MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)

MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro) is sponsored by NSF Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences. Supports foundational astronomical sciences research and instrumentation focused on exploring space and advancing fundamental understanding of the universe.

Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) View image credit & caption Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) is one of the preeminent federal forces behind over 75 years of major scientific breakthroughs and innovations — from the discovery of new properties of energy and matter to the creation of entirely new fields of mathematics.

NSF MPS supports fundamental research in astronomical sciences, chemistry, materials, mathematical sciences and physics. MPS also manages ambitious, multidisciplinary research centers and institutes focused on major scientific challenges. The directorate supports fundamental science and research infrastructure that advances scientific knowledge and enhances the nation's economic growth, security and quality of life.

MPS investments are also building the scientific workforce of the future by providing specialized training, education and mentorship opportunities in labs across the U.S. Clumps and knots of gas found in remains of supernova explosion 2026 Nobel Prize in physics awarded for NSF IceCube neutrino discoveries NSF fires up full-power operations at America's most powerful laser NSF and UKRI partner to advance quantum science through foundational chemistry research NSF funds polymer research center with nearly $20M investment Podcast: Can America's most powerful laser unlock the universe?

Podcast: New quantum-enabled materials Podcast: AI and wearable devices Friday, November 13, 2026, 3:00 p. m. – 4:00 p.

m. MPS Chemistry Quarterly Office Hours Q&As and information sessions NSF MPS staff will provide information on the new MPS Chemistry Research Programs funding opportunity, which covers core disciplinary programs and removes all proposal submission deadlines. Monday, November 23, 2026, 10:00 a.

m. – 4:00 p. m.

Astronomy and Astrophysics Committee (AAAC) Meeting (November 2026) MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro) Next Required Due Date: Proposals Accepted Anytime MPS Chemistry Research Programs (MPS Chem) Next Required Due Date: Proposals Accepted Anytime MPS Materials Research Programs (MPS Materials) Next Required Due Date: Proposals Accepted Anytime MPS Mathematical Sciences Research Programs (MPS MathSci) Next Required Due Date: Proposals Accepted Anytime MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics) Next Required Due Date: Proposals Accepted Anytime View all MPS opportunities MPS supports the ground-based exploration of space.

From asteroids to black holes, this work enables the discovery and understanding of objects and phenomena within our solar system, the Milky Way galaxy and other galaxies, and the entire universe. MPS supports fundamental discovery, invention and innovation in the chemical sciences.

This work creates a strong scientific foundation for future technologies and the chemical industry, which is central to the U.S. economy and our daily lives. MPS supports fundamental understanding of materials, their properties and their potential applications. Materials research provides critical building blocks for technology and innovation, from new types of electronics and batteries to medical devices and body armor.

MPS supports multiple research programs at the frontiers of discovery in theoretical and applied mathematical sciences. Mathematical sciences play an essential role in all fields of science and technology and underpin many aspects of society and security, from weather forecasting to cryptography.

MPS supports physics research that enables human understanding of the fundamental aspects of nature at all scales, from quantum-scale effects inside atoms to the dark energy that spans the entire universe. Breakthroughs in physics have led to technologies including GPS, MRI and quantum computers.

NSF supports research facilities that provide scientists with unique instruments and capabilities to explore the physical universe, including multiple astronomy observatories, the NSF National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, particle detectors at the Large Hadron Collider, and others.