Materials Engineering and Processing | Apply Online

NSF Materials Engineering and Processing (MEP) Program FAQs

1) What is the NSF Materials Engineering and Processing (MEP) program?

The NSF Materials Engineering and Processing (MEP) program funds fundamental research that links how materials are processed to the structures that form, the properties that result, and the performance those materials deliver over their full life cycle in real applications. The core focus is the processing-structure-properties-performance relationship.

2) What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is PD 13 8092, and the CFDA number is 47.041.

3) What kinds of research approaches does MEP support?

MEP supports analytical, experimental, and numerical research approaches, as long as the work is grounded in clear scientific hypotheses and advances fundamental understanding of the processing-structure-properties-performance relationship.

4) Does MEP fund routine process optimization or parameter tuning?

MEP expects proposals to go beyond routine engineering optimization. Competitive proposals explain the underlying science of why a process yields particular structures and properties, and how that knowledge enables improved performance or new capabilities.

5) What types of materials processing research are considered within scope?

MEP is interested in manufacturing processes that transform materials into useful intermediate or final forms. Examples explicitly mentioned include extrusion, molding, casting, deposition, sintering, and printing.

6) Does MEP expect proposals to address real-world constraints like cost or scale-up?

When relevant, NSF expects researchers to address practical considerations such as cost, performance tradeoffs, and whether an approach can realistically scale up.

7) Is research on nanoscale materials within scope?

Yes. The program highlights interest in novel processes for producing nanoscale materials such as nanotubes and nanocrystals, as long as the focus is on manufacturing-focused processing research rather than basic atomic or molecular synthesis.

8) What kinds of nanoscale or synthesis proposals are not a good fit for MEP?

Proposals that are primarily about atomic/molecular-scale synthesis or thin-film synthesis (as opposed to manufacturing/processing) are described as not being a good fit for MEP.

9) What does MEP mean by “mechanical performance” research?

MEP supports research that is driven by a targeted application and focused on structural materials that carry load in service. The emphasis is on how materials perform mechanically under real use conditions.

10) What material classes are included under the mechanical performance scope?

The scope is broad and includes metals, polymers, composites, biomaterials, ceramics, hybrids, and cementitious materials.

11) What length scales does MEP consider for mechanical performance research?

MEP considers work across length scales ranging from microscale systems (such as MEMS) to large-scale structures (such as civil infrastructure).

12) Does MEP support research on durability and degradation over time?

Yes. The program is interested in understanding how materials lose performance over time in real environments, including degradation mechanisms such as corrosion, wear, and other forms of deterioration.

13) Are functional or responsive materials eligible under MEP?

MEP can support certain functional or responsive materials when the work includes performance considerations beyond a single narrow function, especially when mechanical performance is part of the research. Examples mentioned include piezoelectric, chromogenic, shape-memory, and self-healing responses, as well as materials whose behavior can be controlled by external stimuli like temperature, light, or pH.

14) If my project is about additive manufacturing, is MEP the right NSF program?

Proposals centered on additive manufacturing are directed to the Manufacturing Machines and Equipment (MME) program within CMMI, even when the proposal emphasizes materials aspects.

15) What about laser processing or bonding/joining?

Proposals centered on laser processing or bonding/joining are also directed to the Manufacturing Machines and Equipment (MME) program within CMMI.

16) Where should proposals focused on manufacturing at the nanoscale be submitted?

Work focused on manufacturing at the nanoscale (including scale-up, quality, and reliability of nanoscale materials, devices, or systems) is steered toward the Nanomanufacturing (NM) program.

17) If my project is primarily about the mechanics of solid materials, is MEP appropriate?

Research primarily about the mechanics of solid materials is directed to the Mechanics of Materials (MoM) program.

18) Where do design methodology proposals for accelerated materials development fit?

Proposals emphasizing design methodologies and theory for accelerated materials development and insertion are described as better aligned with the Design of Engineering Material Systems (DEMS) program.

19) How does MEP relate to DMREF and the Materials Genome Initiative?

For projects aligned with the Materials Genome Initiative that explicitly integrate theory and experiment to accelerate discovery and development, investigators are pointed to the DMREF opportunity rather than MEP.

20) Are energy-storage or energy-conversion electronic materials projects appropriate for MEP?

Energy-storage and energy-conversion electronic materials (such as fuel cells, batteries, and photovoltaics) are generally not appropriate for MEP unless the proposal is specifically advancing new manufacturing-process science for those materials. A limited exception is noted for genuinely multifunctional materials work that includes mechanical performance.

21) Who is eligible to apply to MEP?

The program is described as having unrestricted eligibility and being open to a wide range of applicant organizations.

22) Is cost sharing required?

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

23) Does MEP encourage collaboration with industry?

Yes. MEP encourages collaboration with industry through NSF's GOALI mechanism, reflecting interest in work that remains fundamental while connecting to real processing routes and real-world performance requirements.

24) Can I check whether my project is a good fit before submitting?

Yes. Prospective principal investigators are invited to email a short project summary to mep@nsf.gov a few weeks before submission to confirm program fit.

25) How can I volunteer to serve on an NSF review panel for MEP?

NSF welcomes volunteers to serve on review panels via mep@nsf.gov. The information requested typically includes a short bio sketch, areas of expertise, and a home page link.

26) When are REU/RET supplement requests due?

For education-related add-ons, REU/RET supplement requests are expected by March 31 each year.

27) What type of grant is this categorized as?

Administratively, this opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant in the science and technology research and development area.

28) When are proposals due?

The solicitation lists recurring annual submission windows, with due dates historically falling around early September/early October and mid-January/mid-February. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. local time.

29) What are the posted date and archive date for this opportunity?

The posted date is July 9, 2013, and the archive date extends to October 15, 2028.

30) Who should I contact for technical issues accessing the opportunity through Grants.gov?

For technical issues accessing the announcement through Grants.gov, NSF directs applicants to Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.