NSF Solicitations

Biomaterials  (BMAT)– The Biomaterials Program supports fundamental research at the intersection of the physical, chemical, and biological sciences.  Proposals focused on the preparation, characterization, structure-property relationships, and applications of biomaterials are encouraged.   Emphasis is on novel design of biomaterials, including bioderived, bioinspired, biomimetic and biocompatible materials, discovery of new phenomena,  and the combination of experiment with theory and/or simulation.  General areas of interest include, but are not restricted to, self- and directed molecular assemblies, surfaces and interfaces, membranes and vesicles, gels and networks, carriers and drug delivery systems, smart and self-healing systems, tissue culture scaffolds, mineralization, hybrids and composites, multi-functional biomaterials such as photonic and electronic biomaterials, biomaterials for energy harvesting, conversion and storage, and biomaterials for sensors and actuators. Full Proposal Window:  September 1, 2010 – October 31, 2010. September 1 – October 31, Annually Thereafter.

PD 06-7623    

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Ceramics--This program supports fundamental research including combined experiment and theory projects in ceramics (e.g., oxides, carbides, nitrides and borides), glasses, ceramic-based composites and inorganic carbon-based materials. The objective of the program is to increase fundamental understanding and develop predictive capabilities for relating synthesis, processing, and microstructure of these materials to their properties and ultimate performance in various environments and applications.  Development of new experimental techniques or novel approaches to carry out projects is encouraged. Topics supported include basic processes and mechanisms associated with nucleation and growth of thin films; bulk crystal growth; phase transformations and equilibria; morphology; surface modification; corrosion, interfaces and grain boundary structure; and defects. The microstructures investigated range from crystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous to composite and nanostructured materials. Full Proposal Window:  September 1, 2010 – October 31, 2010. September 1 – October 31, Annually Thereafter.   

PD 09-1774      

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The Ecosystem Studies Program supports investigations of whole-system ecological processes and relationships across a diversity of spatial and temporal (including paleo) scales in order to advance understanding of: 1) material and energy fluxes and transformations within and among ecosystems, 2) the relationships between structure, including complexity, and functioning of ecosystems, 3) ecosystem dynamics and trajectories of ecosystem development through time, and 4) linkages among ecosystems at different spatial and temporal scales.  Observational and manipulative approaches in field, mesocosm, and laboratory settings are supported, with the expectation that the research, whether hypothesis- or discovery-driven, have a strong conceptual foundation. Inter- and multi-disciplinary proposals that fall across traditional programmatic boundaries are welcomed and encouraged; the Ecosystem Studies Program often co-reviews proposals with related programs across the Foundation.  Proposals that incorporate quantitative or conceptual modeling efforts promoting integration and synthesis, or advancing ecosystem science through either the pursuit of new theoretical paradigms or novel modeling efforts, are encouraged. Proposals that, in whole or part, strive to develop new techniques can be supported when a compelling argument exists that there is the potential for a major advance in ecosystem research.  Projects that are potentially transformative — that is, those that may change the conceptual basis of ecosystem science and have broad implications for future research — are given particular priority. Full Proposal Target Date:  January 9, 2010. (January, Annually Thereafter ); Full Proposal Target Date:  July 9, 2010. ( July, Annually Thereafter )    

PD 04-7381       

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The Evolutionary Processes Cluster supports research on microevolutionary processes and their macroevolutionary consequences. Topics include mutation, gene flow, recombination, natural selection, genetic drift, assortative mating acting within species, speciation, and long-term features of evolution. These investigations attempt to explain causes and consequences of genetically-based change in the properties of groups of organisms (at the population level or higher) over the course of generations as well as large-scale patterns of evolutionary change, phylogeography, origin and maintenance of genetic variation, and molecular signatures of evolution at the population or species level. The cluster seeks to fund projects that are transformative — that is, those that will change the conceptual bases of evolutionary biology and have broad implications for future research.   Two programs within this cluster: (1) Evolutionary Genetics Program:  supports research that investigates the genetic bases of micro- and macroevolutionary processes and their effects on the evolution of genotypes and phenotypes. Both adaptive and non-adaptive processes and their effects will be considered. (2) The Evolutionary Ecology Program:  supports research on the evolutionary causes and consequences of ecological interactions (intra-specific, interspecific, and with the abiotic environment).  Appropriate topics of investigation include the selective pressures imposed by abiotic or biotic environments and the evolutionary responses to these pressures; the causes and consequences of phenotypic plasticity; life-history evolution; the evolution of interspecific relations (predator-prey, competition, cooperation, mutualism, parasitism, symbiosis); the ongoing evolution of biodiversity; dynamics of natural and sexual selection; and the phylogenetic bases of community assembly.  Full Proposal Target Date:  January 9, 2010. (January 9, Annually Thereafter); Full Proposal Target Date:  July 9, 2010. (July 9, Annually Thereafter)   

PD 09-1127     

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The Population and Community Ecology Cluster supports research that advances the conceptual or theoretical understanding of population ecology, species interactions and community dynamics in terrestrial, wetland and freshwater habitats.  We encourage projects that integrate theoretical, modeling, and empirical approaches, or that promote synthesis across spatial and temporal scales.  The cluster seeks to fund projects that are transformative — that is, those that will change the conceptual bases of population and community ecology and have broad implications for future research.  Proposals that develop research questions within the context of existing theory, consider alternate mechanisms, and design critical tests to distinguish among mechanisms are particularly encouraged, together with those that use contemporary approaches to develop new paradigms. Full Proposal Target Date:  January 9, 2010. (January 9, Annually Thereafter); Full Proposal Target Date:  July 9, 2010. (July 9, Annually Thereafter)   

PD 09-1128      

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Power, Controls and Adaptive Networks  (PCAN)—this program invests in the design and analysis of intelligent and adaptive engineering networks, including sensing, imaging, controls, and computational technologies for a variety of application domains. The program supports distributed control of multi-agent systems with embedded computation for sensor and adaptive networks. PCAN invests in adaptive dynamic programming, brain-like networked architectures performing real-time learning, neuromorphic engineering, telerobotics, and systems theory. PCAN places emphasis on electric power networks and grids, including generation, transmission and integration of renewable, sustainable and distributed energy systems, such as fuel cells and micro-turbines in large power networks; high power electronics and drives; and understanding of associated regulatory and economic structures. The program also places emphasis on energy scavenging and alternative energy technologies, including solar cells, ocean waves, wind, geothermal, low-head hydro, and the hydrogen economy. In addition, the program supports innovative test beds, and laboratory and curriculum development to integrate research and education. PCAN provides additional emphasis on emerging areas, such as quantum systems engineering, quantum and molecular modeling and simulation of devices and systems, alternate energy sources: generation and integration in the National Grid (InterGrid), and interdependencies of critical infrastructure in power and communications.

Areas of interest include:

• Adaptive Dynamic Programming
• Alternate Energy Sources
• Embedded, Distributed and Adaptive Control
• Neuromorphic Engineering
• Power and Energy Systems and Networks
• Sensing and Imaging Networks
• Telerobotics

Full Proposal Window:  January 7, 2010 – February 7, 2010. (January 7 – February 7, Annually Thereafter) Full Proposal Window:  September 7, 2010 – October 7, 2010 (September 7 – October 7, Annually Thereafter)  

PD 10-1518     

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The DMR Polymers Program supports fundamental research and education on polymeric materials.  The program portfolio is mainly experimental and highly diverse with components of materials science, chemistry, physics, and related disciplines.  While interdisciplinarity is stressed, central goals include advancing the foundations of polymer science through innovative research and education and pushing back the wide horizon of the field.  Polymers are studied from the molecular level through the nano-to-macro continuum using fundamental materials-focused scientific approaches.  Broad areas addressed include synthesis, molecular assembly, characterization, phase behavior, structure, morphology, and properties.  Particular focus is on transformative approaches to innovative materials with superior properties, as well as on fundamental understanding and optimization of structure-property relationships.  Materials-focused proposals of high promise that integrate research, education, and other broader impacts are welcome. Full Proposal Window:  September 1, 2010 – October 31, 2010 (September 1 – October 31, Annually Thereafter)  

PD 03-1773     

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Metals and Metallic Nanostructures– Using the combined tools of experiment, theory and computer simulations, the goals of this program are to enable the advancement of fundamental understanding of metallic materials from the atomic to nano-structural to bulk length scales via imaginative and, especially, transformational research. A primary objective is to foster the expansion of the activities of synthesis, processing and characterization so that advanced metallic materials and nanostructures with superior physical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties can be predicted and designed, leading to enhanced knowledge of nano- and micro-structure/composition/property relationships at all the relevant length scales.

The broad intellectual scope of this program covers the science of advanced structural, high-temperature, hybrid and multifunctional metallic materials; phase transitions, equilibrium and non-equilibrium structures, defects, and phenomena; thermodynamics, kinetics, diffusion, and cooperative behavior across length scales leading to fundamental insights into material properties, nano- and micro-structure evolution; tailored surfaces and interfaces; oxidation; metal-based transducer materials utilizing novel principles for energy conversion; magnetic structures and their interaction with electron transport; metallic clusters and nanoparticles, linear chains and nanowires, low-dimensional structures that exhibit new behavior, quantized electronic, magnetic, or thermal effects, and enhanced physical, mechanical, and chemical properties. Full Proposal Window:  September 1, 2010 – October 31, 2010 (September 1 – October 31, Annually Thereafter)    

PD 09-1771   

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Electronic and Photonic Materials  (EPM)– The goal of this program is to advance the field of electronics and photonics through basic, potentially transformative materials science research. The scope of the program encompasses the discovery and understanding of materials and material combinations with potential for major technological advantages. Program focus is on identification and understanding of fundamental atomic and molecular level mechanisms and phenomena associated with synthesis and processing of electronic and photonic materials. High risk, high payoff research is encouraged. For example, novel materials are sought that may offer new paradigms in critical computing and communications components, or enable low cost, highly efficient, and stable photovoltaics, solid state lighting, and displays. Research topics include, but are not limited to, nucleation and growth of thin films and nanostructures; self-assembly; nanostructure definition and etching processes; interface bonding and structure; crystal and interface defects; doping; bulk crystal growth; and interrelationships between synthesis/processing, structure, and properties. Full Proposal Window:  September 1, 2010 – October 31, 2010 (September 1 – October 31, Annually Thereafter)    

PD 03-1775