Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) What is the NSF Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry (MSN) Program?

The NSF MSN Program supports basic, curiosity-driven research that answers fundamental chemical questions about macromolecular systems (for example, polymers), supramolecular assemblies (organized structures held together by noncovalent interactions), nanoscopic species (including clusters and nanoparticles), and other organized chemical structures. The emphasis is on advancing core chemistry knowledge about how these species are made, how they organize, how they behave, and why their structures produce distinctive properties and reactivities.

2) What kinds of systems are considered a fit for MSN?

The program focuses on discrete organized chemical and nanoscale systems, including macromolecules, supramolecular architectures, clusters, and nanoparticles, as well as organic, inorganic, and hybrid organized structures (excluding extended solids). Projects are a strong fit when the main contribution is fundamental chemical understanding of synthesis, assembly, structure-property relationships, or reactivity in these systems.

3) What is the central goal of the program?

The central goal is to advance foundational chemistry knowledge: how macromolecular, supramolecular, and nanoscale species are created; how they organize into defined structures; how they behave; and how and why structure at these length scales produces unique chemical/physicochemical properties and reactivities.

4) What are the three major research thrusts highlighted in the solicitation?

The solicitation highlights three thrusts:

• New synthetic chemistry for clusters, nanoparticles, polymers, and supramolecular architectures, including innovative construction strategies, surface functionalization, surface monolayer chemistry, and template-directed synthesis.
• Molecular-scale interactions and mechanisms of self-assembly that drive macromolecular, supramolecular, or nanoparticulate components to form discrete, organized structures (organic, inorganic, or hybrid), explicitly excluding extended solids.
• Advanced experimental and/or computational approaches to explain or predict chemical structure, emergent properties, and reactivity that arise because matter is organized at the macro-, supra-, or nanoscale; proposals that tightly couple theory and experiment are especially encouraged.

5) Does MSN support development of new synthetic methods and strategies?

Yes. The program explicitly encourages creation of new synthetic chemistry for clusters, nanoparticles, polymers, and supramolecular architectures. This includes innovative strategies for building these systems as well as approaches such as surface functionalization, surface monolayer chemistry, and template-directed synthesis where molecular templates guide structure formation.

6) What does MSN mean by "self-assembly" research?

In this context, self-assembly research is aimed at uncovering the molecular-scale chemical interactions, forces, dynamics, and mechanisms that cause macromolecular, supramolecular, or nanoparticulate building blocks to organize into discrete, ordered structures. The focus is on understanding the organizing principles that control spatial arrangement in discrete organic, inorganic, or hybrid systems, not on extended solids.

7) Are extended solids within scope?

No. The solicitation emphasizes discrete organized structures and explicitly excludes extended solids from the self-assembly thrust. Proposals primarily focused on extended solids are described as outside MSN scope.

8) What kind of computation or theory work is encouraged?

The program supports projects that use advanced computational and/or experimental approaches to explain or predict chemical structure, emergent properties, and reactivity that specifically arise from organization at the macro-, supra-, or nanoscale. Proposals that tightly integrate computation and experiment, such as computation guiding experiments and experiments refining theory, are called out as especially desirable.

9) How does the program view sustainability-oriented research?

MSN welcomes sustainability-oriented chemistry when the work advances fundamental MSN-relevant understanding and the chemistry itself is the main scientific focus. The program distinguishes this from projects that are primarily applications-, device-, or engineering-driven.

10) What sustainability-relevant topics does the program explicitly mention?

Examples of sustainability-relevant topics identified include:

• Transformative routes to recyclable polymers or polymers derived from renewable feedstocks
• Supramolecular recognition chemistry enabling sequestration and recycling of critical elements
• Supramolecular chemistry that informs design of highly selective, efficient catalysts approaching enzyme-like performance (with specific exclusions noted)
• New nanostructure chemistry based on earth-abundant elements as substitutes for nanostructures relying on critical elements
• Innovative methods to prepare nanostructures of critical elements that promote efficient and sustainable use

11) If my proposal emphasizes sustainable chemistry, is there special labeling guidance?

Yes. For proposals with a strong sustainable chemistry emphasis, NSF suggests labeling the proposal title with "SusChEM: " followed by the proposal name, aligning it with NSF's sustainable chemistry emphasis area.

12) Are enzyme engineering or combinatorial catalyst library screening responsive topics?

No. While the program is interested in supramolecular chemistry that informs design of highly selective and efficient catalysts approaching enzyme-like performance, it clarifies that enzyme selection/genetic engineering and combinatorial catalyst library screening are not of interest.

13) What types of projects are considered out of scope for MSN?

The program indicates that proposals primarily focused on any of the following are outside scope: extended solids, broad materials research, biological properties, device performance, or engineering objectives. The program is best suited for work where the core contribution is new chemical insight rather than development of devices or engineered technologies.

14) Is the program more chemistry-focused or engineering-focused?

It is fundamentally chemistry-focused. Even when sustainability is a theme, the solicitation emphasizes that the chemistry (fundamental understanding of synthesis, assembly, structure-property relationships, and/or reactivity in organized systems) should remain the main scientific focus rather than engineering performance goals.

15) What is an EAGER pathway and how does it relate to MSN?

MSN encourages short white paper submissions as a precursor to potential EAGER proposals. EAGER proposals are intended for high-risk, highly innovative, and potentially transformative ideas that may not yet have extensive preliminary data, and are positioned as a pathway for unusually novel concepts in macromolecular, supramolecular, and nanochemistry where early feasibility could open new directions.

16) Does MSN accept white papers?

Yes. The program encourages short white paper submissions specifically as a precursor to potential EAGER proposals.

17) Which NSF directorate and area administers this opportunity?

This is an NSF discretionary grant program under the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and it is run through NSF Chemistry (CHE).

18) What is the CFDA number listed for this program?

The program is listed under CFDA 47.049.

19) Is cost sharing required?

No. The opportunity states there is no cost sharing requirement.

20) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning a wide range of applicant organization types may apply, subject to any clarifications in the full program guidance.

21) How many awards does NSF expect to make?

The opportunity notes a historically expected award count of around 50.

22) Is there a single fixed deadline?

No. The opportunity has been run through NSF Chemistry (CHE) submission windows rather than one fixed deadline, with archived windows listed across multiple years.

23) Where should applicants look to align their proposal with program priorities?

Investigators are encouraged to consult the program description and related NSF documentation to ensure scope and framing align with program priorities, including the SusChEM Dear Colleague Letter for sustainability-aligned efforts.

24) What should I do if I have access issues with the application portal?

For access issues, NSF directs applicants to contact Grants.gov support.

25) How can I tell if my project is a strong fit for MSN rather than another NSF program?

Based on the stated boundaries, MSN is most appropriate when the main outcome is new fundamental chemical insight into discrete organized or nanoscale systems (how they are synthesized, how they assemble, and how structure controls properties/reactivity). If the proposal is primarily about extended solids, broad materials work, biological properties, device performance, or engineering objectives, the solicitation advises seeking a more appropriate NSF program.