Materials World Network Cooperative Activity in Materials Research between US Investigators and their Counterparts Abroad | Apply Online

Materials World Network (MWN) Cooperative Activity - FAQs

What is the Materials World Network (MWN) Cooperative Activity?

The Materials World Network (MWN) Cooperative Activity is a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity intended to strengthen international collaboration in fundamental materials and condensed matter research. It is designed to help U.S.-based researchers work closely with collaborators in other countries by leveraging complementary expertise, facilities, and research perspectives.

What is the main goal of this NSF opportunity?

The primary goal is to support coordinated international research partnerships that accelerate advances in materials and condensed matter research, particularly where meaningful progress depends on cross-border teamwork and access to capabilities that are difficult to assemble within a single country.

Which NSF unit and mission must projects align with?

Projects must clearly fit within the mission and research scope of NSF's Division of Materials Research (DMR). Proposals are expected to be framed so that the research aims, methods, and anticipated outcomes are clearly relevant to DMR priorities.

What research areas are considered within scope for DMR under this solicitation?

The solicitation indicates alignment with one or more DMR program areas, including: condensed matter physics; solid state and materials chemistry; polymers; biomaterials; metallic materials and nanostructures; ceramics; electronic and photonic materials; and condensed matter and materials theory.

What happens if a proposal is not appropriate for DMR?

The solicitation is explicit that proposals not appropriate for DMR will be returned without review. Applicants should ensure the proposed work is squarely within DMR scope and written to make that alignment unmistakable.

How is the MWN program structured for funding across countries?

MWN uses a coordinated, two-sided funding model. U.S. investigators submit a proposal to NSF to support the U.S. portion of the work, while non-U.S. collaborators are expected to seek support from the relevant funding organization in their own country or region.

What costs does NSF anticipate supporting?

NSF anticipates supporting appropriate research costs for the U.S. team. The expectation is that international partner agencies will consider supporting costs for the non-U.S. participants.

Is there a specific pathway mentioned for collaborations involving African partners?

Yes. For collaborations involving African partners, the solicitation references a pathway where the non-U.S. side may seek support through the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) African Materials Initiative.

Who is eligible to apply on the U.S. side?

Eligibility is limited to accredited U.S. academic institutions with a campus located in the United States. This includes universities as well as two-year or four-year colleges, including community colleges, applying on behalf of their faculty.

What are the principal investigator (PI) and co-PI eligibility requirements?

The principal investigator and any co-principal investigators must hold positions at an eligible U.S. institution (i.e., an accredited U.S. academic institution with a U.S.-located campus).

Can investigators at non-U.S. institutions submit proposals directly to NSF under this opportunity?

No. NSF will not accept proposals submitted by investigators at non-U.S. institutions for this solicitation. The NSF proposal must be led from the U.S. side, even though the research collaboration is intended to be international.

Which regions are highlighted for international collaboration?

The opportunity description highlights collaboration with partners in Africa, Asia, and Europe, emphasizing the value of combining international expertise and resources.

What does MWN expect beyond the technical research plan?

Beyond the research itself, MWN emphasizes training and broader participation. Projects are expected to create meaningful international research and education experiences for students and junior researchers and to show the concrete value added by the international partnership.

What are examples of "value added" from the international partnership mentioned in the description?

The description points to examples such as access to unique instrumentation, complementary expertise, distinctive materials systems, and shared data and theory development that would not be possible without the international collaboration.

How does the solicitation address broadening participation and inclusion?

The solicitation expects projects to broaden participation of underrepresented groups across dimensions such as gender, ethnicity, disability status, and geographic background. Inclusivity is intended to be a visible, intentional part of project design.

What type of grant program is this (according to the published opportunity details)?

It is described as a discretionary grant program in the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" category.

What is the estimated total funding level and expected number of awards?

The published opportunity details list an estimated total funding level of about $4.5 million, with an expected number of roughly 40 awards.

What is the award size range for this opportunity?

The listed award size range spans from a $200,000 floor to a $2,500,000 ceiling.

Is cost sharing required?

No. The published opportunity details state there is no cost sharing requirement.

What are the funding opportunity number and CFDA number?

The funding opportunity number is NSF 09-600. The CFDA number is 47.049 (Mathematical and Physical Sciences).

When was the solicitation posted, and what was the proposal deadline?

The solicitation was posted on July 31, 2009. The full proposal deadline was November 11, 2009.

Is this solicitation still active?

The opportunity information indicates it was later archived on July 21, 2010.

Where were applicants directed for official terms and submission help?

Applicants were directed to NSF Publication 09-600 for full official terms, and to NSF Grants.gov support for access or submission issues.