MPS Chemistry Research Programs (MPS Chem)

The MPS Chemistry Research Programs (MPS Chem) is a suite of NSF funding programs within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences that supports foundational research in the chemical sciences across multiple disciplinary programs. It solicits proposals for projects in areas such as chemical catalysis, measurement and imaging, chemical synthesis, chemical theory and computational methods, chemistry of life processes, and macromolecular and nanochemistry. NSF encourages intellectually ambitious and potentially transformative foundational research and offers awards spanning a range of funding levels and project durations. Proposals are accepted starting September 1, 2026 and may request support for durations up to five years where appropriate.

Research project funding and award support for foundational chemical sciences research; awards may provide multi-year support (up to five years where appropriate).

Investigators eligible to submit research proposals to NSF programs in the chemical sciences; the solicitation encourages submissions from researchers including early-career investigators. Proposals must be prepared in accordance with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).

Submit proposals following the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide via NSF-authorized submission systems (e.g., Research.gov or Grants.gov) in accordance with the solicitation instructions.