MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)
U.S. National Science Foundation · Opportunity 26-522
Proposals are accepted at any time. However, proposals received after the target submission date may be reviewed in the following fiscal year.
Who can apply
- Unrestricted
About this opportunity
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) supports multiple research programs in the astronomical sciences. NSF MPS funds foundational astronomical sciences research and instrumentation focused on exploring space and advancing fundamental understanding of the universe.The programs covered by this funding opportunity are:Astronomical Sciences Core ResearchAstronomical Sciences Technology & InstrumentationAstronomical Sciences InnovationsResearch supported by these programs is essential for ongoing discovery in a range of fields. The programs provide a strong scientific foundation for America's capabilities in multiple areas: predicting solar storms, discovering potentially habitable planets in other solar systems, understanding the physical workings of extreme astrophysical objects like black holes, and more.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.
Portfolio context — this listing covers more than this opportunity
This opportunity is funded under Assistance Listing 47.049 (“Mathematical and Physical Sciences”), a broad federal program that made about 2554 new awards per year over the last five fiscal years (median award $329k). Those figures describe that whole portfolio — not this specific solicitation, so we don't show them as if they were this opportunity's track record.
Applicant counts per solicitation are not published by any federal agency — no one can honestly sell you that number. NSF publishes funding rates by directorate in its Merit Review Digest — source.
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