MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics)
Updated
Grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation, open to any type of applicant. Closes Oct 6, 2076, 18249 days left.
| Opportunity number | 26-523 |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. National Science Foundation |
| Funding type | Grant |
| Field | Science, technology and other research and development |
| Total program funding | $180.0 million |
| Cost sharing or matching | Not required |
| Assistance listing | 47.049 |
| Posted | Aug 17, 2026 |
| Closes | Oct 6, 2076 (18249 days left) |
| Add the deadline to | Google Calendar |
Who can apply
- Unrestricted: any type of applicant
Description
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.
Full announcement and how to apply on Grants.gov
Science, technology and other research and development grants right now
There are 99 open federal grants in science, technology and other research and development that small businesses may apply for; 46 close within 30 days. The median award ceiling is $1.2 million. The agencies offering the most are Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA, U.S. National Science Foundation and National Institute of Justice. Grants in this field stay open a median of 154 days.
Who has won this program before
- Association Of Universities For Research IN Astronomy, Inc. $570.6 million · from Jul 1, 2014
- Associated Universities Inc $497.0 million · from Oct 1, 2016
- Associated Universities Inc $434.1 million · from Oct 1, 2016
- Association Of Universities For Research IN Astronomy, Inc. $296.5 million · from Jun 1, 2015
- Association Of Universities For Research IN Astronomy, Inc. $181.5 million · from Oct 1, 2022
The largest grants and cooperative agreements under assistance listing 47.049 with payments since Oct 1, 2025, from USAspending.gov. Amounts are each award's total.
Other open grants in the same program
Under assistance listing 47.049, the federal program this grant is paid from.
More open grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation
35 open grants from this agency accept small businesses, with $869.9 million in total program funding listed.