MPS Mathematical Sciences Research Programs (MPS MathSci) | 26 520

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): MPS Mathematical Sciences Research Programs (MPS MathSci)

1) What is the MPS Mathematical Sciences Research Programs (MPS MathSci) opportunity?

MPS MathSci is a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS). It supports research at the frontiers of the mathematical sciences, including both theoretical and applied mathematics, across a wide range of topics and approaches.

2) What is the main purpose of this program?

The program is designed to advance fundamental understanding in the mathematical sciences. It emphasizes intellectually ambitious work, including projects that are high-risk and potentially transformative.

3) Does a proposal need an immediate practical payoff to be competitive?

No. NSF explicitly welcomes foundational research that may not have an immediate practical payoff. Proposals do not need to promise a near-term product, deployment plan, or commercial outcome to be competitive under this opportunity.

4) What kinds of research topics are included in the scope?

The scope is broad and includes research in areas such as Algebra and Number Theory, Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Combinatorics, Computational Mathematics, Foundations, Geometric Analysis, Mathematical Biology, Probability, Statistics, and Topology.

5) Is this opportunity limited to a narrow topic or special theme?

No. The listing indicates a broad, ongoing investment across multiple mathematical sciences programs rather than a single narrowly targeted competition.

6) What types of projects can be supported (individual vs. group vs. training)?

The opportunity supports a wide range of project structures, including individual and small-team research projects, as well as more structured community-oriented efforts such as Mathematical Sciences Research Infrastructure, Mathematical Sciences Focused Research Groups, and Mathematical Sciences Research Training Groups.

7) Does the program support research infrastructure and community efforts?

Yes. In addition to core research projects, the scope explicitly includes Mathematical Sciences Research Infrastructure and other group efforts that can build shared capacity and community resources.

8) Does the program support collaborative group research efforts?

Yes. The opportunity includes mechanisms such as Mathematical Sciences Focused Research Groups, which align with collaborative group-based research.

9) Does the program support research training activities?

Yes. The opportunity includes Mathematical Sciences Research Training Groups, indicating that training-focused initiatives that build capacity in the field are within scope.

10) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to certain U.S.-based organizations, including: (1) U.S. non-profit, non-academic organizations directly associated with educational or research activities (such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies); (2) accredited U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (two-year and four-year, including community colleges) with a campus located in the United States; and (3) federally recognized Tribal Nations (as defined under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994).

11) Can a U.S. university submit a proposal on behalf of faculty members?

Yes. Accredited U.S. Institutions of Higher Education may apply on behalf of their faculty members, provided the institution has a campus located in the United States.

12) Are community colleges eligible under this opportunity?

Yes. The eligibility description includes accredited U.S. Institutions of Higher Education, including two-year institutions such as community colleges, as long as they have a campus located in the United States.

13) Are federally recognized Tribal Nations eligible to submit proposals?

Yes. Federally recognized Tribal Nations are eligible, as defined under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994.

14) Are non-profit, non-academic organizations eligible?

Yes. U.S. non-profit, non-academic organizations that are directly associated with educational or research activities are eligible. Examples listed include independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies.

15) Are there special requirements for work involving international branch campuses?

Yes. For U.S. universities with international branch campuses, if any part of the proposed funding would support work at an international branch campus (including through subawards or consultants), the proposal must clearly explain why performing the work at that branch campus benefits the project and why the activities cannot be done at the U.S. campus.

16) Does the international branch campus requirement apply only to direct work, or also to subawards and consultants?

It applies to any part of the proposed funding that would support work at an international branch campus, including support provided through subawards or consultants.

17) What does NSF’s international branch campus language imply about review expectations?

Based on the listing language, NSF expects overseas performance to be scrutinized and requires a strong, project-specific justification showing both the benefit to the project and why the work cannot be done at the U.S. campus.

18) How many awards does NSF expect to make?

The listing notes 600 expected awards, indicating an expectation of a substantial volume of awards across the mathematical sciences portfolio.

19) Are the number of awards guaranteed?

No. The listing indicates flexibility, and the number of awards will depend on the availability of funds.

20) Are funding amounts and project durations fixed?

No. The program has flexibility in budget size, project duration, and scope. Funding levels, the number of awards, and award durations are not fixed and depend on the availability of funds.

21) Is there an award ceiling specified in the provided information?

No. An award ceiling is not specified in the provided data.

22) How should an applicant think about scope and budget if amounts vary?

The listing emphasizes that award sizes and durations can vary widely across programs and project types. Applicants should align their proposed scope and budget with the norms and expectations of the specific mathematical sciences program area they are targeting.

23) What is the award instrument for this opportunity?

The award instrument is a discretionary grant.

24) How is this opportunity categorized?

It is categorized as a discretionary grant under science and technology and other research and development.

25) What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?

The listing provides CFDA number 47.049.

26) What is the funding opportunity title?

The funding opportunity title is MPS Mathematical Sciences Research Programs.

27) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is 26 520.

28) What agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is posted under the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF).

29) What closing date is shown in the listing?

The original closing date shown is 2076-08-17.

30) Does the program support both theoretical and applied mathematics?

Yes. The purpose statement explicitly includes support for research at the frontiers of both theoretical and applied mathematics.

31) Does the program allow high-risk or intellectually ambitious proposals?

Yes. The program is described as supporting projects that are high-risk, intellectually ambitious, and potentially transformative.

32) Is the program intended as a single one-time competition?

The listing signals a broad, ongoing investment across the mathematical sciences ecosystem, rather than a single narrowly targeted or one-time competition.