Grant opportunity

MPS Materials Research Programs (MPS Materials)

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: Biomaterials Ceramics Condensed Matter and Materials Theory Condensed Matter Physics Electronic and Photonic Materials Metals and Metallic Nanostructures Polymers 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.

GrantTechnology, Engineering and Artificial IntelligenceUnited StatesU.S. National Science FoundationGrants.gov
Funder
U.S. National Science Foundation
Applications close 2076-08-17
Applications close 2076-08-17: Aug 17, 2076
Award
See official notice
Applicant
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Discipline
Technology, Engineering and Artificial Intelligence
Region
United States
Posted
Aug 18, 2026

Call summary

Overview

MPS Materials Research Programs (MPS Materials) is official opportunity 26-521, published by U.S. National Science Foundation during the 17-18 August 2026 hunt window.

Who can apply

Eligible applicant types listed by the agency: Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification). Applicants must also satisfy every programme-specific condition in the official notice.

What it supports

  • 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: Biomaterials Ceramics Condensed Matter and Materials Theory Condensed Matter Physics Electronic and Photonic Materials Metals and Metallic Nanostructures Polymers 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.
  • Opportunity number: 26-521

Funding and duration

  • Award ceiling: See official notice
  • Expected number of awards: 300

Applications close 2076-08-17

Applications close 2076-08-17: Aug 17, 2076

How to apply

Open the official Grants.gov record, review the full notice and attachments, and use the application package or agency route stated there.

Call details

Source-based overview

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: Biomaterials Ceramics Condensed Matter and Materials Theory Condensed Matter Physics Electronic and Photonic Materials Metals and Metallic Nanostructures Polymers 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. The official record contains the controlling eligibility, budget, attachment and submission requirements for opportunity 26-521.

Eligibility

Eligible applicant types listed by the agency: Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification). Applicants must also satisfy every programme-specific condition in the official notice.

Funding and benefits

Award ceiling: See official notice

Expected number of awards: 300

Themes and supported activities

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: Biomaterials Ceramics Condensed Matter and Materials Theory Condensed Matter Physics Electronic and Photonic Materials Metals and Metallic Nanostructures Polymers 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.

Opportunity number: 26-521

Deadline and timeline

Applications close 2076-08-17: Applications close 2076-08-17: Aug 17, 2076.

Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.

How to apply

Open the official Grants.gov record, review the full notice and attachments, and use the application package or agency route stated there.

Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.