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NSF Particulate and Multiphase Processes (PD 12-1415) - FAQs

What is the NSF Particulate and Multiphase Processes program (PD 12-1415)?

This NSF program supports fundamental and applied engineering research focused on understanding, predicting, and improving systems that involve more than one phase (for example, gas-liquid, liquid-solid, or gas-solid systems) or that include discrete particles. The emphasis is on advancing the underlying physics, chemistry, and engineering science so multiphase and particulate processes can be designed and controlled more reliably, operate more efficiently, and scale into real technologies.

What kinds of systems and phenomena are in scope?

The scope includes (but is not limited to) the science and engineering of particle, droplet, and bubble suspensions; granular materials and granular-fluid mixtures; microstructured and nanostructured fluids; aerosol behavior and aerosol technologies; and particle-based self-assembly or directed-assembly processes.

What is the program trying to achieve, in practical terms?

The program is centered on strengthening the core science that enables better design and control of multiphase and particulate systems. Practically, this often means improving predictability, efficiency, performance, and scalability (or translation) of processes and technologies that depend on particles, droplets, bubbles, interfaces, and structured fluids.

Does the solicitation prioritize any application areas?

Yes. While the program funds core science, it places special emphasis on research that connects multiphase and particle science to high-impact application spaces. Examples called out include novel manufacturing approaches enabled by controlling particles/droplets/bubbles/structured fluids, multiphase systems relevant to energy harvesting, multiphase transport problems important in biological systems and biotechnology, and topics tied to environmental sustainability.

Are proposals limited to a narrow set of topics?

No. The program accepts unsolicited proposals, meaning investigators can propose new ideas within the program scope rather than responding to a narrow topic-specific call. The solicitation also encourages innovative concepts even if they do not fit perfectly within the listed focus areas.

What should investigators do if their idea is slightly outside the program's main scope?

The solicitation urges investigators to contact the Program Director in advance when proposing ideas that sit outside the program's main lanes. This is intended to reduce the risk of a proposal being returned without review due to a mismatch with program scope.

What types of research approaches are viewed as more competitive?

The program indicates a preference for collaborative and interdisciplinary research, and it notes that proposals integrating experimental and theoretical components are described as more competitive than those that are only experimental.

What makes a proposal strong in this program, based on the solicitation?

Strong proposals typically combine: (1) a solid scientific foundation (clear hypotheses, rigorous methods, and a credible plan to advance knowledge) and (2) a convincing pathway to practical relevance, such as improved process predictability, improved device/material performance, or better control strategies for real systems.

Is industry collaboration encouraged?

Yes. The program encourages partnerships with industry, including submission through NSF's GOALI mechanism (Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry) to support industry-academic collaborations that accelerate use-inspired research.

What are the main focus areas described in the opportunity?

The solicitation describes four clusters: (1) multiphase flow phenomena (particles/bubbles/droplets in flow, structured fluids like colloids and ferrofluids, and self-assembly or directed assembly into functional devices); (2) particle science and technology (including aerosol science, engineered particle production, particle assembly into functional materials/devices, and particle/aerosol work tied to environmental challenges); (3) multiscale modeling of multiphase systems (connecting micro- and nanoscale mechanisms to process-level variables such as bulk transport, rheology, stability, or manufacturing outcomes); and (4) multiphase transport in biological systems (including functionalized nanostructures for diagnostics or therapeutics where transport/interactions/multiphase behavior drive performance).

Does the program support modeling and simulation work?

Yes. One of the highlighted clusters is multiscale modeling of multiphase systems, particularly approaches that link micro- and nanoscale mechanisms (for example, interfacial physics or particle interactions) to process-level variables engineers design around (such as bulk transport, rheology, stability, and manufacturing outcomes).

Does the program support research at the bio/biotech interface?

Yes. A specific focus area is multiphase transport in biological systems, particularly where functionalized nanostructures are used in clinical diagnostics or therapeutics and where multiphase transport and interactions govern performance.

What is the typical award duration for unsolicited research awards?

Unsolicited research awards are generally one to three years in duration.

What is the typical annual award size?

The typical annual award size is around $100,000.

Can a proposal request substantially more than the typical annual amount?

Requests substantially above the typical level are discouraged unless the PI consults the Program Director first. Without that consultation, the solicitation warns the proposal may be returned without review.

Is there guidance about an award floor and how that relates to annual funding?

Yes. The award floor is listed as $300,000, which aligns with many awards spanning multiple years even if the typical annual level is closer to $100,000.

How much total funding and how many awards are expected under this opportunity?

The opportunity estimates a total funding amount of about $7.5 million and an expected number of awards of about 47.

Is cost sharing required?

No. The solicitation states there is no cost-sharing requirement.

Are small equipment proposals allowed, and what is the limit?

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

Do proposals need to address novelty or transformative potential?

Yes. Proposals are expected to clearly explain what is novel or potentially transformative compared to prior work, and the solicitation indicates this should be stated at minimum in the Project Summary.

Do proposals need to discuss broader impacts?

Yes. Beyond novelty and intellectual merit, NSF expects proposers to articulate why the work matters to engineering science and what the broader impacts could be for society and/or industry if successful.

Are funding decisions based only on reviewer scores?

No. The solicitation notes that funding decisions can depend on factors beyond reviewer scores, including portfolio balance across subfields, availability of funds, overlap with other funding sources, and broader NSF policies and priorities.

Are CAREER proposals supported or encouraged under this program?

Yes. CAREER proposals (five-year awards aimed at early-career faculty) are strongly encouraged. The solicitation notes an annual Engineering CAREER deadline typically in July.

Can investigators submit conference, workshop, or supplement proposals related to this program?

Yes, but the solicitation indicates these are generally expected during regular submission windows and should be discussed with the Program Director in advance.

Are RAPID and EAGER proposals possible?

They may be considered when appropriate, but the solicitation states they require prior discussion with the Program Director.

How important are the submission windows and deadlines?

Timing is critical. The solicitation states that proposals submitted outside the announced submission window dates are returned without review.

What is the risk of submitting a proposal that is out of scope or over budget?

The solicitation explicitly flags two return-without-review risks: (1) proposals that do not align with the program's scope (hence the recommendation to consult the Program Director when the fit is uncertain) and (2) proposals requesting substantially more than the typical annual award size without prior consultation.

Does the program favor purely experimental projects?

The solicitation suggests proposals integrating experimental and theoretical components are more competitive than those that are only experimental.

What types of outcomes or impacts does the program consider practically relevant?

Examples mentioned include improved process predictability, better device or materials performance, enhanced control strategies for real systems, and stronger ability to scale or translate particulate and multiphase science into technologies.

What does "multiphase flow phenomena" mean in the context of this program?

As described in the solicitation, it includes the dynamics of particles, bubbles, and droplets in flow; the behavior of structured fluids such as colloids and ferrofluids; and methods for self-assembling or directing particles into functional devices.

What is included under "particle science and technology" in this opportunity?

This cluster includes aerosol science, approaches for producing particles with engineered properties, assembling particles into functional materials and devices, and research connected to environmental challenges where particles and aerosols play a role.

What does "multiscale modeling" mean here?

It refers to modeling approaches that connect micro- and nanoscale mechanisms and properties (such as interfacial physics or particle interactions) to engineering-scale variables and outcomes (like bulk transport, rheology, stability, and manufacturing performance).

What does the program mean by "open to unsolicited proposals"?

It means investigators are not limited to responding to a narrowly defined topic call. They can propose new research ideas as long as the work falls within the program's scope and priorities.