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NSF Particulate and Multiphase Processes (PMP) Program (PD 15-1415) - FAQs

1) What is the NSF Particulate and Multiphase Processes (PMP) program?

The NSF Particulate and Multiphase Processes (PMP) program (Funding Opportunity Number PD 15-1415) supports fundamental engineering research that explains the physical and chemical mechanisms controlling how particulate and multiphase systems behave.

2) What kinds of systems does PMP consider “multiphase” or “particulate”?

PMP is interested in systems containing more than one phase (for example, gas-liquid, liquid-solid, or gas-solid mixtures) and systems dominated by particles. Examples mentioned include suspensions, droplets, bubbles, aerosols, granular materials, and micro- and nanostructured fluids.

3) What is the central research theme PMP is looking for in proposals?

A central theme is linking scales. Proposals should show how particle-scale or interface-scale phenomena translate into large-scale dynamics and the performance of real processes and devices.

4) What are examples of particle-scale or interface-scale phenomena the program cares about?

The opportunity description highlights examples such as interactions among particles, forces at interfaces, adsorption of surfactants, and microstructure evolution, especially when these mechanisms can be connected to macroscale behavior.

5) Is PMP a basic research program or an applied research program?

PMP is positioned as fundamentals-first, but it does not want purely abstract work with no direction. Proposals are expected to include a clear vision for how discoveries could eventually enable or improve important application areas.

6) What types of application areas should a proposal connect to (even if the work is fundamental)?

The program description cites application areas such as advanced manufacturing, energy harvesting and conversion, transport in biological systems, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability.

7) What does NSF mean by “transformative” research in this program?

The program emphasizes transformative or potentially transformative research that advances engineering science, rather than incremental extensions of established results. The project summary is expected to state what is novel and why it could be transformative relative to prior work.

8) What does PMP expect to see in the project summary?

NSF signals that the project summary must explicitly state what is novel and why it could be transformative relative to prior work. Applicants are also expected to articulate scientific importance and broader impacts, including potential societal or industrial relevance if the research succeeds.

9) What are the major topic areas highlighted by PMP?

The program highlights four major topic areas: (1) multiphase flow phenomena, (2) particle science and technology, (3) multiphase transport in biological systems, and (4) interfacial transport.

10) What topics fit under “multiphase flow phenomena” in PMP?

Examples listed include the dynamics of particles, bubbles, and droplets; rheology and flow behavior of complex or structured fluids (such as colloids and ferrofluids); granular flows and granular-fluid mixtures; and new experimental or modeling approaches that connect micro- and nanoscale physics to macroscale material properties and process-level variables.

11) What topics fit under “particle science and technology” in PMP?

Examples listed include aerosols, particle production, polymer-particle complexes with engineered properties, and particle-based self-assembly, directed assembly, and template-directed assembly into functional materials or devices.

12) What topics fit under “multiphase transport in biological systems” in PMP?

The description includes analysis of physiological transport processes and the use of functionalized nanostructures for clinical diagnostics and therapeutics.

13) What topics fit under “interfacial transport” in PMP?

The program focuses on how particles and macromolecules behave at interfaces, including the kinetics and spatial distributions associated with adsorption and desorption of nanoparticles and surfactants, complex molecular interactions at interfaces, and formation of interfacial complexes that change particle dynamics.

14) Does the program encourage collaboration or interdisciplinarity?

Yes. Collaboration and interdisciplinarity are explicitly encouraged, especially proposals that combine experimentation with theory and/or modeling.

15) Why does PMP prefer projects that combine experiments with theory/modeling?

The program goal is mechanistic understanding that can be validated and generalized, rather than results tied to a single platform or a narrow test case.

16) Are proposals focused mainly on particle synthesis a good fit?

The program notes that proposals whose primary objective is particle synthesis are not encouraged. A project centered mainly on creating new particles, without a strong fundamental PMP-focused question about particulate or multiphase behavior, may be a poor fit.

17) How should sustainability-related proposals be labeled for PMP?

If a proposal intersects with sustainable chemistry or sustainable engineering, NSF instructs applicants to submit to PMP but label the proposal title as “SusChEM: Title of Your Proposal” to flag the sustainability connection.

18) What is the typical award duration and budget for unsolicited PMP awards?

Unsolicited awards are generally one to three years in duration, with a typical budget around $100,000 per year.

19) What happens if a proposal budget request is substantially above the typical level?

The program warns that requests substantially above the typical level may be returned without review if the applicant has not consulted the Program Director in advance. The guidance strongly suggests discussing fit and budget early if planning a larger scope.

20) Does PMP consider small equipment proposals?

Yes. The program will consider small equipment proposals up to $70,000, submitted during the annual proposal submission window.

21) Are NSF CAREER proposals relevant to PMP?

Yes. CAREER proposals are strongly encouraged. The description notes that these are five-year awards, with an Engineering CAREER deadline typically in July each year.

22) Does PMP consider EAGER or RAPID proposals?

Yes, when appropriate. EAGER (high-risk, early-concept) and RAPID (urgent, rapid-response) proposals are considered, but they require discussion with the Program Director before submission.

23) Should conference, workshop, or supplement proposals be discussed with NSF in advance?

Yes. Conference, workshop, and supplement proposals should be discussed with the Program Director in advance, according to the program description.

24) Are GOALI proposals encouraged under PMP?

GOALI proposals are encouraged when aligned with PMP interests. These proposals connect academic research with industry collaboration and aim to integrate fundamental advances with translational outcomes. The description indicates they must be submitted during the annual unsolicited window.

25) What compliance rules govern submissions to this PMP opportunity?

Proposals must follow the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Noncompliant proposals can be returned without review.

26) What happens if an unsolicited proposal is submitted outside the announced window dates?

The program states that unsolicited proposals submitted outside the announced proposal window dates are returned without review.

27) Is cost sharing required for this opportunity?

No. The listing indicates there is no cost sharing requirement.

28) What is the CFDA number and grant type for this program listing?

The opportunity is listed as a discretionary grant under CFDA 47.041 (Engineering).

29) When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?

It was posted July 24, 2015 with an original closing date of October 20, 2015.

30) Is this program listing still active?

The information provided states that the listing is archived as of November 19, 2016.