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NSF Computational Physics (CP) Grant Opportunity FAQs

1) What is the NSF Computational Physics (CP) opportunity?

The NSF Computational Physics (CP) opportunity funds research that advances computational and data-enabled science within physics. It places a clear preference on projects that push the state of the art in high-performance computing (HPC) while also producing strong, compelling physics results.

2) What kinds of projects does CP prefer to fund?

CP prefers projects that deliver a meaningful computational contribution that enables the physics outcomes. Examples of preferred contributions include new algorithms, new numerical methods, improved scalability, and efficient use of emerging computing architectures. The program is explicitly positioned for projects requiring substantial code development.

3) Is it enough to propose strong physics results without a major computational advance?

Based on the program description, proposals are expected to do both: aim for strong physics results and deliver a meaningful computational contribution that enables those results. Reviewers will be looking for genuine computational innovation aligned with modern data- and compute-intensive research directions.

4) Does the program support minor updates to existing software?

CP prioritizes work that creates a new computational capability for the community or significantly upgrades widely used community codes, rather than minor software tweaks.

5) What does “high-performance computing” emphasis mean for applicants?

The opportunity expresses a clear preference for projects that push the state of the art in HPC. Practically, this means proposals should show that the methods are novel or significantly improved relative to existing approaches, appropriate for current or next-generation computing platforms, and supported by a credible plan to implement and validate the computational advances.

6) What scientific areas are within scope for CP?

The program sits within NSF's Physics Division and supports computational investigations relevant to the disciplines covered by that division, including:

• Atomic, molecular, and optical physics
• Plasma physics
• Elementary particle physics
• Nuclear physics
• Gravitational physics
• Biological physics
• Particle astrophysics
• Accelerator science

7) Can a project have broader impacts beyond physics?

Yes. NSF signals that broader impacts beyond physics are encouraged. Methods, software, or workflows that other scientific areas can adopt may be viewed favorably, as long as the work remains clearly grounded in Physics Division interests.

8) How is CP connected to NSF’s CDS&E activity?

The CP opportunity is the mechanism through which the Physics Division participates in NSF's broader Computational and Data Enabled Science and Engineering (CDS&E) activity. This underscores the expectation that funded projects will be genuinely computationally innovative and aligned with modern data- and compute-intensive research directions.

9) What are reviewers likely to look for in a proposal?

The description indicates reviewers will look for evidence that proposed methods are novel or significantly improved relative to existing approaches, appropriate for current or next-generation computing platforms, and backed by a credible plan for implementing and validating the software and computational advances.

10) Where should I submit if my project fits better in another NSF division?

If the main intellectual focus fits better within another NSF division, applicants are expected to submit directly to that division rather than to Computational Physics.

11) What if my project crosses divisional lines?

For projects that genuinely cross divisional lines, NSF welcomes cross-cutting proposals and encourages principal investigators to request a co-review by listing the relevant additional NSF divisional programs on the proposal cover sheet. This is intended to streamline participation from multiple programs during review.

12) Is this program handled through a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL)?

No. Proposals are handled under the Physics Division's broader solicitation for investigator-initiated research projects rather than the older annual Dear Colleague Letter approach.

13) What rules govern proposal preparation and submission?

The solicitation generally follows the NSF Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) and adds extra requirements in certain cases, particularly for proposers expecting multiple sources of support and for proposals involving significant instrumentation development. It also uses specific deadlines rather than target dates.

14) What is the key compliance requirement mentioned for Physics Division submissions?

NSF notes that proposals to the Physics Division not covered by another NSF solicitation (for example, CAREER) must be submitted to the Division of Physics Investigator-Initiated Research Projects solicitation, or they may be returned without review.

15) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this CP opportunity?

The posted opportunity record lists it as Funding Opportunity Number PD 15 7244.

16) What is the program’s category and CFDA listing?

The opportunity is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development and is associated with CFDA 47.049 (Mathematical and Physical Sciences).

17) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity record states that it does not require cost sharing or matching.

18) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is generally open to any entity type unless additional constraints are specified in NSF's eligibility text.

19) What were the posted and closing dates for this opportunity?

The opportunity was originally posted on April 29, 2015, with a closing date of December 3, 2015.

20) When is this opportunity archived?

The opportunity record lists an archive date of January 3, 2026.

21) Where can I get help if I have technical issues accessing the announcement on Grants.gov?

For access or technical issues with the announcement on Grants.gov, NSF directs applicants to contact Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

22) What does “discretionary grant” mean in the opportunity record context?

The posted opportunity record identifies this as a discretionary NSF grant opportunity. The description provided does not add additional constraints beyond that classification.

23) Does the program favor community-facing software outcomes?

Yes. The description indicates CP prioritizes work that creates a new computational capability for the community or significantly upgrades widely used community codes, rather than incremental tweaks.

24) What kind of computing platforms should proposals consider?

The program description emphasizes appropriateness for current or next-generation computing platforms and efficient use of emerging computing architectures, alongside improved scalability and HPC-focused innovation.