MPS Chemistry Research Programs (MPS Chem)
NSF-funded foundational chemistry research in the chemical sciences for eligible U.S. institutions of higher education, certain nonprofit research organizations, and federally recognized Tribal Nations.
⚑ Foundational/basic research only; no expectation of near-term product, deployment, or commercial outcome. · International branch campuses may receive funds only with justification that work cannot be done at the U.S. campus.
This is a basic chemistry research solicitation aimed at molecular mechanisms, synthesis, catalysis, theory, and chemical measurement. IPPRA’s portfolio is social-behavioral research on risk, policy, public opinion, education evaluation, and hazard communication, so this is not a plausible PI-level fit for the team.
JUDGED AGAINST THE ROSTER'S PUBLICATION DOSSIER · GPT-5.4-MINI · 2026-08-18
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 90 strong | technical depth: central; funds basic research |
| IPPRA | 45 partial | peripheral portfolio topic: energy; social/behavioral work is none; funds basic research; capped at 45 (limited social-science role) |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 15 none | deep-tech content; no commercialization signal |
Description
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) supports foundational research through multiple programs in the chemical sciences.
Programs include:
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
NSF MPS is particularly interested in intellectually ambitious and potentially transformative foundational research. Proposals need not promise a near-term product, deployment, or commercial outcome, nor need they address later-stage development to be competitive.
Eligibility
*Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: -Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. -Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus. -Tribal Nations: An American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges as a federally recognized tribe pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. §§ 5130-5131.
Apply
View on Grants.gov → CONTACT: U.S. National Science Foundation <grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov>
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · National Science Foundation conventions SEE AN NSF EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — National Science Foundation's document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.