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NSF Applied Mathematics Grant (PD 10-1266) FAQs

What is the NSF Applied Mathematics grant opportunity described here?

This opportunity is the National Science Foundation (NSF) Applied Mathematics grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PD 10-1266; CFDA 47.049, Mathematical and Physical Sciences). It supports research in applied mathematics that is driven by, connected to, or demonstrably influential on problems in science and engineering.

What kinds of projects does this program support?

The program supports applied mathematics research where the mathematics is strong in its own right and clearly tied to real application areas. Proposals are expected to show both genuine mathematical merit and novelty, and convincing evidence that the work will matter beyond mathematics (for example, by enabling progress in a scientific or engineering domain or by creating broadly useful mathematical tools).

What does NSF mean by "applied mathematics" in this program?

In this context, "applied mathematics" refers to mathematical research that is driven by, connected to, or demonstrably influential on scientific and engineering problems. Reviewers are looking for a clear connection between the proposed mathematics and real application needs, not just mathematical sophistication by itself.

What are reviewers looking for when evaluating proposals?

Reviewers are looking for (1) strong mathematical merit and novelty and (2) clear, credible evidence that the proposed ideas, methods, or theory will influence applications. Proposals are evaluated not only on technical sophistication, but also on the breadth and quality of anticipated impact on applications.

How should applicants describe the "impact on applications"?

Applicants generally need to explain both the mathematical contributions and the pathway by which those contributions will influence applied work. That means spelling out how the mathematics will enable progress in a scientific or engineering domain, or how it will produce tools that are broadly useful beyond mathematics.

Is this program focused more on theory or on practical outcomes?

The program is centered on work where the mathematics is both strong in its own right and clearly tied to real application areas. The expectation is not "theory only" or "application only," but high-quality mathematics paired with a convincing connection to science or engineering problems.

Does the program emphasize any particular type of mathematical contribution?

Yes. A key emphasis is the development of critical mathematical techniques. Proposals that develop important mathematical methods and explain how they connect to application areas align with the stated program emphasis.

Can proposals be submitted by individual investigators, or do they need to be team-based?

The program welcomes proposals from individual investigators as well as interdisciplinary teams. This reflects NSF's interest in both deep, investigator-led advances and collaborative efforts that connect mathematical innovation to complex application needs.

Are interdisciplinary collaborations encouraged?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly welcomes interdisciplinary teams, particularly where collaboration helps connect mathematical innovation to complex application needs.

Does this opportunity allow proposals for conferences, workshops, or schools?

Yes. The opportunity includes specific guidance for proposals related to conferences, workshops, and similar community activities, including summer or winter schools.

Where can applicants find detailed expectations for conference or workshop proposals?

Conference Principal Investigators are directed to consult NSF's solicitation titled "Conferences and Workshops in the Mathematical Sciences" for detailed expectations about what such proposals should include.

How far in advance should a U.S.-based conference be proposed?

For events held in the United States, proposals should be submitted at least 8 months before the conference date so NSF can make funding decisions early enough to be useful.

How far in advance should group travel support for meetings outside the U.S. be proposed?

Requests that support group travel to meetings outside the United States should be submitted at least 12 months ahead of the meeting date.

Is there a special submission window for larger conference-style requests?

Yes. Larger conference-style requests with budgets exceeding $50,000 must be submitted during the annual November 1 to November 15 submission window.

What are the annual submission dates for this opportunity?

The listing states annual submission windows run from November 1 through November 15, due by 5 p.m. local time of the proposer.

What time are proposals due on the deadline date?

Proposals are due by 5 p.m. local time of the proposer during the stated submission window.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The listing indicates there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any clarifications that may appear in the full announcement's eligibility section.

What is the CFDA number and NSF area associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity lists CFDA 47.049 (Mathematical and Physical Sciences) and identifies the grant as an NSF Applied Mathematics opportunity.

What kind of grant program is this administratively?

Administratively, it is identified as a discretionary grant program under NSF's science and technology research and development activity category.

When was this solicitation originally posted?

The solicitation was originally posted on August 20, 2010.

What does it mean that the record has an archive date of December 15, 2024?

The archive date indicates that the opportunity, as listed in that system, has been archived. The description also notes that the program itself is an NSF program area that may continue under updated solicitations or program descriptions.

Where can applicants get help if they cannot access the announcement electronically?

For difficulties accessing the announcement electronically, the announcement points to NSF's Grants.gov support email: grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov. It also suggests contacting NSF if there are problems linking to the funding announcement.

What should applicants do if they have problems linking to the funding announcement?

The announcement suggests contacting NSF if there are problems linking to the funding announcement.