Lead Agency Opportunity in Chemistry and Chemical Process and Transport Systems
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 20, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for US researchers collaborating with German counterparts in chemistry or chemical process and transport systems. Eligible applicants include nonprofit research organizations, independent museums and observatories, and institutions of higher education (including community colleges) with US campuses. Proposals must involve both US and German researchers working together with a clear rationale for the international collaboration. The project must align with research priorities of NSF divisions CHE and/or CBET.
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Program description
Recognizing the importance of international collaborations in promoting scientific discoveries, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on research cooperation. The MoU provides an overarching framework to enhance opportunities for collaborative activities between US and German research communities and sets out the principles by which jointly supported activities might be developed. To facilitate the support of collaborative work between US researchers and their German counterparts under this MoU, the Division of Chemistry (CHE) and the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems (CBET) at NSF and the Divisions of Physics and Chemistry (PC) and Engineering Sciences (ING 1) at DFG are pleased to announce a Lead Agency Opportunity for Collaborative Research in Chemistry and Chemical Process and Transport Systems.
The goal of this Lead Agency Opportunity is to reduce barriers to working internationally by allowing US and German researchers to submit a single collaborative proposal that will undergo a single review process while funding organizations maintain budgetary control over their awards. Proposals eligible for funding consideration through this Lead Agency Opportunity should review the CHE, CBET, PC, and ING 1 program descriptions for research supported through these divisions/organizations. Proposals are expected to adhere to typical proposal budgets and durations for the relevant CHE, CBET, PC, and ING 1 programs from which funding is sought. A list of participating NSF programs can be found at: https://www.nsf.gov/od/oise/IntlCollaborations/Germany.jsp. German researchers are invited to read: www.dfg.de/nsf-che-cbet.
Proposals submitted under this Opportunity will be reviewed by either NSF or DFG as the Lead Agency, depending on where the largest proportion of research lies. Proposals must provide a clear rationale for the need for a US-German collaboration, including the unique expertise and synergy that the collaborating groups will bring to the project. The result of the review process will be shared among the appropriate divisions (NSF/CHE and/or NSF/CBET, and DFG/PC and/or DFG/ING 1) before making final recommendations.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Single collaborative proposal (NSF format)
- Project narrative with rationale for US-German collaboration
- Budget justification for both US and German portions
- Biographical sketches or CVs for US and German PIs
- Letters of collaboration from German partner institution
- Conflict of interest disclosures
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
-
$39,305,237
-
$38,714,114
-
$38,523,346
-
$37,936,436
-
$37,861,058
-
$37,780,463
-
$36,940,111
-
$36,277,271
-
$36,183,087
Top States by Funding
- TX 3 awards $93.8M
- CA 7 awards $86.9M
- IL 5 awards $78.8M
- NC 3 awards $71.9M
- AZ 2 awards $68.6M
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?
Nonprofit research organizations, independent museums and observatories, and institutions of higher education located in the US. Proposals must include both a US team and German collaborators.
How much funding is available?
Individual awards typically range from $200,000 to $700,000, with a total funding pool of $5,000,000.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, cost-sharing is not required for this program.
What research areas are supported?
Chemistry and chemical process and transport systems research. Check the participating NSF program descriptions for CHE, CBET, and corresponding DFG divisions.
What is the main advantage of this collaborative model?
Researchers submit one proposal that undergoes a single review process, reducing barriers to international collaboration while each funding agency maintains control over its portion of the award.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly articulate why US-German collaboration is essential. Generic reasons weaken competitiveness.
- Research the specific NSF programs (CHE, CBET) to ensure your project aligns with their current priorities and funding mechanisms.
- Identify the German PI's DFG home division early. Verify that both German researchers and US researchers can participate before investing time in the application.
- Budget according to typical NSF/DFG guidelines for single-country projects, not inflated because of international scope. Review funder expectations for each side.
- Demonstrate complementary expertise between US and German teams. Show why each group brings unique capabilities the other lacks.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak rationale for international collaboration; proposal reads like two separate projects joined together. Misalignment with NSF program priorities or lack of familiarity with DFG partner divisions. Underestimating the complexity of coordinating dual-agency reviews and dual budget structures.
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