MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics)
Open
U.S. National Science Foundation is offering grants to any type of organization. It expects to make $180 million in total. Applications close on October 6, 2076.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed October 6, 2026. Checked October 31, 2026.
- Award ceilingnot stated
- Award floornot stated
- Expected awardsnot stated
- Total funding$180 million
- Cost sharingNot required
- Funding typeGrant
Key dates
| Posted | August 17, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | October 6, 2076 |
Add the deadline to your calendar
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to any type of organization.
- Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
Is this a realistic fit?
- No cost sharing or match is required.
What the grant funds
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.
How to apply
- Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov and the agency's announcement. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
- Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
- Register on Grants.gov and submit through Workspace before the deadline and time given in the notice. Our application guide walks through each step.
Questions go to U.S. National Science Foundation, grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov, 703-292-4203.
Questions people ask
Who can apply for MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics)?
U.S. National Science Foundation accepts applications from any type of organization.
What is the deadline for MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics)?
Closes October 6, 2076 (18238 days left). Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.
How much funding is available?
About $180 million in total.
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