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MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics) is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS). This program supports foundational research in physics, including Plasma Physics and Advanced Physics Instrumentation.
Research in plasma physics can encompass topics relevant to fusion energy, and the Advanced Physics Instrumentation component directly supports the acquisition, development, and implementation of advanced instrumentation needed for NSF MPS physics research programs.
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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. 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 NSF invests in foundational research on wave-based computing Podcast: New quantum-enabled materials Podcast: AI and wearable devices NSF launches three new Science and Technology Centers with $90M investment in transformative research Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 2:00 p.
m. – 3:00 p. m.
NSF MPS Astronomical Sciences Office Hours Q&As and information sessions NSF MPS Program Directors will discuss the new MPS-Astro funding opportunity. The Oct. 14 event will focus on the Astronomical Sciences Innovations program.
Thursday, October 15, 2026, 3:00 p. m. – 4:00 p.
m. NSF MPS Astronomical Sciences Office Hours Q&As and information sessions NSF MPS Program Directors will discuss the new MPS-Astro funding opportunity. The Oct.
15 event will focus on the Astronomical Sciences Core Research program.
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.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Academic faculty, their students, and postdoctoral associates. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows approximately $120 million total annually; about 300 awards expected each year; award size and duration vary by project type. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Applications for MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics) are due November 16, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, and final submission checks.
MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics) is funded by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
NSF obligated $6.4 billion across 6,218 awards in FY2026, down from $8.3 billion and 8,647. An August OMB apportionment carried $1.7 billion into FY2027, roughly $1 billion of it reserved for the White House Grand Research Challenges initiative. NIH, by contrast, spent its full $34 billion. Here is what the carryover mechanism actually means for your FY2027 proposal — and why the directorate you submit to now matters more than the score you get.
Read articleNSF announced three more X-Labs topics on September 16, 2026 — Artificial Intelligence for Physical Systems is live, with Sequence to Function and Computation at the Limit of Physics coming this fall. The Q&A webinar is October 14 and an RFI on future topics closes October 30. The per-topic key-personnel restriction is what should be driving your team-building decisions.
Read articleNSF 26-521 folds eight materials programs into one solicitation carrying $100 million and 200 to 300 awards. Proposals are accepted anytime — but no individual may appear as PI or co-PI on more than one proposal per fiscal year across all eight programs. That single sentence reshapes how materials labs collaborate.
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