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NSF Applied Mathematics Grant (PD 07 1266) FAQs

What is the NSF Applied Mathematics grant opportunity (PD 07 1266)?

It is a discretionary NSF research grant opportunity in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category. It sits under CFDA 47.049 (Mathematical and Physical Sciences) and focuses on applied mathematics research.

What is the central purpose of this program?

The program supports mathematical research that is directly motivated by, driven by, or ultimately influential for real problems arising in science and engineering. The intent is that the mathematics connects meaningfully to real applications rather than being purely abstract.

What kinds of application areas does the program consider relevant?

The opportunity description indicates a broad range of application domains, including physical sciences, engineering systems, computational science, biological or environmental modeling, data-driven scientific discovery, and other areas where mathematical advances can unlock progress.

What are the main evaluation themes emphasized by the program?

Two core themes are emphasized: (1) mathematical merit and novelty, and (2) impact on applications. Proposals are expected to be strong in both dimensions.

What does NSF mean by "mathematical merit and novelty" in this opportunity?

NSF expects original mathematics with intellectual depth and technical innovation, supported by a clear and well-justified research plan.

How is "impact on applications" described for this program?

Reviewers will look for evidence that the work can influence applied areas, for example by solving an identified class of problems, improving modeling or prediction, enabling new algorithms or computational methods, or producing theory that becomes broadly useful across multiple application settings.

Does the program value broad impact across disciplines or narrow specialization?

The description highlights both breadth and quality of impact. It signals a preference for research that can travel across disciplines and be adopted beyond a narrow niche, while still maintaining rigorous mathematical contributions.

Are both individual investigator and team proposals allowed?

Yes. The opportunity welcomes a range of project structures, including proposals from individual investigators and proposals from interdisciplinary teams working at the interface of mathematics and application areas.

What makes an interdisciplinary proposal a good fit for this program?

The key requirement described is that the mathematics and the applications should inform each other. The application should not be treated as a superficial add-on; instead, the proposal should convincingly show a two-way connection between mathematical advances and application-driven needs.

Can a solo mathematician apply with a foundational or techniques-focused project?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly notes that proposals are encouraged from individual investigators developing critical mathematical techniques, as long as the work is meaningfully connected to applications.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this listing?

The Funding Opportunity Number is PD 07 1266.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The listing cites CFDA 47.049 (Mathematical and Physical Sciences).

Does this listing require cost sharing or matching?

No. The archived record indicates no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Who is eligible to apply based on the listing?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any clarifications contained in the program text.

When was this opportunity originally posted, and what was the original closing date?

It was originally posted on March 24, 2009, and the listed original closing date was November 15, 2009.

What submission window timing is mentioned in the description?

The opportunity is described as following an annual submission window pattern, typically due by 5 p.m. local time for the proposer, with dates shown as November 1 through November 15 in subsequent years.

Is this funding opportunity still active?

The record indicates it was archived on August 20, 2010. It also notes that the current closing date was replaced by a later announcement ("replaced by 10 1266"), suggesting the program continued under an updated program description or solicitation number.

What does "replaced by 10 1266" imply?

Based on the listing, it suggests that NSF continued the Applied Mathematics program under an updated announcement or program description number, and that applicants should look to the newer reference for the current version of requirements and deadlines.

Does the listing provide the estimated total funding amount or expected number of awards?

No. In the archived record, both the estimated total funding and expected number of awards are shown as 0, meaning those figures are not provided in this listing.

Where should applicants look for up-to-date funding expectations and requirements?

The listing directs applicants to the NSF program description (07 1266) for full details and updated links or requirements, and notes that applicants would typically rely on the full NSF program description and current NSF budget guidance for current funding expectations.

Who should be contacted for access issues related to the application process?

The contact listed for access issues is NSF grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.