Mathematical Sciences Research Programs (MPS MathSci)
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 19, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for mathematical sciences research at U.S. institutions and organizations. Eligible applicants include colleges and universities, nonprofit research organizations, museums, observatories, professional societies, and federally recognized tribal nations. All applicants must be located in the U.S., though U.S. institutions may include international branch campuses if justified.
Research can focus on pure or applied mathematics, including algebra, analysis, combinatorics, computational mathematics, probability, statistics, topology, mathematical biology, and related areas. Proposals may address foundational research without requiring near-term commercial outcomes.
Individual researchers may apply through their home institutions. Multi-institutional collaborative projects are encouraged.
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Program 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 theoretical and applied mathematical sciences.
Programs include:
NSF anticipates a portfolio of awards for these programs with a range of budgets, durations and scopes. Program budgets, number of awards, award sizes and durations are subject to the availability of funds.
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
- NSF Proposal Cover Sheet (SciENcv or FastLane)
- Project Narrative (research proposal)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (principal investigators and key personnel)
- Current and Pending Support documentation
- Facilities and Equipment descriptions (if applicable)
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
-
$570,618,065
-
$497,001,346
-
$434,119,438
-
$236,459,999
-
$190,969,692
-
$181,482,100
-
$156,947,247
-
$145,000,000
-
$144,261,921
-
$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
Can individual researchers apply directly?
No, proposals must be submitted by institutions. Individual researchers apply through their university or research organization.
What types of mathematical research are supported?
The program supports research across pure mathematics (algebra, topology, analysis) and applied areas (computational mathematics, mathematical biology, statistics). Foundational research is particularly encouraged.
Are there specific funding amounts and project durations?
Award budgets, durations, and project scopes vary. The minimum award is typically $300,000, but specific amounts depend on program area and available funding.
What makes a proposal competitive?
Intellectually ambitious research with potential for transformative impact scores highest. Proposals need not promise commercial products or immediate applications to be competitive.
Can international collaborators be involved?
Yes, but U.S. institutions must explain the scientific benefit of any work performed at international branch campuses.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your proposal with one of NSF MPS's 14 program areas. Check the specific program solicitation for that area's priorities and deadlines.
- Emphasize the intellectual ambition and potential impact of your research rather than near-term applications or commercial outcomes.
- If your institution has an international partner or branch campus, clearly justify their role and explain why the work cannot be done in the U.S.
- NSF values foundational research. Avoid overselling preliminary results or overstating expected breakthroughs.
- Budget carefully and realistically. NSF scrutinizes inflated personnel costs and unjustified equipment purchases across all programs.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals focus too heavily on commercial applications rather than foundational research value. Budgets lack detailed justification or include unjustified personnel or equipment costs. Applications fail to clearly align with a specific program area's research priorities.
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