Opportunity Information: Apply for 08 541
Apply for 08 541
- The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "American Competitiveness in Chemistry Fellowship" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.049 Mathematical and Physical Sciences.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 4, 2010 and posted on Jan 29, 2008.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 1, 2009 Full Proposal Deadline(s) April 01, 2009 April 1, Annually Thereafter. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $1,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Organization Limit Proposals may only be submitted by the following Fellowship proposals may be submitted by a US university, college, or non profit, non academic organization with the prospective Fellow as the Principal Investigator (PI). Fellowship proposals may also be submitted by individuals who are unaffiliated or who are affiliated with for profit organizations, state or local governments or federal agencies. When applying as independent/unaffiliated individuals, Fellow applicants must register with FastLane or Grants.gov prior to submitting their proposals and, if recommended for a Fellowship, must affiliate with a US university, college, or non profit, non academic organization, which administers the Fellowship award. PI LimitThe PI on an American Competitiveness in Chemistry Fellowship must be the prospective Fellow. No co PIs are allowed. At the time of the award, a Fellow must hold a doctorate in the chemical sciences and must be a US citizen or permanent resident. For a Postdoctoral Fellowship, the individual must have received his or her doctorate within two years from the start date of the fellowship. PIs who have not yet received their PhD are eligible to apply. Exceptions to this time related restriction can be made for extenuating personal circumstances, such as a career interruption due to family responsibilities, but must be approved by a cognizant program officer prior to submission of the proposal.
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Opportunity Summary:
The American Competitiveness in Chemistry Fellowship (NSF Funding Opportunity Number 08-541) is a National Science Foundation grant program designed to support early-career chemists at the postdoctoral level for two years of advanced research and professional development. The fellowship is aimed at strengthening the United States chemistry enterprise by helping new PhD scientists build meaningful, working connections between academia and external partner environments, specifically industry, national laboratories, and/or NSF Chemistry Division-funded centers. A core idea is that the fellow is not simply doing an isolated postdoc project, but is intentionally positioned between an academic setting and an affiliate partner so the research effort becomes more collaborative, more applied where appropriate, and more connected to broader chemistry infrastructure and workforce needs.
A central requirement of the program is that each applicant proposes a well-integrated and clearly synergistic research plan that involves a chosen partner (industrial, national lab, and/or an NSF Chemistry Division-funded center). The partner component is expected to add real value beyond what could be done in-house alone, enriching the fellow's primary research program through access to expertise, facilities, data, instrumentation, mentorship, or translational pathways. Just as important, the proposed research topic must fall within a thematic area supported by the NSF Division of Chemistry, meaning applicants need to ensure strong alignment with NSF chemistry priorities rather than work that sits outside the Division's scope.
In addition to the research plan, the fellowship places major emphasis on broadening participation in the chemical sciences. Applicants must develop and implement their own outreach or broader-participation plan, with the explicit goal of expanding inclusion for groups historically underrepresented in chemistry. This is not treated as a minor add-on; the solicitation expects an effective, thoughtful plan with concrete activities and plausible impacts, integrated into the fellow's overall professional agenda. The fellowship is therefore structured to develop scientists who are not only technically strong researchers but also leaders who actively contribute to improving participation and access in the field.
From a funding and scale standpoint, the opportunity was listed with an estimated total program funding of about $1,000,000 and an expectation of approximately five awards. The award floor is listed as $200,000, and there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. The funding instrument is a grant under the category of Science and Technology and other Research and Development (CFDA 47.049, Mathematical and Physical Sciences). While the original solicitation cycle referenced deadlines in May 2008 and then April 1 annually thereafter (with a listed current closing date of April 1, 2009 in the archived record), the key takeaway is that this was structured as a recurring annual competition during its active period, later archived on March 4, 2010.
Eligibility rules are fairly specific. The principal investigator must be the prospective fellow, and no co-PIs are allowed, reinforcing that this is an individual fellowship centered on the fellow's plan and leadership. By the time of award, the fellow must hold a doctorate in the chemical sciences and must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. For the postdoctoral fellowship track, the doctorate generally must have been received within two years of the fellowship start date, though exceptions may be possible for extenuating personal circumstances (such as career interruptions due to family responsibilities) if approved by the relevant NSF program officer before proposal submission. Applicants who have not yet received the PhD are permitted to apply, as long as they will meet the degree requirement by the award/start time.
Proposals can be submitted through multiple organizational pathways. A U.S. university, college, or nonprofit non-academic organization may submit the proposal on behalf of the fellow, with the fellow listed as PI. The solicitation also allows submission by individuals who are unaffiliated or affiliated with for-profit organizations, state or local governments, or federal agencies. However, if an applicant applies as an independent/unaffiliated individual and is recommended for an award, they must then affiliate with a U.S. university, college, or nonprofit non-academic organization that will administer the fellowship award. Submission is handled through NSF systems such as FastLane or Grants.gov, and applicants are expected to register appropriately in advance.
Finally, the program signals a longer-term development pathway. NSF's Chemistry Division notes that fellows who build strong programs and later pursue academic careers may be positioned for additional support, either as supplements to the original fellowship award or through new NSF awards. The solicitation also indicates that future revisions were expected to broaden the program's scope to other beginning scientists, contingent on available funds. Overall, the fellowship is best understood as a two-year, career-shaping award that combines high-quality NSF-aligned chemistry research, intentional cross-sector partnership building, and a serious commitment to broadening participation in the chemical sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): American Competitiveness in Chemistry Fellowship (NSF 08-541)
What is the American Competitiveness in Chemistry Fellowship (NSF 08-541)?
The American Competitiveness in Chemistry Fellowship is a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant program that supports early-career chemists at the postdoctoral level for two years of advanced research and professional development. The program is designed to strengthen the U.S. chemistry enterprise by helping new PhD scientists build meaningful, working connections between academia and external partner environments.
How long is the fellowship period?
The fellowship supports two years of postdoctoral-level research and professional development.
What is the main purpose of this fellowship?
The fellowship aims to develop early-career chemists by combining NSF-aligned chemistry research with intentional cross-sector partnership building. A core idea is that the fellow is positioned between an academic setting and an external affiliate partner so the research becomes more collaborative, more connected to applied or translational pathways (where appropriate), and better linked to broader chemistry infrastructure and workforce needs.
What kinds of partners are expected in the research plan?
Each applicant is expected to include a partner component in the proposed research plan. The partner may be in industry, a national laboratory, and/or an NSF Chemistry Division-funded center.
Is the external partner optional?
No. A central requirement is a well-integrated, clearly synergistic research plan that involves a chosen partner (industrial, national lab, and/or an NSF Chemistry Division-funded center).
What does NSF mean by a “well-integrated and clearly synergistic†plan?
Based on the solicitation description, “well-integrated and clearly synergistic†means the partner component should add real value beyond what could be done within the primary academic setting alone. The partnership is expected to enrich the fellow’s main research program through access to expertise, facilities, data, instrumentation, mentorship, or translational pathways.
Does the research topic need to align with specific NSF priorities?
Yes. The proposed research topic must fall within a thematic area supported by the NSF Division of Chemistry. Applicants are expected to ensure strong alignment with NSF chemistry priorities and avoid topics that sit outside the Division’s scope.
How important is broadening participation in this fellowship?
It is a major emphasis of the program. Applicants must develop and implement an outreach or broader-participation plan with the explicit goal of expanding inclusion for groups historically underrepresented in chemistry. The solicitation describes this as more than a minor add-on and expects a thoughtful plan with concrete activities and plausible impacts.
What is required in the outreach or broader-participation plan?
The applicant must propose their own plan aimed at broadening participation in the chemical sciences, focusing on improving inclusion for groups historically underrepresented in chemistry. The plan is expected to include concrete activities and credible, plausible impacts, and to be integrated into the fellow’s overall professional agenda.
Who is eligible to apply as the principal investigator (PI)?
The principal investigator must be the prospective fellow. The program is structured as an individual fellowship centered on the fellow’s leadership and plan.
Are co-principal investigators (co-PIs) allowed?
No. The solicitation specifies that no co-PIs are allowed.
Do applicants need to have a PhD at the time of application?
Applicants who have not yet received the PhD are permitted to apply, as long as they will meet the doctoral degree requirement by the time of award/start.
When must the fellow have completed the doctorate?
By the time of award, the fellow must hold a doctorate in the chemical sciences.
Is there a recency requirement for the PhD?
Yes. For the postdoctoral fellowship track, the doctorate generally must have been received within two years of the fellowship start date.
Are exceptions allowed to the “within two years†PhD timing rule?
Exceptions may be possible for extenuating personal circumstances (such as career interruptions due to family responsibilities), but they must be approved by the relevant NSF program officer before proposal submission.
Are there citizenship or residency requirements?
Yes. By the time of award, the fellow must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
What types of organizations can submit a proposal on behalf of the fellow?
A U.S. university, college, or nonprofit non-academic organization may submit the proposal on behalf of the fellow, with the fellow listed as PI.
Can individuals apply without being affiliated with an institution?
Yes. The solicitation allows submission by individuals who are unaffiliated. However, if an unaffiliated applicant is recommended for an award, they must then affiliate with a U.S. university, college, or nonprofit non-academic organization that will administer the fellowship award.
Can applicants affiliated with for-profit organizations apply?
Yes. The solicitation indicates that submission is allowed by individuals affiliated with for-profit organizations.
Can applicants affiliated with government entities apply?
Yes. The solicitation indicates that submission is allowed by individuals affiliated with state or local governments, or federal agencies.
What happens if an independent/unaffiliated applicant is selected?
If an independent/unaffiliated applicant is recommended for an award, they must affiliate with a U.S. university, college, or nonprofit non-academic organization that will administer the fellowship award.
What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?
The funding instrument is a grant under the category of Science and Technology and other Research and Development.
What CFDA number is associated with this program?
The program is listed under CFDA 47.049 (Mathematical and Physical Sciences).
What is the estimated total program funding and number of awards?
The opportunity was listed with an estimated total program funding of about $1,000,000 and an expectation of approximately five awards.
What is the minimum award amount listed?
The award floor is listed as $200,000.
Is cost-sharing or matching required?
No. The solicitation states that there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.
How are proposals submitted?
Submission is handled through NSF systems such as FastLane or Grants.gov. Applicants are expected to register appropriately in advance.
Were there specific deadlines for this opportunity?
The original solicitation cycle referenced deadlines in May 2008 and then April 1 annually thereafter, with a listed closing date of April 1, 2009 in the archived record. The program was structured as a recurring annual competition during its active period.
Is this opportunity currently active?
The record described here indicates the opportunity was later archived on March 4, 2010.
What makes this fellowship different from a typical postdoc?
The fellowship is designed so the fellow is not simply doing an isolated postdoctoral project. Instead, the fellow is intentionally positioned between an academic environment and an external affiliate partner, with the expectation that the research effort becomes more collaborative and connected to broader chemistry infrastructure and workforce needs.
Does the program mention any longer-term career development pathway?
Yes. NSF’s Chemistry Division notes that fellows who build strong programs and later pursue academic careers may be positioned for additional support, either as supplements to the original fellowship award or through new NSF awards.
Does the solicitation mention future changes to the program?
Yes. The solicitation indicates that future revisions were expected to broaden the program’s scope to other beginning scientists, contingent on available funds.
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| Opportunities for Promoting Understanding through Synthesis Apply for 08 559 Funding Number: 08 559 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
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| Theoretical Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics Apply for PD 08 1284 Funding Number: PD 08 1284 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| CISE Computing Research Infrastructure Apply for 08 570 Funding Number: 08 570 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| TeraGrid Phase III eXtreme Digital Resources for Science and Engineering Apply for 08 571 Funding Number: 08 571 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $12,000,000 |
| Science and Technology Centers Integrative Partnerships Apply for 08 580 Funding Number: 08 580 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers Program Apply for 08 591 Funding Number: 08 591 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Arctic Research Opportunities Apply for 08 597 Funding Number: 08 597 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| CHE DMR DMS Solar Energy Initiative Apply for 08 598 Funding Number: 08 598 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation Apply for 08 599 Funding Number: 08 599 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Cyber Enabled Discovery and Innovation Apply for 08 604 Funding Number: 08 604 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences (OEDG) Apply for 08 605 Funding Number: 08 605 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Innovations in Engineering Education, Curriculum and Infrastructure Apply for 08 610 Funding Number: 08 610 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Partnerships for International Research and Education (PIRE) Apply for 09 505 Funding Number: 09 505 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology Apply for 09 510 Funding Number: 09 510 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Centers for Chemical Innovation Phase I Apply for 09 503 Funding Number: 09 503 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials Apply for 09 518 Funding Number: 09 518 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Earth Sciences Instrumentation and Facilities Apply for 09 517 Funding Number: 09 517 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $12,000,000 |
| Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry Apply for 09 516 Funding Number: 09 516 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Alliances for Broadening Participation in STEM Apply for 09 515 Funding Number: 09 515 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
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