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Grants / U.S. National Science Foundation / U.S. National Science Foundation

MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics)

Open Closes October 6, 2076 (18238 days left) Opportunity 26-523

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.

Key dates

PostedAugust 17, 2026
DeadlineOctober 6, 2076

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Who can apply

This opportunity is open to any type of organization.

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Is this a realistic fit?

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.

Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

How to apply

  1. Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov and the agency's announcement. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
  2. Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
  3. 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.

Open the official notice

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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