Opportunity Information: Apply for PD 11 1415
Apply for PD 11 1415
- The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Particulate and Multiphase Processes" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.041 Engineering Grants.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 8, 2011 and posted on Nov 30, 2010.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 15, 2011 Submission Window Date(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposers local time) February 1 March 1, Annually August 15 September 15, Annually February 01, 2011 March 03, 2011 August 15, 2011 September 15, 2011. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $7,500,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 47 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
- Replaced by 12 1415
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Particulate and Multiphase Processes program is a research grant opportunity focused on understanding and improving how particles and multiple phases of matter behave and interact in engineered and natural systems. In practical terms, it funds work on the physics and engineering of things like granular materials (powders, grains), particle laden flows, bubbles and droplets in liquids and gases, aerosols, suspensions, and complex fluids that have micro- or nano-scale structure. The program is interested in both fundamental discoveries (new mechanisms, new governing principles) and applied advances (better methods to design, predict, optimize, and control real processes involving particulates and multiphase behavior). A consistent theme is moving beyond incremental improvements and pushing into areas where better multiphase science can unlock new technologies or significantly improve performance, reliability, or safety.
A major emphasis is placed on innovative research that expands capabilities in emerging and high-impact areas. The solicitation highlights frontiers such as nanotechnology and nano-enabled manufacturing, nano metrology (ways to measure and characterize nano-scale features and behaviors), multiphase transport in biological systems, environmental sustainability, critical infrastructure, and other complex engineering systems where multiphase behavior can limit or enable performance. This means proposals are expected not only to explain the science in a rigorous way, but also to connect that science to outcomes that matter in the real world, such as cleaner air technologies, safer industrial processes, improved material manufacturing routes, better diagnostics and therapeutics, or more resilient infrastructure.
The program describes several current focus areas that illustrate what NSF is actively seeking. One area is multiphase flow phenomena, including particle, bubble, and droplet dynamics, along with the behavior of structured fluids like colloids and ferrofluids. This also includes self-assembly and directed assembly, where particles are guided (chemically, electrically, magnetically, or through flow fields) into organized structures that can function as devices or advanced materials. Another area is particle science and technology, spanning aerosol science, methods to produce particles with engineered properties, assembling particles into functional materials, and research tied to environmental concerns and nanotoxicology. A third area is multi-scale modeling of multiphase systems, with a clear preference for approaches that connect micro- and nano-scale phenomena to process-level variables, rather than treating scales in isolation. A fourth area is multiphase transport in biological systems, especially applications involving functionalized nanostructures for clinical diagnostics and therapeutic delivery, where transport, interaction, and fate of particles in complex biological environments are central.
From a proposal competitiveness standpoint, the program strongly signals that interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are welcome, and that proposals combining experimental and theoretical (or computational) approaches tend to be more competitive than projects that are only one or the other. The reasoning is straightforward: experiments can reveal real mechanisms and validate models, while theory and simulation can generalize results, explore parameter space, and produce predictive tools that carry over to design and scale-up. The most highly rated projects typically show a strong scientific foundation and a clear path to practical application, meaning reviewers should be able to see both the intellectual merit (why the science is new and important) and the broader impacts (why success would matter to society and/or industry).
A specific instruction in the solicitation is that proposals must clearly address novelty relative to prior work and explain why that novelty matters to engineering science, along with the potential societal and/or industrial impact if the research succeeds. NSF expects this to be stated at minimum in the Project Summary, so applicants should treat that section as a place to make the case plainly: what is new, what gap it fills, what capability it enables, and what changes if it works. The program also encourages investigators to seek industrial partnerships, including submission through NSF's GOALI mechanism (Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry), which is designed to support academic-industry collaborative research.
In terms of award structure, unsolicited research awards under this program are typically one to three years in duration, with an average annual award size of about $100,000. The opportunity also notes that small equipment proposals under $100,000 may be considered, as long as they are submitted during the designated submission windows. Timing matters: proposals must be submitted within the stated annual windows (due by 5 p.m. local time), or they will be returned without review. The listed windows are February 1 to March 1 each year and August 15 to September 15 each year.
The solicitation also references other NSF mechanisms connected to this program. CAREER awards (Faculty Early Career Development Program) run for five years, with Engineering CAREER proposals generally due in July each year under the separate CAREER program guidance. Conference, workshop, and supplement proposals may be submitted at any time, but require prior discussion with the program director. Similarly, RAPID (Rapid Response Research) and EAGER (EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research) proposals replace the former SGER mechanism and also require discussion with the program director before submission, consistent with NSF policy in the Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG).
Administrative details indicate this is an NSF discretionary grant opportunity within the Engineering grants CFDA listing (47.041), with no cost-sharing requirement and broadly unrestricted eligibility (open to any type of entity, subject to any specific clarifications in the full program text). The opportunity lists an estimated total funding amount of $7.5 million and an expected number of awards of 47 for the referenced cycle. The funding opportunity number is PD 11-1415, and the sponsoring agency is the National Science Foundation. For access or submission issues, applicants are directed to NSF grants.gov support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - NSF Particulate and Multiphase Processes (PD 11-1415)
What is the NSF Particulate and Multiphase Processes program?
The NSF Particulate and Multiphase Processes program is a research grant opportunity that supports work aimed at understanding and improving how particles and multiple phases of matter behave and interact in engineered and natural systems. It covers the physics and engineering of particulate and multiphase phenomena, with an emphasis on advancing both fundamental understanding and practical capability.
What kinds of systems and materials does this program focus on?
The program focuses on particulate and multiphase systems such as granular materials (powders, grains), particle-laden flows, bubbles and droplets in liquids and gases, aerosols, suspensions, and complex fluids with micro- or nano-scale structure.
Does the program fund fundamental research, applied research, or both?
Both. The program supports fundamental discoveries (for example, new mechanisms or governing principles) as well as applied advances (for example, better methods to design, predict, optimize, and control real processes involving particulates and multiphase behavior).
What does NSF mean by moving beyond incremental improvements?
The program signals an interest in research that goes beyond small stepwise advances and instead pushes into areas where improved multiphase science can unlock new technologies or significantly improve performance, reliability, or safety.
What emerging or high-impact frontiers are highlighted in this opportunity?
Highlighted frontiers include nanotechnology and nano-enabled manufacturing, nano metrology, multiphase transport in biological systems, environmental sustainability, critical infrastructure, and other complex engineering systems where multiphase behavior can limit or enable performance.
What real-world outcomes does NSF expect proposals to connect to?
Proposals are expected to connect rigorous science to meaningful outcomes such as cleaner air technologies, safer industrial processes, improved material manufacturing routes, better diagnostics and therapeutics, and more resilient infrastructure.
What are the current focus areas NSF lists for this program?
The solicitation describes several illustrative focus areas: (1) multiphase flow phenomena (particle, bubble, and droplet dynamics; structured fluids such as colloids and ferrofluids; self-assembly and directed assembly), (2) particle science and technology (including aerosol science, engineered particle production, assembling particles into functional materials, environmental concerns and nanotoxicology), (3) multi-scale modeling of multiphase systems with an emphasis on connecting micro/nano behavior to process-level variables, and (4) multiphase transport in biological systems, including functionalized nanostructures for diagnostics and therapeutic delivery.
What is meant by self-assembly and directed assembly in this context?
In this program context, self-assembly and directed assembly refers to guiding particles into organized structures using chemical, electrical, magnetic, or flow-field methods so that the resulting structures can function as devices or advanced materials.
What does NSF prefer in multi-scale modeling proposals?
The program states a clear preference for approaches that connect micro- and nano-scale phenomena to process-level variables, rather than treating different scales in isolation.
Are interdisciplinary or collaborative projects encouraged?
Yes. The program strongly signals that interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are welcome.
Are projects that combine experiments with theory or computation more competitive?
According to the solicitation, proposals that combine experimental and theoretical (or computational) approaches tend to be more competitive than projects that are only experimental or only theoretical/computational.
Why does the program value combining experimental and theoretical/computational work?
The solicitation explains that experiments can reveal real mechanisms and validate models, while theory and simulation can generalize results, explore parameter space, and produce predictive tools that support design and scale-up.
What do highly rated projects typically demonstrate?
The most highly rated projects typically show both a strong scientific foundation and a clear path to practical application. Reviewers should be able to see the intellectual merit (why the science is new and important) and broader impacts (why success would matter to society and/or industry).
What is the proposal requirement related to novelty?
Proposals must clearly address novelty relative to prior work and explain why that novelty matters to engineering science, along with the potential societal and/or industrial impact if the research succeeds.
Where does NSF expect novelty and impact to be stated at minimum?
NSF expects novelty and its importance, as well as the potential societal and/or industrial impact, to be stated at minimum in the Project Summary.
What should the Project Summary make clear for this program?
At a minimum, the Project Summary should plainly communicate what is new, what gap it fills, what capability it enables, and what changes if it works.
Does the program encourage industry partnerships?
Yes. The program encourages investigators to seek industrial partnerships, including submission through NSF's GOALI mechanism (Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry) for academic-industry collaborative research.
What is the typical duration for unsolicited research awards under this program?
Unsolicited research awards are typically one to three years in duration.
What is the typical award size for this program?
The program notes an average annual award size of about $100,000.
Are small equipment proposals allowed?
Yes. The opportunity notes that small equipment proposals under $100,000 may be considered, as long as they are submitted during the designated submission windows.
When are proposals due?
Proposals must be submitted within the stated annual windows (due by 5 p.m. local time). The listed windows are February 1 to March 1 each year and August 15 to September 15 each year.
What happens if a proposal is submitted outside the designated windows?
The solicitation states that proposals submitted outside the stated windows will be returned without review.
What is the total estimated funding amount and expected number of awards?
The opportunity lists an estimated total funding amount of $7.5 million and an expected number of awards of 47 for the referenced cycle.
Is cost sharing required?
No. The administrative details indicate there is no cost-sharing requirement.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is described as broadly unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any specific clarifications in the full program text.
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is PD 11-1415.
Which agency sponsors this opportunity?
The sponsoring agency is the National Science Foundation (NSF).
What CFDA listing is associated with this opportunity?
This is described as an NSF discretionary grant opportunity within the Engineering grants CFDA listing 47.041.
Are CAREER awards part of this program?
The solicitation references CAREER awards as a related NSF mechanism. CAREER awards run for five years, and Engineering CAREER proposals are generally due in July each year under separate CAREER program guidance.
Can conference, workshop, or supplement proposals be submitted anytime?
Yes, the solicitation indicates conference, workshop, and supplement proposals may be submitted at any time, but they require prior discussion with the program director.
What are RAPID and EAGER proposals, and are they relevant here?
The solicitation notes that RAPID (Rapid Response Research) and EAGER (EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research) proposals replace the former SGER mechanism. They require discussion with the program director before submission, consistent with NSF policy in the Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG).
Who should applicants contact before submitting certain proposal types?
For conference, workshop, supplement, RAPID, and EAGER proposals, the solicitation indicates applicants must have prior discussion with the program director before submission.
Where should applicants go for access or submission issues?
For access or submission issues, applicants are directed to NSF grants.gov support.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Biophotonics
Previous opportunity: Catalysis and Biocatalysis
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for PD 11 1415
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PD 11 1415) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Biophotonics Apply for PD 11 7236 Funding Number: PD 11 7236 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Chemical and Biological Separations Apply for PD 11 1417 Funding Number: PD 11 1417 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Combustion, Fire, and Plasma Systems Apply for PD 11 1407 Funding Number: PD 11 1407 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Biosensing Apply for PD 11 7909 Funding Number: PD 11 7909 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Thermal Transport Processes Apply for PD 11 1406 Funding Number: PD 11 1406 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Interfacial Processes and Thermodynamics Apply for PD 11 1414 Funding Number: PD 11 1414 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DHS Scientific Leadership Awards for Minority Serving Institutions Granting Bachelor Degrees Apply for DHS 11 ST 062 002 Funding Number: DHS 11 ST 062 002 Agency: Office of Procurement Operations Grants Division Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Exploratory Research Apply for DHS 10 DN 077 001 NCE Funding Number: DHS 10 DN 077 001 NCE Agency: Office of Procurement Operations Grants Division Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare and Combating Terrorism Basic and Applied Research and Advanced Technology Development Apply for BAA11 007 Funding Number: BAA11 007 Agency: Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Disaster Resilience for Rural Communities Apply for 11 510 Funding Number: 11 510 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| General Age Related Disabilities Engineering (GARDE) Apply for PD 11 5342 Funding Number: PD 11 5342 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Biomedical Engineering Apply for PD 11 5345 Funding Number: PD 11 5345 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Environmental Engineering Apply for PD 11 1440 Funding Number: PD 11 1440 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Environmental Sustainability Apply for PD 11 7643 Funding Number: PD 11 7643 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fusion Energy Sciences Jointly with The National Nuclear Security Administration, Defense Programs High Energy Density Laboratory Plasmas Apply for DE FOA 0000431 Funding Number: DE FOA 0000431 Agency: Chicago Service Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| High Performance System Acquisition Enhancing the Petascale Computing Environment for Science and Engineering Apply for 11 511 Funding Number: 11 511 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| George E. Brown, Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation Research Apply for 11 512 Funding Number: 11 512 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,400,000 |
| EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program Track 2 Apply for 11 513 Funding Number: 11 513 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Defense Production Act Title III High Performance Thermal Batteries Project Apply for BAA 11 09 PKM Funding Number: BAA 11 09 PKM Agency: Air Force Research Lab Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Electronic Warfare Technology Apply for ONRBAA11 006 Funding Number: ONRBAA11 006 Agency: Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PD 11 1415", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.