Catalysis and Biocatalysis | Apply Online

NSF Catalysis and Biocatalysis (PD 12-1401) - Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the NSF Catalysis and Biocatalysis program (PD 12-1401)?

The NSF Catalysis and Biocatalysis program supports research on catalysts and catalytic processes that are important across many technologies and industries. It emphasizes hypothesis-driven research at the intersection of chemical engineering and chemistry, using experimental approaches and, when appropriate, modeling.

2) What kinds of research approaches does the program emphasize?

The program emphasizes hypothesis-driven work where research questions are addressed using experiments and, when appropriate, modeling approaches. The scope is broad and can include fundamental studies, use-inspired research, or a combination, as long as the work advances engineering science and clearly explains why it could make a meaningful difference.

3) What technical topics are within scope for this opportunity?

Expected technical areas include:

• Catalyst synthesis and fabrication (including specialized materials methods needed to create active catalysts)
• Catalyst characterization and performance studies
• Reaction kinetics and mechanisms
• Catalysis at surfaces or within reactor/process streams
• Modeling or fundamental analysis of catalysts and catalytic systems

4) Are both heterogeneous catalysts and biocatalysts eligible topics?

Yes. The program treats classical heterogeneous catalysts (for example, inorganic or carbon-based materials) and enzymatic or other biocatalysts as equally appropriate.

5) Do proposals need to focus on one reaction, or can they cover multiple reactions?

Proposals can focus on a single reaction or a set of related reactions.

6) What kinds of target products or applications are appropriate?

Target products can span fuels and energy carriers, chemical feedstocks, fine and bulk chemicals, and specialized functional materials.

7) What areas does NSF highlight as being of heightened interest or aligned with national needs?

The program signals heightened interest in catalysis aligned with national needs, especially catalysis for biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals, renewable energy development, and the broader shift toward greener and more environmentally benign products and processes.

8) Which application-driven catalysis areas are called out as particularly desirable?

Areas called out as particularly desirable include biomass conversion catalysis, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis, especially when tied to energy interconversion devices or systems that rely on catalysts.

9) Does the program welcome emerging catalyst concepts like nanoparticles or biomimetic designs?

Yes. The solicitation welcomes proposals exploring unique nanoparticle-enabled catalysis and biomimetic catalytic concepts, reflecting interest in emerging catalyst architectures and nature-inspired design principles.

10) Can proposals involve collaboration across NSF programs or divisions?

Yes. Projects may be coordinated and jointly funded with other programs within NSF's Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems (CBET) division and other NSF divisions. Investigators can submit to this program while explicitly requesting that joint funding be explored, particularly for work at the boundaries of catalysis with separations, reaction engineering, or renewable energy systems.

11) Is NSF interested in industry-university partnerships for this program?

Yes. The program expresses strong interest in industry-university partnerships through the GOALI mechanism, which is intended to encourage academic work strengthened by industrial collaboration and perspective.

12) What proposal mechanisms does NSF mention for this program?

The program highlights several mechanisms, including CAREER, EAGER, and RAPID proposals. It also notes opportunities related to undergraduate participation, workshops, and travel when these elements advance the research goals.

13) Are CAREER proposals encouraged, and what is the typical duration mentioned?

CAREER proposals are strongly encouraged. The Engineering CAREER deadline is typically in July, and the duration mentioned is five years.

14) Do EAGER or RAPID proposals require coordination with NSF before submission?

Yes. RAPID and EAGER submissions require prior discussion with the Program Director, and EAGER proposals are described as a way to seed high-risk early concepts that could later mature into full proposals.

15) Can a proposal include undergraduate participation, workshops, or travel?

Yes. The program notes opportunities to support undergraduate participation, workshops, and travel when these elements advance the research goals. These options have specific rules and are best discussed with the Program Director before submission.

16) What is the estimated total funding level and expected number of awards for this posting?

The posting lists an estimated total program funding level of about $4.8 million and an expectation of around 16 awards.

17) What type of award instrument is used, and is cost sharing required?

The award instrument is a grant, and there is no stated cost-sharing requirement.

18) Who is eligible to apply based on the information provided?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is open to any entity type (subject to any clarifications in the full announcement).

19) What is the typical award size mentioned, and what budget guidance does NSF provide?

The program describes a typical annual award size of about $100,000. It cautions that proposals requesting substantially more than that, without prior consultation, may be returned without review.

20) How long are awards typically expected to last under this opportunity?

Unsolicited awards are generally one to three years in duration.

21) Are small equipment proposals allowed, and what limit is mentioned?

Yes. Small equipment proposals under $100,000 may be considered within the annual submission window.

22) What were the proposal submission dates and deadline time for the cycle described?

For the cycle shown in the notice, the proposal submission window ran from August 15, 2011 through September 15, 2011, due by 5 p.m. local time.

23) What does NSF say proposals should include regarding novelty or transformative potential?

Submissions should clearly articulate novelty and/or potentially transformative potential relative to the current state of the art, and NSF notes that this argument should appear at minimum in the Project Summary.

24) Beyond technical merit, what else should proposers explain in their submissions?

Proposers are expected to explain both the engineering-science importance of the work and the potential societal and/or industrial impact if successful.

25) Are awards based only on reviewer scores?

No. NSF notes that award decisions are not based solely on reviewer scores. Programmatic considerations such as balance across subfields, overlap with other funding sources, available budget, and broader NSF priorities can influence final selections.

26) When is it especially recommended to contact the Program Director before submitting?

NSF recommends contacting the Program Director before submitting, particularly for proposals that are outside the most clearly emphasized areas or that request higher-than-typical budgets, to reduce the risk of return without review.