Chemical Process Systems (CPS)
Can you apply?
This grant is for universities, research institutions, and other organizations proposing fundamental research on chemical and biochemical processes. Eligible applicants typically include academic institutions with chemistry, chemical engineering, or related departments. The program supports research at the molecular to plant scale, covering reaction engineering, catalysis, separations, and process design. No geographic restrictions apply; this is a national program open to institutions across the U.S.
Program description
Society relies on chemical processes to turn raw materials into useful products. The Chemical Process Systems (CPS) program invests in fundamental research on chemical and biochemical processes to make them more efficient, sustainable, and resilient. New CPS technologies for manufacturing, biotechnology, critical minerals, energy, food, and other national priorities will help make the U.S. more competitive and secure.
Research supported by the CPS program covers the full breadth of chemical and biochemical process innovation. It spans reaction engineering and molecular thermodynamics; reactor design; catalysis; electrochemical systems; separations; and process design. The program encourages proposals that connect the molecular scale to process and plant scales.
The CPS program explores active-site structure and function, reaction mechanisms, in situ and operando characterization, durability, and device-level integration. Microreactors, membrane and catalytic reactors, atmospheric plasmas, and other novel configurations are of interest.
The program supports research in catalysis and electrochemical systems to produce, use, and store energy, to reduce waste, to process polymers, and to synthesize fuels and chemicals. This includes process and materials innovation to support the nuclear fuel cycle.
The CPS program also targets chemical and biological separations that are efficient and scalable. Research includes the design of membranes, sorbents, and specialized interfaces. Advances can be used in gas separations, the recovery of critical minerals, bioprocessing, and protein and water purification.
The program supports research in process design and optimization that uses tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and uncertainty quantification. CPS research also explores quantum information science and engineering; quantum simulation and sensing, for example, may accelerate the discovery of materials and improve process models.
Partnerships: To speed discovery and innovation, NSF partners with federal agencies, industry, international groups, and others. Current opportunities are at NSF ENG Partnerships.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF PAPPG standard forms (check current solicitation)
- Project Narrative/Technical Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Current and Pending Support documentation
- Biographical Sketches (PI and senior personnel)
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.041 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$41,946,862
-
$39,061,846
-
$38,277,956
-
$37,936,436
-
$36,940,111
-
$36,277,271
-
$36,183,087
-
$32,471,912
-
$32,414,114
-
$31,561,058
Top States by Funding
- TX 3 awards $90.6M
- CA 7 awards $85.0M
- IL 4 awards $70.2M
- AZ 2 awards $68.7M
- NC 2 awards $61.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.041). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $752,230,000 | |
| 2025 | $727,730,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $181,990,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Universities, research institutions, and eligible organizations with chemistry or chemical engineering capacity can apply. Check NSF's eligibility guidelines for your organization type.
What research topics does CPS support?
The program funds fundamental research on reaction engineering, catalysis, electrochemical systems, separations, process design, and quantum applications in chemical processes.
Are there any cost-sharing requirements?
No cost-sharing is required for this NSF program. All eligible project costs can be federally funded.
What is the application deadline?
This is a rolling submission program. Check the NSF website for current submission windows and any deadlines tied to specific focus areas or partnership opportunities.
How competitive is this grant?
NSF programs are highly competitive. Proposals must demonstrate novel scientific merit, feasibility, and alignment with national priorities like sustainability and U.S. competitiveness.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Ground your proposal in fundamental science, not just applied outcomes. NSF emphasizes discovery-level research and novel mechanisms.
- Clearly explain how your work connects molecular-scale insights to process and plant-scale innovation. This multiscale approach is a program priority.
- Address how your research supports national priorities such as sustainability, energy, critical minerals, or food security where relevant.
- Engage with NSF's partnership opportunities if applicable to your research. Collaborative projects with industry or other federal agencies strengthen competitiveness.
- Use preliminary data and feasibility analysis to demonstrate that your proposed timeline and methods are realistic.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals that focus only on applied engineering without clear fundamental science contributions often score poorly. Vague descriptions of reaction mechanisms, catalytic function, or process design lack the rigor NSF expects. Failure to explain how research scales from molecular to process level misses a core program theme.
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