Office of Special Programs in Materials Research | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NSF Office of Special Programs in Materials Research (PD 14 7222)

1) What is the NSF "Office of Special Programs in Materials Research" opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity within the National Science Foundation (NSF), housed in the Division of Materials Research (DMR) in NSF's Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences. It supports activities in materials research that cut across traditional subfields, often acting as a coordinating hub for special initiatives that may not fit neatly into standard research programs.

2) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is PD 14 7222.

3) What types of projects does this program prioritize?

The program emphasizes "crosscutting" impact in materials research. Rather than narrowly focused single-topic research, it supports activities that connect multiple disciplines, strengthen education and training, and broaden participation in the materials research community. Projects may span multiple areas within DMR and sometimes extend across NSF more broadly.

4) What does "crosscutting" mean in the context of this opportunity?

"Crosscutting" refers to activities that bridge multiple subfields of materials research and/or connect materials research to other disciplines. It also includes efforts that bring together researchers, educators, and trainees in ways that strengthen the broader community, such as coordinated training structures or shared programming across research areas.

5) Is this program focused only on research, or does it support education and training too?

It explicitly supports education and training components. The description highlights structured training experiences, mentorship, and education-focused activities alongside community-oriented and interdisciplinary efforts.

6) Does the program support efforts to broaden participation in STEM?

Yes. A stated emphasis is expanding access and involvement for groups that have been historically underrepresented in STEM, including activities that build pathways into materials research, develop mentorship structures, and create collaborative environments that support meaningful participation from diverse backgrounds.

7) What are common activity types funded by this opportunity?

Two commonly supported activity types specifically mentioned are:

• Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites: Organized undergraduate research programs (often hosted by an institution or consortium) that place cohorts of undergraduates into mentored research experiences tied to a broader materials research theme.
• Research Experiences for Teachers (RET): Research experiences and professional development for K-12 teachers and/or community college faculty, often paired with curriculum development or classroom implementation components to strengthen instruction through authentic engagement with current research.

8) Is the Office of Special Programs limited to only REU and RET proposals?

No. While REU Sites and RET are highlighted as common activity types, the opportunity states that the office supports a wider set of crosscutting and community-oriented activities consistent with DMR and NSF priorities.

9) Who can apply (eligibility)?

The eligible applicant pool is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to different types of organizations as permitted under NSF rules and any additional clarifications in the full program description.

10) When are proposals due?

Proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis. The listing indicates "proposals accepted anytime."

11) What type of funding mechanism is used?

The funding instrument is a grant.

12) What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is listed under science and technology and other research and development.

13) What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The associated CFDA number is 47.049 (Mathematical and Physical Sciences).

14) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated for this opportunity.

15) Does this program coordinate or co-fund projects with other parts of NSF?

Yes. The program often works in partnership with other NSF units, and projects are frequently co-funded when they align with broader NSF-wide priorities.

16) How should applicants think about projects that fall between standard research programs?

This office is described as a coordinating hub for special initiatives that may sit between standard research programs. Projects that connect multiple areas, involve community or training structures, or align with crosscutting priorities may be particularly relevant based on the description provided.

17) Can an application be framed as a Materials World Network proposal?

No. The announcement clarifies that the Materials World Network program has ended, and proposals should not be framed as submissions to that former mechanism.

18) If we want to include international collaboration, where should we look for guidance?

Prospective applicants interested in international collaboration are directed to the NSF Dear Colleague Letter titled "International Collaboration in the Division of Materials Research": https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14100/nsf14100.jsp

19) What is the best reference for complete requirements and submission details?

The opportunity points applicants to the NSF program description for PD 14 7222 as the key reference for complete requirements, scope, and submission details.

20) Who do we contact for help accessing the announcement through Grants.gov?

For administrative help with accessing the announcement through Grants.gov, the listed support contact is grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.