Materials Research Programs (MPS Materials)
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 27, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for foundational materials research across eight focus areas: biomaterials, ceramics, condensed matter physics and theory, electronic and photonic materials, metals and metallic nanostructures, polymers, and solid state and materials chemistry.
Eligible applicants are U.S. institutions of higher education, federally recognized tribal nations, and independent research organizations like museums and laboratories. International branch campuses of U.S. institutions may participate with justification. Proposals must advance fundamental understanding without requiring commercial outcomes or near-term applications.
Faculty researchers at eligible institutions may serve as PIs. The program emphasizes intellectually ambitious and potentially transformative research in materials science and related fields.
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Program description
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) supports multiple materials research programs that advance fundamental understanding of materials, their properties, and their potential applications.
The programs covered by this solicitation are:
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Biomaterials
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Ceramics
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Condensed Matter and Materials Theory
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Condensed Matter Physics
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Electronic and Photonic Materials
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Metals and Metallic Nanostructures
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Polymers
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Solid State and Materials Chemistry
Other materials research funding opportunities are covered by separate NSF solicitations, such as the NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers and Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future.
NSF MPS is particularly interested in intellectually ambitious and potentially transformative foundational research. Proposals need not promise a near-term product, deployment, or commercial outcome, nor need they address later-stage development to be competitive.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (for all senior personnel)
- Current and Pending Support (NSF Form)
- Facilities and Equipment Statement
- Bibliographic References
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.049 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$570,618,065
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$497,001,346
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$434,119,438
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$236,459,999
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$190,969,692
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$181,482,100
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$156,947,247
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$145,000,000
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$144,261,921
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$116,471,167
Top States by Funding
- VA 5 awards $1,019.4M
- DC 3 awards $639.8M
- CA 13 awards $623.8M
- AZ 8 awards $620.8M
- NY 7 awards $325.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.049). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,539,910,000 | |
| 2025 | $1,537,650,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $512,280,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for MPS Materials funding?
U.S. colleges and universities, federally recognized tribal nations, and independent research organizations like museums and labs can apply. International branch campuses may participate if justified.
What types of research does this program support?
Foundational materials research in biomaterials, ceramics, condensed matter physics, electronic materials, metals, polymers, and solid state chemistry. Near-term commercial outcomes are not required.
What documents do I need to submit?
Standard NSF proposal documents including a project narrative, budget and justification, biographical sketches of key personnel, and current/pending support statements. Check the specific solicitation for page limits.
How competitive is this funding?
NSF MPS Materials is highly competitive. Proposals must demonstrate intellectual ambition and transformative potential in materials research to be competitive.
What is the typical award range?
Award amounts vary depending on project scope. Check the current solicitation for typical grant sizes and funding availability.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize the intellectual merit and transformative potential of your research, not commercial applications. NSF MPS values foundational science.
- Align your proposal clearly with one or more of the eight supported materials research focus areas to strengthen relevance.
- Show how your team's expertise positions you to conduct high-impact materials research. Include relevant publications and prior NSF funding.
- Address feasibility within your budget and timeline. NSF reviewers scrutinize whether you can realistically accomplish your proposed work.
- If using an international branch campus, provide clear justification for why the work cannot be performed at a U.S. campus location.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Overstating commercial applications or near-term deployment outcomes. NSF MPS prioritizes fundamental science, not product development.
Submitting proposals without clear alignment to the eight supported materials research areas. Unclear focus weakens competitiveness.
Proposing unrealistic timelines or budgets that don't match the scope of the research plan.
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