacy of NIGMS funding.
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral
Fellowship (Parent F32)
Solicitation: Expired
Deadline: Waiting for new NOFO
Description: Supports research training of highly promising postdoctoral candidates who have the
potential to become productive, independent investigators in scientific health-related
research fields relevant to the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers.
Applications are expected to incorporate exceptional mentorship. This Notice of Funding
Opportunity (NOFO) is designed specifically for candidates proposing research that
does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility
study, or an ancillary clinical trial, but does allow candidates to propose research
experience in a clinical trial led by a sponsor or co-sponsor.
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral
Fellowship (Parent F31)
Solicitation: Expired
Deadline: Waiting for new NOFO
Description: The purpose of the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual
Predoctoral Fellowship (Parent F31) award is to enable promising predoctoral students
to obtain individualized, mentored research training from outstanding faculty sponsors
while conducting dissertation research in scientific health-related fields relevant
to the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers. The proposed mentored
research training must reflect the candidate’s dissertation research project and is
expected to clearly enhance the individual’s potential to develop into a productive,
independent research scientist.
Modern Equipment for Shared-use Biomedical Research Facilities: Advancing Research-Related
Operations (S15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Solicitation: PAR-24-259
Deadline: Sep 25, 2025; Sep 25, 2026
Description: This program invites eligible academic or research institutions to apply for funding
support to purchase latest scientific equipment that will enhance and modernize research-supporting
operations of existing shared biomedical research facilities. Targeted are laboratory
research core facilities, animal research facilities, and other similar shared-use
research spaces. The goal of this NOFO is to strengthen research-auxiliary activities
of biomedical research facilities and to enhance the efficiency of their operations.
The NOFO does not support the purchase of scientific research instruments or their
components, nor components of building-level infrastructure equipment that indirectly
support research activities.
Shared Instrumentation Grant (SIG) Program (S10 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Solicitation: Expect new NOFO in FY2025
Deadline: TBA
Description: The Shared Instrument Grant (SIG) Program encourages applications from groups of
NIH-supported investigators to purchase or upgrade a single item of high-priced, specialized,
commercially available instruments or integrated instrumentation system. The minimum
award is $50,000. There is no maximum price limit for the instrument; however, the
maximum award is $600,000. Instruments supported include, but are not limited to:
X-ray diffractometers, mass spectrometers, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers,
DNA and protein sequencers, biosensors, electron and light microscopes, flow cytometers,
and biomedical imagers.
Basic Instrumentation Grant (BIG) Program (S10 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Solicitation: PAR-24-326
Deadline: June 02, 2025; June 01, 2026; June 01, 2027
Description: The Basic Instrumentation Grant (BIG) Program encourages applications from groups
of NIH-supported investigators to purchase a single piece of new, costly, specialized,
commercially available instrument or an integrated instrumentation system. The minimum
award is $25,000. There is no maximum price limit for the instrument; however, the
maximum award is $350,000. Instruments supported include, but are not limited to,
basic cell sorters, confocal microscopes, ultramicrotomes, gel imagers, or computer
systems.
High-End Instrumentation (HEI) Grant Program (S10 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Solicitation: PAR-24-264
Deadline: June 02, 2025; June 01, 2026; June 01, 2027
Description: The High-End Instrumentation (HEI) Grant Program encourages applications from groups
of NIH-supported investigators to purchase or upgrade a single item of high-end, specialized,
commercially available instruments or integrated systems. The minimum award is $600,001.
There is no maximum price limit for the instrument; however, the maximum award is
$2,000,000. Instruments supported include, but are not limited to, X-ray diffractometers,
high throughput robotic screening systems, mass spectrometers, nuclear magnetic resonance
spectrometers, DNA and protein sequencers, biosensors, electron and light microscopes,
flow cytometers, and biomedical imagers.
Development of Resources and Technologies for Enhancing Rigor, Reproducibility, and
Translatability of Animal Models in Biomedical Research (R24 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
Solicitation: PAR-23-039
Deadline: Standard due dates through May 25, 2025
Description: The Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP) encourages resource-related
research grant applications aimed at developing broadly applicable technologies, tools,
and resources for validating animal models and enhancing rigor, reproducibility, and
translatability of animal research. Proposed studies, models, resources, or technologies
submitted under this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) must either address research
interests of multiple NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs), explore multiple organ systems,
or be applicable to diseases and processes that impact multiple organ systems in order
to align with ORIP’s NIH-wide mission and programs. Applications should aim to enhance
the rigor, reproducibility, and translatability of animal research through the development
of technologies, tools, and resources that have significant impact across a broad
range of research areas using animal models. Applications must demonstrate how the
proposed resources and technologies impact rigor and reproducibility of animal studies.
Imaging, Biomarkers and Digital Pathomics for the Early Detection of Premetastatic
Cancer and Precancerous Lesions Associated with Lethal Phenotypes (R01 Clinical Trial
Optional)
Solicitation: PAR-22-131
Deadline: NIH standard due dates through June 5, 2025
Description: This FOA supports the development of state-of-the-art projects that integrate imaging,
biomarkers, digital pathomics, glycomics, metabolomics, other omic information and/or
meta data obtained from platforms including but not limited to lower resolution diagnostic
acquisitions and systemic biomarker results to high resolution single-cell analytics
/ imaging applied to the characterization of heterogeneous cell populations within
tumor for improving current approaches for: (1) the early detection of organ confined
premetastatic aggressive cancer, and, (2) identifying precancerous lesions associated
with the development of a subsequent lethal phenotype. This FOA specifically attempts
to address and improve diagnostic uncertainty in clinical decisions by improving detection
sensitivity and specificity of integrated multiparametric platforms.
Individual Investigator Research Awards for Prevention and Early Detection
Solicitation: FY2027 RFA expected in January 2026
Deadline: May, 2026 (expected)
Description: Supports applications which propose clinical and population-based projects designed
to develop effective prevention and early detection interventions to reduce cancer
risk, mortality, and morbidity among Texans. Projects that propose such research collaborations
with existing CPRIT Prevention Program awardees including the CPRIT funded Texas Collaborative
Center for Hepatocellular Cancer and cancer survivorship research to enhance the health
and well-being of all cancer survivors and caregivers, are strongly encouraged. Award:
Up to $300,000 per year for a period of up to 4 years.
Individual Investigator Research Awards for Early-Onset Cancers
Solicitation: FY2027 RFA expected in January 2026
Deadline: May, 2026 (expected)
Description: Supports innovative research projects that will significantly advance the knowledge
of the etiology, prevention, cancer biology, and treatment of early-onset cancers.
Award: Up to $300,000 per year for period of up to 3 years.
Investigator Research Awards for Computational and Systems Biology of Cancer
Solicitation: FY2027 RFA expected in January 2026
Deadline: May, 2026 (expected)
Description: Supports applications for innovative mathematical and/or computational research projects
addressing questions that will advance current knowledge in the (a) mechanisms that
tie altered gene expression and downstream molecular mechanisms to functional cancer
phenotypes and/or (b) mechanisms that tie tumor morphology to functional cancer phenotypes
and/or mechanisms that tie treatment sequence and combination to evolving functional
cancer phenotypes (that emerge as a result of treatment selection). Award: Up to $350,000
per year for a period of up to 3 years.
Individual Investigator Research Awards for Cancer in Children and Adolescents
Solicitation: FY2027 RFA expected in January 2026
Deadline: May, 2026 (expected)
Description: Supports applications for innovative research projects addressing questions that
will advance knowledge of the causes, prevention, progression, detection, or treatment
of cancer in children and adolescents. Laboratory, clinical, or population-based studies
are all acceptable. CPRIT expects the outcome of the research to reduce the incidence,
morbidity, or mortality from cancer in children and/or adolescents in the near- or
long-term. Award: Up to $300,000 per year for a period of up to 4 years.
Individual Investigator Research Awards
Solicitation: FY2027 RFA expected in January 2026
Deadline: May, 2026 (expected)
Description: Supports applications for innovative research projects addressing critically important
questions that will significantly advance knowledge of the causes, prevention, and/or
treatment of cancer. Areas of interest include laboratory research, translational
studies, and/or clinical investigations. Award: Up to $300,000 per year for a period
of up to 3 years.
NEW Emerging Scientist Grant
Sponsor: Kids Beating Cancer
Deadline: June 2, 2025
Description: The Emerging Scientist Grant aims to develop graduate students into tomorrow’s scientific
leaders in pediatric cancer research. The goal of the Emerging Scientist Grant is
to expose trainees to the field of pediatric cancer research while working on a research
project. Trainees are required to work with a mentor to be eligible for this grant.
Trainees may work on an ongoing research project conducted by their mentor or begin
their own research project with their mentor. Students may pursue their research at
their own institution or at another institution.
NEW Air Force Science & Technology Fellowship Program
Sponsor: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)
Deadline: August 01, 2025; November 01, 2025
Description: The Air Force Science & Technology Fellowship Program (AF STFP) provides nationally
competitive fellowship awards for postdoctoral and senior scientists. Selected individuals
have the unique opportunity to engage in collaborative research alongside Air Force
scientists and engineers within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the Air
Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), and the
U.S. Space Force (USSF). This program offers high-quality research opportunities,
aiming to foster innovation and technological advancement within the Air Force through
these collaborations.
NEW Effects of the Usage of Digital Technology on Brain Development, Social Behaviors
and Mental Health in Children and Young People
Sponsor: The Huo Family Foundation
Deadline: May 23, 2025
Description: A long-standing interest of HFF has been the effect and impact of usage of digital
technology on young people. The rapid rise and use of this technology has permeated
much of society and transformed the way many humans interact. There has been a broad
array of research efforts that mostly have involved relatively crude measures of the
amount of usage of digital technology (e.g. total screen time) and the observed effects
and impact on health. Despite these efforts, the full implications – both positive
and negative – on human physiology, psychology, behavior, well-being and mental health
remain unclear.
NEW The Mathers Foundation: Grant Programs
Sponsor: The G. Harold & Leila Y. Mathers Foundation
Deadline: Limited competition internal deadline: June 23, 2025. Nominations and Portal Registration
due date: September 19, 2025. Due date for LOI application: October 03, 2025. Full
proposal by invitation only.
Description: The Foundation primarily supports basic science, ideally with potential translational
applications. Examples of current research areas we support include immunology, microbiome,
structural biology, cellular physiology, cancer biology, genetics, genomics, microbiology
and infectious diseases, stem cell biology, and neuroscience. Research areas we will
not consider for support include Covid-19 related research projects (aims or sub-aims),
Plant Biology Research, Oceanography, Space Exploration. and Global Warming related
research. In addition, medical imaging technology related projects and/or electrical
engineering technology development projects will not be considered for support. The
Foundation does not support research conducted in human subjects and will not fund
requests for clinical trials or drug discovery. The Foundation will not support research
projects which we consider pre-clinical drug development. Eligible institutions are
limited to three (3) applications per grant cycle.
The Hill Prizes
Sponsor: Lyda Hill Philanthropies—Administered by the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering,
Science & Technology (TAMEST)
Deadline: May 31, 2025
Description: The Hill Prizes recognize and advance top Texas innovators and researchers whose
work could have significant impact on science and society. The prizes propel high-risk,
high-reward ideas and innovations that demonstrate significant potential for real-world
impact and can lead to new, paradigm-shifting paths in research. The Hill Prizes have
six categories: medicine, public health, engineering, biological sciences, physical
sciences and technology. The medicine, public health, engineering, biological sciences
and physical sciences prizes will be given to researchers and teams at academic and
medical institutions.
Burroughs Wellcome Fund: Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants
Sponsor: Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Deadline: July 24, 2025; Oct 23, 2025; Jan 22, 2026; April 23, 2026; July 23, 2026
Description: The Fund invites applications for its Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants
program, which aims to stimulate the growth of new connections between thinkers working
in largely disconnected fields who could together change the course of climate change’s
impact on human health. Small, early-stage grants of between $2,500 and $50,000 will
be awarded through the program.
URA: Visiting Scholars Program
Sponsor: Universities Research Association
Deadline: August 25, 2025; February 2026
Description: The Visiting Scholars Program supports faculty, postdocs and graduate students from
URA institutions to work at Fermilab for up to one year. Visits can range from attendance
at Fermilab conferences and summer schools to year-long stays at the Lab. Support
provided by the program may include travel and local lodging expenses during a series
of short visits or salary support and round-trip travel expenses for an extended visit.
National Academies: Early-Career Research Fellowship
Sponsor: National Academies
Deadline: Environmental Protection and Education Research Tracks: June 18, 2025
Description: An award of $76,000 is paid to each fellow’s institution in the form of a two-year
grant. Two tracks are open: Environmental Protection and Stewardship Track and Education
Research Track. Applicant must be an early-career scientist who has received their
eligible degree within the past 10 years (on or after January 1, 2015).
Simons Foundation: Pivot Fellowships
Sponsor: Simons Foundation
Deadline (Expected): May 15, 2026
Description: The Simons Foundation invites applications for its Pivot Fellowship program, which
will assist researchers who have a strong track record of success and achievement
in their current field, and a deep interest, curiosity, and drive to make contributions
to a new discipline. The fellowship will enable today’s brightest minds to apply their
talent and expertise to a new field and will consist of one training year in which
the fellow will be embedded in the lab of a mentor to learn the new discipline and
its culture.
Simons Foundation: Collaborations in Mathematics and the Physical Sciences
Sponsor: Simons Foundation
Deadline: LOI: October 31, 2024; Full proposal: February 25, 2025
Description: This program aims to stimulate progress on fundamental scientific questions of major
importance in mathematics, theoretical physics, and theoretical computer science.
A Simons Collaboration in MPS should address a mathematical or theoretical topic of
fundamental scientific importance, where a significant, new development creates a
novel area for exploration or provides a new direction for progress in an established
field.
Simons Foundation: Simons Dissertation Fellowship in Mathematics
Sponsor: Simons Foundation
Deadline: March 31, 2026 (expected)
Description: This program provides research support to excellent graduate students in the final
years of their PhD studies (the final fourth and fifth years of the Fellow’s PhD program).
An applicant must be enrolled as full-time PhD student in a PhD-granting mathematics
department at an institution in the United States and must be in their third year
of study of a five-year PhD program. Applicants must apply in the third year of their
PhD program.
Glenn W. Bailey Foundation: STEM Program Grants
Sponsor: Glenn W. Bailey Foundation
Deadline: LOIs are accepted at any time
Description: The Foundation offers awards to support postsecondary STEM programming, including
opportunities to expand on current programs or seed money to create new programs.
Funding can support many activities and initiatives such as club activities, career
management counselors, showcases, research projects, camps, tech talks, student clubs
and organizations, lecture series, and professor continuing education programs.
Targeted Grants in Mathematics and Physical Sciences
Sponsor: Simons Foundation
Deadline: Continuously accepted (LOI required)
Description: The program is intended to support high-risk theoretical mathematics, physics and
computer science projects of exceptional promise and scientific importance on a case-by-case
basis.
American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund
Sponsor: American Chemical Society
Deadline: September 5, 2025
Description: The Petroleum Research Fund supports fundamental research directly related to petroleum
or fossil fuels. ACS PRF grants are intended as seed money, to enable an investigator
to initiate a new research direction. The investigator should not have published or
received financial support from another funding agency for the proposed research.
Proposals must be for fundamental research in “the petroleum field,” which is defined
in our founding document as “petroleum, natural gas, coal, shale, tar sands and like
materials.” ACS PRF funds two programs: New Directions and Doctoral New Investigator.
Damon Runyon Fellowship Award
Sponsor: Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
Deadline: March 2026 (expected)
Description: The Foundation encourages all theoretical and experimental research relevant to the
study of cancer and the search for cancer causes, mechanisms, therapies and prevention.
Candidates must apply for the fellowship under the guidance of a Sponsor—a scientist
(tenured, tenure-track or equivalent position) capable of providing mentorship to
the Fellow.
Kleberg Foundation - Medical Research
Sponsor: Robert J. Kleberg Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation
Deadline: March 31; September 30
Description: The Foundation is seeking highly innovative and groundbreaking medical research proposals
from top tier institutions in both basic biological and applied research that will
have the greatest impact on scientific knowledge and human health. Proposals should
be distinctive and novel in their approaches, question the prevailing paradigm, and
lead to advancement of knowledge in the field.
Whitehall Foundation Grant Programs
Sponsor: Whitehall Foundation
Deadline: LOIs: January 15, April 15, October 1. Full applications: June 1, September 1, February
15
Description: The Whitehall Foundation aims to support scholarly research in the life sciences
that are not heavily supported by federal agencies or other foundations with specialized
missions. The foundation emphasizes the support of young scientists at the beginning
of their careers and productive senior scientists who wish to move into new fields
of interest. The Foundation is currently interested in basic research in neurobiology,
defined as follows: Invertebrate and vertebrate (excluding clinical) neurobiology,
specifically investigations of neural mechanisms involved in sensory, motor, and other
complex functions of the whole organism as these relate to behavior. The overall goal
should be to better understand behavioral output or brain mechanisms of behavior.
The Foundation does not support research focused primarily on disease(s) unless it
will also provide insights into normal functioning.
National Center and Team Science Planning Award
Sponsor: University of Houston
Deadline: Applications accepted through August 31, 2025, or until the funds are exhausted
Description: President Khator’s Research Preeminence: 50-in-5 initiative calls for a doubling
of our national centers from the current five centers to ten centers over the next
five years. Applying for a center grant is a major effort. In recognition of this
effort, the Division of Research (DOR) is offering internal planning grants to prepare
for a center grant application. The funding is intended to provide up to 18 months
of support to teams of researchers led by a University of Houston (UH) faculty member
to prepare for the submission of a proposal to a targeted funding opportunity.
Equipment Grants
Sponsor: University of Houston
Deadline: December 2025 (expected)
Description: The purpose of the Equipment Grants program is to support research labs and groups
with modern equipment considered necessary for preparing competitive external research
proposals. About 70% of the awards will be allocated for proposals in UH’s research
priority areas. Another 30% will be for any relevant area selected by an investigator.
Proposals will be considered for small equipment grants and can range up to $50,000.
Grants to Enhance and Advance Research (GEAR)
Sponsor: University of Houston
Deadline: Pre-proposal: November 1, 2025 (expected); Full proposal: January 24, 2026 (expected)
Description: The GEAR program seeks bold new ideas, showing clear evidence of a high likelihood
of securing extramural grant funding in the short term and viability as a research
program in the long-term. The GEAR program is not a supplement to currently funded
research projects or to new faculty startup funds. Faculty members with current funding
who are developing new areas of research are encouraged to apply provided they can
demonstrate a clear distinction between the proposed research and their currently
funded research lines.
High Priority Area Research Seed Grants
Sponsor: University of Houston
Deadline: February 2026 (expected)
Description: The purpose of the Seed Grants program is to provide research labs and groups with
funds that would permit submission of competitive research proposals. The Seed Grants
program is closely tied to institutional research priorities. Formation of interdisciplinary
research teams is encouraged to build capabilities to address these complex issues.