Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - NSF Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms (CSDM) Program

1) What is the NSF Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms (CSDM) Program?

The Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms (CSDM) Program is a discretionary National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity within the Mathematical and Physical Sciences directorate (CFDA 47.049). It supports fundamental, transformative research focused on explaining how chemical systems are constructed and how they behave.

2) What kind of research does CSDM fund?

CSDM funds basic science research that advances underlying chemical principles. Supported work includes experimental and theoretical studies that clarify electronic and molecular structure, structure-activity relationships, molecular-level interactions over time, and detailed reaction mechanisms.

3) Does the program emphasize basic science or applied technology development?

The emphasis is on basic science rather than near-term product development. Projects aimed primarily at developing new applied technologies (instead of uncovering fundamental mechanisms) may be better suited to a different NSF program, and investigators are encouraged to contact CSDM staff for guidance.

4) What does CSDM mean by “transformative” research?

Based on the opportunity description, transformative research in CSDM is research that significantly advances understanding of chemical systems and mechanisms, particularly by addressing major open questions in chemistry and improving the ability to explain and predict chemical behavior.

5) Are hypothesis-driven projects required?

The program highlights particular interest in projects that are hypothesis-driven or thoughtfully exploratory. In other words, proposals can be driven by specific hypotheses or designed as well-motivated exploratory investigations, as long as they tackle major open questions and advance fundamental understanding.

6) What is a central scientific priority of the CSDM Program?

A central priority is improving the community’s ability to understand and predict chemical reactivity across different environments, including homogeneous, heterogeneous, and interfacial systems.

7) What environments or system types are within scope (homogeneous, heterogeneous, interfacial)?

CSDM explicitly includes:

• Homogeneous systems: reactants in the same phase
• Heterogeneous systems: multiple phases or distinct materials involved
• Interfacial systems: chemistry controlled by surfaces and boundaries

8) What methods and tools are encouraged?

The program explicitly encourages the use of advanced computational chemistry, modeling, and cutting-edge spectroscopy. The goal is to push measurements and simulations to the limits of time and length scales, such as capturing ultrafast events, resolving short-lived intermediates, or mapping structure and dynamics at extremely fine spatial resolution.

9) Does CSDM support both experimental and theoretical work?

Yes. The description states that CSDM funds experimental and theoretical research, including computational approaches and hybrid experimental-computational studies.

10) What phases of matter and chemical systems are supported?

The scope is broad and includes studies of dynamic behavior and reactions of molecules, as well as atomic and molecular clusters, in gases, liquids, and solids.

11) Are photochemical reactions and light-matter interactions within scope?

Yes. Example topic areas specifically called out include the dynamics of photochemical reactions, charge-transfer processes, and more generally the mechanisms of light-matter interactions at the molecular level.

12) Does the program support research on surfaces and interfaces?

Yes. In addition to bulk-phase chemistry, CSDM supports investigations of how molecules orient, interact, and react on surfaces and at other interfaces, where geometry, electronic coupling, and local environments can strongly influence reaction pathways.

13) How does CSDM handle proposals focused on nanoscale, macromolecular, or supramolecular systems?

The opportunity notes that projects primarily nanoscale in focus, or centered on macromolecular or supramolecular systems, may fit better in the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry (MSN) Program. When the boundary is unclear, prospective investigators are encouraged to contact both CSDM and MSN staff.

14) What should applicants do if they are unsure which NSF program is the best fit?

The solicitation provides steering guidance: if your project appears to sit at the boundary (for example, between CSDM and MSN), you are encouraged to contact the relevant program staff for direction.

15) Who is eligible to apply?

The opportunity was listed as “unrestricted” in applicant eligibility, meaning it was open to any entity type, subject to any additional clarifications in the full solicitation text.

16) About how many awards were expected?

Historically, the opportunity indicated an expectation of roughly 50 awards.

17) Were there recurring submission windows, and what were the due dates?

Yes. The solicitation described recurring annual submission windows, due by 5 p.m. local time. The typical windows listed were:

• July 1 to July 31
• November 1 to November 30

18) What time were proposals due?

Proposals were due by 5 p.m. local time, according to the solicitation description.

19) When was this opportunity posted and when was it archived?

The posting history indicates the opportunity was originally posted in 2009 and later archived in 2012, with an archive date of July 18, 2012.

20) What should I do if I have trouble accessing the announcement through Grants.gov?

For logistical issues accessing the announcement through Grants.gov, the provided support contact was grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

21) What NSF directorate is associated with this program?

The program is within NSF’s Mathematical and Physical Sciences directorate.

22) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity information lists CFDA 47.049.