MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics)

Opportunity details

Agency

U — S. National Science Foundation

Notice type

Federal Grant

Original posted

August 17, 2026

Last updated

October 18, 2026

Notice ID

grant-363621

Summary

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.

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Eligibility

Eligible applicant categories

• Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"

Official Grants.gov eligibility information. Listed categories are not a determination that an organization qualifies.

Funding and program

Assistance Listing

47.049

Funding instrument

G

Cost sharing

Not required

Estimated total program funding

$180,000,000

Official modification date

October 6, 2026

Estimated total program funding is the government figure for the whole program, not an individual award ceiling. These figures are estimates, not guaranteed funding.

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