Opportunity Information: Apply for 23 615
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Physics (PHY) grant opportunity, titled "Division of Physics: Investigator-Initiated Research Projects" (Funding Opportunity Number 23-615), supports investigator-driven physics research and workforce development across U.S. colleges and universities and other eligible organizations. The program is designed to fund a wide spectrum of experimental and theoretical research, covering physics across enormous ranges of scale in space and time, from the largest and oldest phenomena in the universe to the smallest and most fundamental. In addition to advancing scientific discovery, the solicitation emphasizes the preparation and training of future scientists, reinforcing the role of research projects in mentoring students and strengthening the national STEM talent pipeline.
PHY organizes support around major disciplinary areas, and proposals generally align with one of its core programs. The listed subfields include Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) Physics; Elementary Particle Physics; Gravitational Physics (including LIGO Research Support); Integrative Activities in Physics; Nuclear Physics; Particle Astrophysics; Physics at the Information Frontier; Physics of Living Systems; Plasma Physics; and Quantum Information Science. Applicants can propose either theoretical or experimental work depending on the program area, and the solicitation explicitly spans both approaches across multiple subfields.
A notable priority highlighted in the opportunity is broader participation in physics. Principal Investigators are encouraged to incorporate concrete efforts that increase diversity in the physics community and broaden participation of groups historically under-represented in STEM. While the solicitation does not prescribe a single required model for these activities in the provided text, it signals that thoughtfully designed inclusion, recruitment, mentoring, and training components are welcome and encouraged as part of project planning.
NSF PHY also provides process guidance aimed at reducing fragmented submissions. The Division strongly encourages investigators to submit a single proposal for potential co-review rather than submitting multiple, closely related proposals to different PHY programs. If a PI is considering submitting more than one proposal under this solicitation, or already holds an active PHY award, the Division recommends consulting the relevant program officer(s) before investing significant effort in proposal preparation. The notice clarifies that this particular caution does not apply to submissions or awards through NSF MRI, REU, and/or center programs, nor to renewal proposals.
Deadline timing depends on the specific program area, with full proposals due by 5:00 p.m. local time of the submitter. Plasma Physics proposals are due the third Monday in November. AMO (theory and experiment), Gravitational Physics (theory and experiment), LIGO Research Support, and Integrative Activities in Physics are due the fourth Wednesday in November. Elementary Particle Physics (experiment) and Particle Astrophysics (experiment) are due the first Tuesday in December. Nuclear Physics (theory and experiment), Elementary Particle Physics (theory), Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (theory), Physics of Living Systems, and Quantum Information Science are due the second Tuesday in December. The source record also lists an "OriginalClosingDate" of 2024-12-10, which corresponds to the second Tuesday in December cycle for that year.
Eligibility is broad and includes multiple organization types. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based Institutions of Higher Education (two- and four-year, including community colleges) submitting on behalf of faculty; U.S.-based for-profit organizations (including small businesses) with strong research or education capabilities; non-profit, non-academic organizations such as museums, observatories, research labs, and professional societies; state and local governments such as state education offices and local school districts; Tribal Nations that are federally recognized under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act; and, with prior coordination, other federal agencies and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs). Foreign organizations may also submit, but for cooperative projects involving U.S. and foreign partners, NSF support is limited to the U.S. portion of the work. For proposals involving funding to an international branch campus of a U.S. institution (including via subawards or consultants), the proposer must explain the benefits of performing work at the branch campus and justify why the activities cannot be carried out at the U.S. campus.
From the source data, the opportunity is a discretionary grant under CFDA 47.049 (Physics), administered by the National Science Foundation, and categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development. The listing does not provide an award ceiling or expected number of awards in the text shown, implying applicants should consult the full solicitation and program guidance for typical award sizes, durations, and portfolio expectations by subfield.Apply for 23 615
- The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Division of Physics: Investigator-Initiated Research Projects" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.049.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2023-08-11.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-12-10. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: NSF Division of Physics (PHY) - Investigator-Initiated Research Projects (23-615)
What is this NSF PHY funding opportunity?
This opportunity is the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Physics (PHY) solicitation titled "Division of Physics: Investigator-Initiated Research Projects" (Funding Opportunity Number 23-615). It supports investigator-driven physics research and workforce development across U.S. colleges and universities and other eligible organizations.
What kinds of projects does this program support?
The solicitation supports a wide spectrum of physics research, including both experimental and theoretical work. It explicitly spans physics across enormous ranges of scale in space and time, from the largest and oldest phenomena in the universe to the smallest and most fundamental. It also emphasizes preparation and training of future scientists as part of research projects.
Is this opportunity only for basic research, or does it include workforce development too?
Based on the information provided, the program supports both scientific discovery and workforce development. The solicitation emphasizes the preparation and training of future scientists, including mentoring students and strengthening the national STEM talent pipeline.
Which physics subfields and program areas are included?
PHY organizes support around major disciplinary areas, and proposals generally align with one of its core programs. Subfields listed include:
- Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) Physics
- Elementary Particle Physics
- Gravitational Physics (including LIGO Research Support)
- Integrative Activities in Physics
- Nuclear Physics
- Particle Astrophysics
- Physics at the Information Frontier
- Physics of Living Systems
- Plasma Physics
- Quantum Information Science
Are both theoretical and experimental proposals allowed?
Yes. The opportunity explicitly spans both theoretical and experimental approaches across multiple subfields, and applicants can propose either theoretical or experimental work depending on the program area.
Does the solicitation encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion activities?
Yes. A notable priority is broader participation in physics. Principal Investigators are encouraged to incorporate concrete efforts that increase diversity in the physics community and broaden participation of groups historically under-represented in STEM. The provided text does not specify a single required model, but indicates that thoughtfully designed inclusion, recruitment, mentoring, and training components are welcomed and encouraged.
How does NSF PHY want investigators to handle proposals that might fit multiple PHY programs?
The Division strongly encourages investigators to submit a single proposal for potential co-review rather than submitting multiple, closely related proposals to different PHY programs. This is intended to reduce fragmented submissions.
What if I am considering submitting more than one proposal under this solicitation?
If a PI is considering submitting more than one proposal under this solicitation, NSF PHY recommends consulting the relevant program officer(s) before investing significant effort in proposal preparation.
What if I already have an active NSF PHY award?
If a PI already holds an active PHY award, the Division recommends consulting the relevant program officer(s) before investing significant effort in preparing a proposal under this solicitation.
Does the caution about multiple or overlapping proposals apply to NSF MRI, REU, centers, or renewals?
No. The provided text clarifies that the caution about multiple/closely related proposals does not apply to submissions or awards through NSF MRI, REU, and/or center programs, nor to renewal proposals.
When are proposals due?
Deadline timing depends on the specific program area, and full proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. local time of the submitter.
What is the due date for Plasma Physics proposals?
Plasma Physics proposals are due the third Monday in November (by 5:00 p.m. local time of the submitter).
What is the due date for AMO Physics proposals?
AMO (theory and experiment) proposals are due the fourth Wednesday in November (by 5:00 p.m. local time of the submitter).
What is the due date for Gravitational Physics and LIGO Research Support proposals?
Gravitational Physics (theory and experiment), LIGO Research Support, and Integrative Activities in Physics proposals are due the fourth Wednesday in November (by 5:00 p.m. local time of the submitter).
What is the due date for Elementary Particle Physics (experimental) and Particle Astrophysics (experimental) proposals?
Elementary Particle Physics (experiment) and Particle Astrophysics (experiment) proposals are due the first Tuesday in December (by 5:00 p.m. local time of the submitter).
What is the due date for Nuclear Physics, Elementary Particle Physics (theory), and other December cycle areas?
Nuclear Physics (theory and experiment), Elementary Particle Physics (theory), Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (theory), Physics of Living Systems, and Quantum Information Science proposals are due the second Tuesday in December (by 5:00 p.m. local time of the submitter).
What does the listed OriginalClosingDate of 2024-12-10 mean?
The source record lists an "OriginalClosingDate" of 2024-12-10, which corresponds to the second Tuesday in December cycle for that year.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes multiple organization types. Eligible applicants include:
- U.S.-based Institutions of Higher Education (two- and four-year, including community colleges) submitting on behalf of faculty
- U.S.-based for-profit organizations (including small businesses) with strong research or education capabilities
- Non-profit, non-academic organizations such as museums, observatories, research labs, and professional societies
- State and local governments such as state education offices and local school districts
- Tribal Nations that are federally recognized under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act
- With prior coordination, other federal agencies and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)
Can a foreign organization apply?
Yes. Foreign organizations may submit. However, for cooperative projects involving U.S. and foreign partners, NSF support is limited to the U.S. portion of the work.
How does NSF handle funding for cooperative projects involving U.S. and foreign partners?
For cooperative projects involving U.S. and foreign partners, the information provided states that NSF support is limited to the U.S. portion of the work.
What if the project involves an international branch campus of a U.S. institution?
If a proposal involves funding to an international branch campus of a U.S. institution (including via subawards or consultants), the proposer must explain the benefits of performing work at the branch campus and justify why the activities cannot be carried out at the U.S. campus.
What federal program classification is associated with this opportunity?
From the source data, this opportunity is a discretionary grant under CFDA 47.049 (Physics), administered by the National Science Foundation, and categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.
Does the listing provide an award ceiling or expected number of awards?
No. The text provided does not include an award ceiling or expected number of awards, and it implies applicants should consult the full solicitation and program guidance for typical award sizes, durations, and portfolio expectations by subfield.
What is the main purpose of encouraging a single proposal for co-review?
The provided text indicates this guidance is intended to reduce fragmented submissions by encouraging a single proposal for potential co-review rather than multiple, closely related proposals submitted to different PHY programs.
Do proposals need to align with a specific PHY program?
Yes. The information provided states that PHY organizes support around major disciplinary areas and proposals generally align with one of its core programs (such as AMO Physics, Plasma Physics, Nuclear Physics, and others listed in the solicitation summary).
What time of day are proposals due?
Full proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. local time of the submitter (with the specific calendar deadline depending on the program area).
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, National Ground-Water Monitoring Network
Previous opportunity: Public Diplomacy Small Grants - EDUCATION
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 23 615
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (23 615) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G23AS00473 Funding Number: G23AS00473 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $650,000 |
| Adversarial Resilient Cyber Effects for Decision Dominance Collaborative Research Program Apply for W911NF 23 S 0016 Funding Number: W911NF 23 S 0016 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) Research Fiscal Year 2024 Apply for W911NF23S0015 Funding Number: W911NF23S0015 Agency: Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Standards Development Organization Grants for Forensic Science Standards (SDO GFSS) Apply for 2023 NIST SDO 01 Funding Number: 2023 NIST SDO 01 Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology Apply for 23 620 Funding Number: 23 620 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| The State Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program Apply for G24AS00043 Funding Number: G24AS00043 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00058 Funding Number: G24AS00058 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $153,000 |
| Competition for the Management of Operation and Maintenance of the National Geophysical Facility Apply for 23 623 Funding Number: 23 623 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity Apply for 23 625 Funding Number: 23 625 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Ideas Lab: Personalized Engineering Learning Apply for 23 627 Funding Number: 23 627 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| The Educational Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program Apply for G24AS00077 Funding Number: G24AS00077 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Basic Research for Electro-Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors and Sensor Processing Apply for N0001424SBC01 Funding Number: N0001424SBC01 Agency: Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Research Units Program Department of the Interior Geological Survey Apply for G24AS00500 Funding Number: G24AS00500 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Climate Resilience Centers Apply for DE FOA 0003181 Funding Number: DE FOA 0003181 Agency: Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY2024 Development Innovation Ventures_APS Apply for 7200AA24APS00001 Funding Number: 7200AA24APS00001 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00137 Funding Number: G24AS00137 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00138 Funding Number: G24AS00138 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering and Computer Science Apply for 24 503 Funding Number: 24 503 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Lakes – Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00155 Funding Number: G24AS00155 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $120,214 |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00157 Funding Number: G24AS00157 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $234,194 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "23 615", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.