Grant opportunity
MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics)
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) supports multiple research programs at the frontiers of discovery in physics. Physics research supported by NSF MPS enables understanding of the fundamental aspects of nature at all scales, from the quantum effects inside atoms to the mysterious dark energy spanning the entire universe. The core research programs covered by this funding opportunity are: Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics - Experiment (AMO-Experiment) Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics - Theory (AMO-Theory) Elementary Particle Physics - Experiment (EPP-Experiment) Elementary Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology - Theory (EPP/Cosmology-Theory) Gravitational Physics Integrative Activities in Physics (IAP) Nuclear Physics - Experiment (NP-Experiment) Nuclear Physics - Theory (NP-Theory) Particle Astrophysics - Experiment (PA-Experiment) Physics of Living Systems (PoLS) Plasma Physics Quantum Information Science (QIS) The cross-cutting research programs covered by this funding opportunity are: Advanced Physics Instrumentation (API) Focused Research Hubs in Theoretical Physics (FRHTP) Physics at the Information Frontier (PIF) 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.
- Funder
- U.S. National Science Foundation
- Applications close 2076-08-17
- Applications close 2076-08-17: Aug 17, 2076
- Award
- See official notice
- Applicant
- Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
- Discipline
- Social Sciences, Policy and Governance
- Region
- United States
- Posted
- Aug 18, 2026
Call summary
Overview
MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics) is official opportunity 26-523, 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: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility". 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 research programs at the frontiers of discovery in physics. Physics research supported by NSF MPS enables understanding of the fundamental aspects of nature at all scales, from the quantum effects inside atoms to the mysterious dark energy spanning the entire universe. The core research programs covered by this funding opportunity are: Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics - Experiment (AMO-Experiment) Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics - Theory (AMO-Theory) Elementary Particle Physics - Experiment (EPP-Experiment) Elementary Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology - Theory (EPP/Cosmology-Theory) Gravitational Physics Integrative Activities in Physics (IAP) Nuclear Physics - Experiment (NP-Experiment) Nuclear Physics - Theory (NP-Theory) Particle Astrophysics - Experiment (PA-Experiment) Physics of Living Systems (PoLS) Plasma Physics Quantum Information Science (QIS) The cross-cutting research programs covered by this funding opportunity are: Advanced Physics Instrumentation (API) Focused Research Hubs in Theoretical Physics (FRHTP) Physics at the Information Frontier (PIF) 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: 26-523
Funding and duration
- Award ceiling: See official notice
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 research programs at the frontiers of discovery in physics. Physics research supported by NSF MPS enables understanding of the fundamental aspects of nature at all scales, from the quantum effects inside atoms to the mysterious dark energy spanning the entire universe. The core research programs covered by this funding opportunity are: Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics - Experiment (AMO-Experiment) Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics - Theory (AMO-Theory) Elementary Particle Physics - Experiment (EPP-Experiment) Elementary Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology - Theory (EPP/Cosmology-Theory) Gravitational Physics Integrative Activities in Physics (IAP) Nuclear Physics - Experiment (NP-Experiment) Nuclear Physics - Theory (NP-Theory) Particle Astrophysics - Experiment (PA-Experiment) Physics of Living Systems (PoLS) Plasma Physics Quantum Information Science (QIS) The cross-cutting research programs covered by this funding opportunity are: Advanced Physics Instrumentation (API) Focused Research Hubs in Theoretical Physics (FRHTP) Physics at the Information Frontier (PIF) 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 26-523.
Eligibility
Eligible applicant types listed by the agency: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility". Applicants must also satisfy every programme-specific condition in the official notice.
Funding and benefits
Award ceiling: See official notice
Themes and supported activities
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) supports multiple research programs at the frontiers of discovery in physics. Physics research supported by NSF MPS enables understanding of the fundamental aspects of nature at all scales, from the quantum effects inside atoms to the mysterious dark energy spanning the entire universe. The core research programs covered by this funding opportunity are: Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics - Experiment (AMO-Experiment) Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics - Theory (AMO-Theory) Elementary Particle Physics - Experiment (EPP-Experiment) Elementary Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology - Theory (EPP/Cosmology-Theory) Gravitational Physics Integrative Activities in Physics (IAP) Nuclear Physics - Experiment (NP-Experiment) Nuclear Physics - Theory (NP-Theory) Particle Astrophysics - Experiment (PA-Experiment) Physics of Living Systems (PoLS) Plasma Physics Quantum Information Science (QIS) The cross-cutting research programs covered by this funding opportunity are: Advanced Physics Instrumentation (API) Focused Research Hubs in Theoretical Physics (FRHTP) Physics at the Information Frontier (PIF) 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: 26-523
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.