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

FAQs: NSF Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms (CSDM B) Program

What is the NSF CSDM B program?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms (CSDM B) program is a discretionary grant opportunity within NSF's Division of Chemistry that supports fundamental research linking molecular structure (arrangements of atoms and electrons) to chemical reactivity and chemical properties. The goal is to improve general, physical understanding of chemical behavior through mechanism- and structure-based studies.

What kinds of research questions does CSDM B support?

CSDM B supports projects that explain how molecular structure leads to reaction outcomes, mechanisms, reaction rates, intermolecular interactions, and/or observable properties. The emphasis is on building or improving foundational models and understanding, rather than creating devices or advancing engineering prototypes.

What is the main emphasis of CSDM as a whole?

CSDM broadly focuses on chemical dynamics, including reaction kinetics and mechanisms, intramolecular rearrangements and conformational changes, and changes triggered by electromagnetic excitation (for example, photochemistry and photophysics).

What phases or environments of chemistry are most relevant to CSDM B?

The program is primarily interested in chemical phenomena in the gas phase and fluid phases, as well as at interfaces such as gas-fluid, gas-solid, fluid-solid, and fluid-fluid boundaries.

Are solid-phase chemical processes a good fit for CSDM B?

Proposals that are mainly about solid-phase chemical processes are generally not a good fit for CSDM.

Is nanomaterials- or nanoscale assembly-focused work appropriate for CSDM B?

Projects where the central questions are driven by nanoscale materials or nanoscale assemblies are typically steered to a different NSF chemistry program (Macromolecular, Supramolecular, and Nanochemistry, CHE/MSN). CSDM is not intended to be the primary home for nanomaterials-centric research.

How does CSDM B differ from CSDM A?

Within CSDM, the B track tends to support studies involving more chemically complex systems and often includes substantial chemical synthesis to create molecules, intermediates, or catalysts needed to test mechanistic hypotheses. CSDM B also tends to emphasize time scales governed by reaction kinetics rather than ultrafast dynamics.

Does CSDM B require the development of new measurement techniques?

CSDM B proposals generally rely on established experimental and analytical methods to answer mechanistic or structure-property questions, rather than proposing primarily to invent or build entirely new measurement techniques.

Can computational research be included in a CSDM B proposal?

Yes. Computational work can be part of CSDM B, but it is expected to be clearly tied to interpreting or understanding experimental results. Work that is purely method development or purely theoretical and detached from experimental reality is not described as the program's focus.

What types of topics are considered a strong fit for CSDM B?

Topics that fit well include mechanistic studies of organometallic, organic, and inorganic reactions; chemistry of reactive intermediates (short-lived but mechanistically important species); mechanistic studies relevant to energy-related chemical processes; and research on how light and electrons interact with chemical structures, including photochemical pathways and electron-transfer behavior.

What are reactive intermediates in the context of this program?

Reactive intermediates are short-lived species that can be crucial to understanding how reactions proceed. CSDM B identifies the chemistry of reactive intermediates as an example of a good-fit topic area.

Does CSDM B support photochemistry and photophysics research?

Yes. CSDM includes changes triggered by electromagnetic excitation (for example, photochemistry and photophysics), and CSDM B specifically notes interest in photochemical pathways and photophysical behavior connected to structure and mechanism.

Does CSDM B support electron-transfer research?

Yes. Research on how light and electrons interact with chemical structures, including electron-transfer behavior, is listed among the kinds of topics that fit well in CSDM B.

What examples of previously funded project themes does NSF provide for CSDM B?

NSF examples illustrating the program's range include: ligand design and catalysis involving samarium diiodide; charge delocalization and mobility in conjugated systems in both ground and photoexcited states; reactivity studies of 1,2-diradicals; development and mechanistic understanding of shape-responsive fluorophores; computationally guided studies of cycloaddition mechanisms; photophysical behavior of spin-polarized molecules; and controlled photorelease of stable molecules.

Is the program focused on fundamental chemistry or applied device development?

The emphasis is strongly on foundational chemistry: building or improving physical models and general understanding of chemical behavior. It is not primarily aimed at building devices or advancing engineering prototypes.

How can applicants align a proposal with sustainable chemistry in this opportunity?

Applicants considering a strong sustainable chemistry angle are encouraged to align with NSF's SusChEM emphasis area by using the proposal title format "SusChEM: Name of Your Proposal," following NSF guidance for sustainable chemistry submissions.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any clarifications NSF may provide in the full program text.

What is the CFDA area for this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is administered as a grant under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences CFDA area (47.049).

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching.

When are proposals typically due?

The program historically operated on an annual submission window, with due dates typically falling in September.

Is pre-submission contact with NSF recommended?

Yes. NSF encouraged prospective principal investigators to email short research summaries to CSDM program directors before submitting a full proposal. This is intended to help confirm whether a project is appropriate for CSDM and whether it is better suited to CSDM A or CSDM B.

What is the purpose of emailing a short research summary before submitting?

The pre-submission summary is meant to help applicants determine if the project fits CSDM at all and, if it does, which track (CSDM A or CSDM B) is the better match.

Where should applicants go for help with access or submission system issues?

For access issues with the announcement or submission systems, NSF directs applicants to NSF/Grants.gov support channels listed in the notice.