NSF 23-612: Division of Materials Research: Topical Materials Research Programs (MPS Materials)
Closed
This grant is closed. A newer notice from the same program is open now: Major Research Instrumentation Program: (MRI) (NSF 27-500). Status: Closes January 29, 2027 (83 days left). It is in our archive of U.S. National Science Foundation notices from 2023.
U.S. National Science Foundation offered grants to the applicants described in the notice. It expected to make $66.0 million in total. It is no longer open on Grants.gov.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed September 23, 2026. Checked November 7, 2026.
- Total funding$66.0 million
- Cost sharingNot required
- Funding typeGrant
Key dates
| Posted | August 1, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Archived by Grants.gov | September 24, 2026 |
Who can apply
This opportunity was open to the applicants described in the notice.
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
*Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: -Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. -Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus. *Who May Serve as PI: See "Limit on Number of Proposals per PI or Co-PI" below.
Is this a realistic fit?
- Most of the program's money (80% over five years) went to colleges and universities.
- No cost sharing or match is required.
What the grant funds
Materials Research is the field of science where physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering naturally converge in the pursuit of the fundamental understanding of the properties of materials and the phenomena they host. Materials are abundant and pervasive, serving as critical building blocks in technology and innovation. Materials Research impacts life and society, as it shapes our understanding of the material world and enables significant advances spanning the range from nanoelectronics to health-related fields. The development and deployment of advanced materials are major drivers of U.S. economic growth. Research supported by the Division of Materials Research (DMR) focuses on advancing the fundamental understanding of materials, materials discovery, design, synthesis, characterization, properties, and materials-related phenomena. DMR awards enable understanding of the electronic, atomic, and molecular structures, mechanisms, and processes that govern nanoscale to macroscale morphology and properties; manipulation and control of these properties; discovery of emerging phenomena of matter and materials; and creation of novel design, synthesis, and processing strategies that lead to new materials with unique characteristics. These discoveries and advancements transcend traditional scientific and engineering disciplines. Projects supported by DMR are not only essential for the development of future technologies and industries that address societal needs, but also for the preparation of the next generation of materials researchers. Additional Information Eligibility rules apply for submissions; please see Section II. Program Description, Section IV. Eligibility Information, and Section V.A Proposal Preparation Instructions
Who has won Mathematical and Physical Sciences grants before
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Mathematical and Physical Sciences (47.049) awarded $8.5 billion across 14,898 grant awards, an average of $568,976 per award.
| Recipient | State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. | Arizona | 22 | $725 million |
| Associated Universities Inc | Virginia | 18 | $646 million |
| California Institute of Technology | California | 148 | $316 million |
| Cornell University | New York | 179 | $256 million |
| Florida State University | Florida | 92 | $228 million |
Applying now
This notice no longer takes applications. Apply under the newer notice, NSF 27-500, which is open now.
The notice on Grants.gov keeps its full text and attachments, which is useful for planning a resubmission.
Questions people ask
Is NSF 23-612 still open?
No. It is no longer open on Grants.gov. A newer notice is open: NSF 27-500, closes January 29, 2027 (83 days left).
Who can apply for Division of Materials Research: Topical Materials Research Programs (MPS Materials)?
U.S. National Science Foundation accepted applications from the applicants described in the notice. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.
What is the deadline for Division of Materials Research: Topical Materials Research Programs (MPS Materials)?
Closed. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.
How much funding is available?
About $66.0 million in total.
Who has won Mathematical and Physical Sciences grants before?
The largest recipients over five fiscal years were Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., Associated Universities Inc, California Institute of Technology. The program made 14,898 awards worth $8.5 billion in that time.