Division of Materials Research: Topical Materials Research Programs
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 17, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions to conduct fundamental materials science research. Eligible applicants include U.S. accredited institutions of higher education (community colleges, four-year universities, and two-year colleges) and nonprofit research organizations like independent museums, observatories, and research laboratories based in the U.S. The research must advance fundamental understanding of materials, including discovery, design, synthesis, characterization, and materials-related phenomena across nanoscale to macroscale.
International branch campuses of U.S. institutions may participate only if the proposer justifies benefits and explains why work cannot be done at the U.S. campus. Proposals must focus on physics, chemistry, materials science, or engineering that converges on material properties and phenomena.
Faculty members submit proposals on behalf of their institutions. Nonprofits must be directly associated with educational or research activities to qualify.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
Materials Research is the field of science where physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering naturally converge in the pursuit of the fundamental understanding of the properties of materials and the phenomena they host. Materials are abundant and pervasive, serving as critical building blocks in technology and innovation. Materials Research impacts life and society, as it shapes our understanding of the material world and enables significant advances spanning the range from nanoelectronics to health-related fields. The development and deployment of advanced materials are major drivers of U.S. economic growth.
Research supported by the Division of Materials Research (DMR) focuses on advancing the fundamental understanding of materials, materials discovery, design, synthesis, characterization, properties, and materials-related phenomena. DMR awards enable understanding of the electronic, atomic, and molecular structures, mechanisms, and processes that govern nanoscale to macroscale morphology and properties; manipulation and control of these properties; discovery of emerging phenomena of matter and materials; and creation of novel design, synthesis, and processing strategies that lead to new materials with unique characteristics. These discoveries and advancements transcend traditional scientific and engineering disciplines. Projects supported by DMR are not only essential for the development of future technologies and industries that address societal needs, but also for the preparation of the next generation of materials researchers.
Additional Information
Eligibility rules apply for submissions; please see Section II. Program Description, Section IV. Eligibility Information, and Section V.A Proposal Preparation Instructions
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NSF PAPPG standard forms (SF-424, cover sheet)
- Project narrative/scientific proposal
- Budget and budget justification
- Biographical sketches (PI and key personnel)
- Current and pending support
- Facilities and equipment descriptions
- Letters of commitment (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4261
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
-
$570,618,065
-
$480,514,346
-
$411,651,013
-
$277,033,094
-
$236,459,999
-
$190,969,692
-
$159,846,534
-
$144,261,921
-
$140,880,752
-
$124,000,000
Top States by Funding
- VA 5 awards $960.5M
- DC 4 awards $907.5M
- CA 12 awards $589.6M
- AZ 8 awards $566.5M
- NY 7 awards $319.9M
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
What institutions can apply for this NSF materials research grant?
U.S. accredited institutions of higher education and nonprofit research organizations located in the U.S. can apply. International branch campuses may participate if justified.
What types of research does this grant support?
Research advancing fundamental understanding of materials discovery, design, synthesis, characterization, and properties. Work spanning nanoelectronics to health applications is eligible.
Is there a rolling deadline?
Yes, this is a rolling submission program with no fixed deadline. Check the NSF website for typical submission windows and program updates.
How competitive is this grant?
Very competitive. NSF materials research receives high-volume submissions from top-tier research institutions. Strong preliminary data and clear innovation are essential.
What is the funding range?
Award amounts vary by research scope and program focus. Consult the detailed program solicitation for typical award ranges and durations.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research with NSF's fundamental research priorities, not applied development or industry commercialization goals.
- Demonstrate how your work advances basic understanding of material properties and phenomena across disciplines.
- Include strong preliminary data and detail the novel design, synthesis, or characterization strategies your team will employ.
- Involve graduate and undergraduate students in the research to support workforce development in materials science.
- Clearly explain how your institution's facilities and expertise uniquely position your team for success on this project.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack clear focus on fundamental scientific understanding rather than applied product development. Proposals fail to demonstrate novelty or interdisciplinary innovation in materials research. Budgets are inadequately justified or include unallowable costs like indirect expenses above negotiated rates.
Similar grants
- ROLLING Condensed Matter and Materials Theory — U.S. National Science Foundation
- ROLLING Crosscutting Activities in Materials Research — U.S. National Science Foundation
- ROLLING Mechanics of Materials and Structures — U.S. National Science Foundation
- ROLLING Interfacial Engineering — U.S. National Science Foundation
- OPEN Division of Chemistry: Disciplinary Research Programs — U.S. National Science Foundation