MPS Chemistry Research Programs (MPS Chem) | 26 519

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): MPS Chemistry Research Programs (MPS Chem)

What is the MPS Chemistry Research Programs (MPS Chem) opportunity?

MPS Chemistry Research Programs (MPS Chem) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant program within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) that supports foundational, curiosity-driven research across the chemical sciences. It emphasizes intellectually ambitious work that advances core chemistry and may be transformative in how scientists understand, predict, measure, or control chemical phenomena.

What kind of research does this program prioritize?

The program prioritizes fundamental chemical research that pushes the field forward. The central emphasis is on high-impact, core chemistry research, including work that could change scientific understanding or capability (for example, enabling new ways to measure, model, predict, or control chemical behavior).

Does a proposal need a commercial product, deployment plan, or near-term application to be competitive?

No. A key point of this opportunity is that proposals do not need to be tied to a near-term product, commercial application, or deployment plan in order to be competitive. The focus is on strengthening fundamental knowledge rather than requiring later-stage development milestones.

Which chemistry areas or subfields are included in MPS Chem?

The opportunity is structured as a collection of related chemistry research programs spanning major subfields, including:

• Chemical Catalysis
• Chemical Measurement and Imaging
• Chemical Mechanism, Function, and Properties
• Chemical Structure and Dynamics
• Chemical Synthesis
• Chemical Systems and Solutions
• Chemical Theory, Models and Computational Methods
• Chemistry of Life Processes
• Macromolecular, Supramolecular, and Nanochemistry

Are both experimental and computational/theoretical projects supported?

Yes. The listed tracks collectively cover experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches. They support research ranging from molecular-level understanding and new synthetic methods to advanced characterization tools, complex chemical systems, and chemistry at the interface with biology and materials.

Who is eligible to submit a proposal?

Eligibility is limited to specific types of U.S.-based applicants. Proposals may be submitted by:

1. Non-profit, non-academic organizations located in the United States that are directly associated with education or research activities (for example, independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies).
2. U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (two-year and four-year colleges and universities, including community colleges), as long as they are accredited, have a campus located in the United States, and are submitting on behalf of their faculty.
3. Federally recognized Tribal Nations (American Indian or Alaska Native tribes, bands, nations, pueblos, villages, or communities recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994).

Are accredited community colleges eligible to apply?

Yes. The eligibility description explicitly includes two-year and four-year colleges and universities, including community colleges, as long as the institution is accredited, has a campus located in the United States, and submits on behalf of its faculty.

Can a U.S. non-profit organization apply even if it is not a university?

Yes, if it is a non-profit, non-academic organization located in the United States and is directly associated with education or research activities. Examples provided include independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies.

Are Tribal Nations eligible applicants under this opportunity?

Yes. Federally recognized Tribal Nations are eligible, as defined by recognition under the U.S. Department of the Interior pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994.

What is the compliance requirement related to international branch campuses?

If a U.S. institution maintains an international branch campus and the proposal includes funding that would flow to that branch campus (including through subawards or consultant arrangements), the submitting organization must clearly explain the benefits of conducting the work at the branch campus and justify why those activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus instead.

Does the international branch campus requirement apply only to direct funding, or also to subawards and consultants?

It applies broadly to situations where funding would flow to an international branch campus, including arrangements such as subawards or consultant engagements.

What is the funding instrument used for this opportunity?

The source listing categorizes this opportunity as discretionary and indicates the funding instrument is a grant.

What is the activity category associated with this opportunity?

The listing places the opportunity under the activity category "Science and Technology and other Research and Development."

What is the CFDA number associated with MPS Chem?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 47.049.

What is the official funding opportunity title and number?

The funding opportunity title is "MPS Chemistry Research Programs (MPS Chem)" and the funding opportunity number is listed as 26 519.

What is the closing date shown in the source listing?

The source listing shows an original closing date of 2076-08-17.

Are award amounts, award ceilings, or expected number of awards provided in the information above?

No. The provided extract notes that fields such as award ceiling, expected awards, and similar quantitative details are not specified.

Is this program focused on later-stage development milestones?

No. The description emphasizes fundamental, curiosity-driven research and explicitly notes that proposals are not required to include near-term product or deployment goals to be competitive.

Is research at the interface of chemistry with biology or materials relevant here?

Yes. The description indicates support for chemistry at interfaces, including chemistry of life processes and work at the interface with biology and materials, alongside other chemistry subfields.