Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms (CSDM A) | Apply Online

FAQs: NSF Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms (CSDM) A (PD 12 9101)

What is the NSF CSDM A program trying to fund?

The NSF Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms (CSDM) A subprogram funds basic research that improves quantitative, foundational understanding of how molecular structure governs chemical reactivity, intermolecular interactions, and molecular dynamics. The focus is on fundamental chemical and physical insight rather than incremental improvements or straightforward applications.

What does "chemical dynamics" mean in this program?

In CSDM A, "chemical dynamics" is used broadly. It includes reaction kinetics and mechanisms, intramolecular rearrangements and conformational changes, and changes triggered by electromagnetic excitation.

Is CSDM A mainly experimental, computational, or theoretical?

The program is largely oriented toward experimental studies. It also welcomes proposals that use applied computational approaches when the computations are clearly tied to interpreting, explaining, or advancing understanding of existing experimental data. Proposals that are purely theoretical or disconnected from measurable phenomena are not a strong fit based on the description provided.

What kinds of proposals are considered strongest?

The strongest proposals emphasize generality and broad impact on the field. Rather than focusing narrowly on a single reaction family or a limited class of molecules, competitive projects aim to produce insights, models, or principles that could influence how chemists think about molecular structure and dynamics more broadly.

Does the program prioritize fundamental science over applications?

Yes. CSDM A prioritizes research that advances underlying physical models used to describe chemical structure and dynamical behavior, emphasizing fundamental questions rather than incremental improvements or straightforward applications.

Are device-building or engineering-centered projects a good fit?

Generally no. Projects centered on building or optimizing devices are described as not a good fit because the emphasis is on chemistry and physical understanding rather than engineering outcomes.

What chemical environments does CSDM A emphasize?

CSDM focuses primarily on phenomena in the gas phase and fluid phases, as well as chemistry occurring at interfaces (including gas-fluid, gas-solid, fluid-solid, and fluid-fluid boundaries).

Are solid-phase chemical processes within scope?

Projects that are mainly about solid-phase chemical processes are generally outside the program's scope, according to the opportunity description.

What if my work is mainly about nanoscale materials or nanoscale assemblies?

If the central questions arise from the properties of nanoscale materials or nanoscale assemblies, the opportunity indicates such projects are typically directed to a different NSF program: the Macromolecular, Supramolecular, and Nanochemistry program (CHE/MSN), rather than CSDM.

What is the difference between CSDM A and CSDM B?

CSDM A is one of two closely related subprograms under the broader CSDM umbrella, alongside CSDM B. NSF describes the split at a high level using differences such as molecular complexity, relevant time scales, interaction strengths, and proximity to potential applications. The opportunity notes there can be overlap.

How can applicants confirm whether their topic fits CSDM A or CSDM B?

NSF encourages principal investigators to email short research summaries to CSDM program directors before submitting a full proposal. Program staff can advise whether the topic fits CSDM and, if so, whether CSDM A or CSDM B is the better fit.

Does CSDM A support high time-resolution or high spectral-resolution studies?

Yes. CSDM A often supports work that pushes the limits of time resolution or spectral resolution, including development of new experimental approaches that make previously inaccessible dynamics observable.

What if my proposal is mostly about developing a new measurement technique?

If technique development is the dominant objective in itself (rather than a means to answer new chemical questions), the opportunity indicates the Chemical Measurement and Imaging program may be a more appropriate venue.

What are examples of research areas previously funded under CSDM A?

Examples mentioned include femtosecond time-resolved studies of how solvents influence reaction dynamics; photoelectron spectroscopy of gas-phase ions and clusters; nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy at liquid-liquid interfaces; diffraction or scanning-probe investigations of molecular adsorbates on metal surfaces; and molecular modeling of clathrate hydrate growth.

Can a sustainable chemistry-focused proposal be submitted here?

Yes. Investigators with a strong sustainable chemistry component are encouraged to submit to this program and to label the proposal title with the prefix "SusChEM" followed by the proposal name, consistent with NSF guidance for its sustainable chemistry emphasis area.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number and program name referenced?

The opportunity is identified as NSF Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms program, CSDM A subprogram, Funding Opportunity Number PD 12 9101.

What type of grant opportunity is this administratively?

It is described as an NSF discretionary grant opportunity in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category, under CFDA 47.049 (Mathematical and Physical Sciences).

Is there a cost sharing or matching requirement?

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

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications in the full text of the solicitation.

When are proposals typically due?

Historically, the program operated with an annual submission window in September (typically September 1 through September 30), due by 5 p.m. local time. The opportunity notes that the listed closing dates are historical for that specific announcement record.

Is this particular announcement still active?

The record includes an archived date of October 30, 2019, and notes that the listed closing dates are historical for that specific announcement record. Based on that information, applicants should treat the dates in this record as historical rather than current.

What are the key dates shown on the announcement record?

The details include an original posting date of June 18, 2012, later creation metadata of July 14, 2015, and an archived date of October 30, 2019.

Who should be contacted for access or technical issues with the announcement?

For access or technical issues, the contact referenced is NSF grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.