MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics)
NSF MPS funds foundational physics research projects across a range of core and cross-cutting physics programs for eligible applicants under NSF rules.
⚑ Eligibility is not stated in the notice; apply standard NSF PI/institution rules. · Cross-cutting programs include API, FRHTP, and PIF alongside core physics programs. · Proposals are for foundational research; near-term product, deployment, or commercialization is not required.
This is fundamental physics across MPS programs, with no social-science, policy, risk-perception, or public-opinion component that matches IPPRA’s research lines. The team would not plausibly pursue this as PI-level work.
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 | 48 partial | outside portfolio topics; social/behavioral work is minor; funds basic research |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 30 weak | prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
Description
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) supports multiple research programs at the frontiers of discovery in physics. Physics research supported by NSF MPS enables understanding of the fundamental aspects of nature at all scales, from the quantum effects inside atoms to the mysterious dark energy spanning the entire universe.
The core research programs covered by this funding opportunity are:
Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics - Experiment (AMO-Experiment)
Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics - Theory (AMO-Theory)
Elementary Particle Physics - Experiment (EPP-Experiment)
Elementary Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology - Theory (EPP/Cosmology-Theory)
Gravitational Physics
Integrative Activities in Physics (IAP)
Nuclear Physics - Experiment (NP-Experiment)
Nuclear Physics - Theory (NP-Theory)
Particle Astrophysics - Experiment (PA-Experiment)
Physics of Living Systems (PoLS)
Plasma Physics
Quantum Information Science (QIS)
The cross-cutting research programs covered by this funding opportunity are:
Advanced Physics Instrumentation (API)
Focused Research Hubs in Theoretical Physics (FRHTP)
Physics at the Information Frontier (PIF)
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.
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.