MPS Physics Research Programs (MPS Physics)
- Posted
- August 17, 2026
- Closes
- See announcement
- Program funding
- $180,000,000
- Cost sharing
- No
- Instrument
- Grant
- Assistance listing
- 47.049
Program funding history
Awards made under Assistance Listing 47.049 across FY2024–FY2026, from public federal spending records.
- FY2024 obligated
- $1.6B
- FY2025 obligated
- $1.7B
- FY2026 (to date) obligated
- $1.2B
- Awards in window
- 9,597
Top recipients: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., Associated Universities Inc, California Institute of Technology, Florida State University, Cornell University
Source: USAspending.gov · refreshed September 2026 · Program page: awards, recipients and the opportunities under this listing →
Synopsis
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)
Nuclear Physics - Experiment (NP-Experiment)
Nuclear Physics - Theory (NP-Theory)
Particle Astrophysics - Experiment (PA-Experiment)
Physics of Living Systems (PoLS)
The cross-cutting research programs covered by this funding opportunity are:
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.
Who can apply
- Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
How to apply
Applications go through the official government listing. Grants Radar links you straight to the source — applying is free.
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Similar grants
- MPS Chemistry Research Programs (MPS Chem)
- MPS Materials Research Programs (MPS Materials)
- MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)
- MPS Mathematical Sciences Research Programs (MPS MathSci)
- Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes
- Joint DMS/NIGMS Initiative to Support Research at the Interface of the Biological and Mathematical Sciences
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