Particulate and Multiphase Processes | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the NSF Particulate and Multiphase Processes program (PD 13-1415)?

The NSF Particulate and Multiphase Processes program (Funding Opportunity Number PD 13-1415) supports research that improves how scientists and engineers understand, predict, and control systems where multiple phases interact, especially when particles, droplets, or bubbles are involved. It funds both fundamental and applied work, with an emphasis on building mechanistic understanding and better tools for design and control with clear engineering relevance.

What kinds of systems and topics does this program support?

The program covers research on particulate and multiphase systems, including particle-laden suspensions, granular and granular-fluid flows, aerosols, micro- and nano-structured fluids, and self- or directed-assembly processes that use particulates. The intent is to move beyond descriptive studies toward governing principles, predictive capability, and practical control strategies.

What are the main focus areas or research clusters in the program?

The current focus areas are organized into several broad clusters:

• Multiphase flow phenomena: particle, bubble, and droplet dynamics; structured fluids such as colloids and ferrofluids; and self- or directed assembly of particles into functional devices.
• Particle science and technology: aerosol science; producing particles with engineered properties; assembling particles into functional materials and devices; and environmental issues linked to particulate systems.
• Multiscale models of multiphase systems: approaches that link micro- and nanoscale behavior and material properties to process-scale variables and performance.
• Multiphase transport in biological systems: especially functionalized nanostructures for clinical diagnostics and therapeutics, focusing on transport, interaction, and fate in complex biological environments.

Does the program support applied research, or only fundamental research?

It supports both fundamental and applied research. A major emphasis is on innovative projects that connect core multiphase and particulate science to pressing application areas, while maintaining scientific depth and rigorous methods.

What application areas does NSF highlight as particularly relevant?

The solicitation highlights application connections such as novel manufacturing approaches, multiphase systems relevant to energy harvesting, multiphase transport challenges in biological systems and biotechnology, and problems tied to environmental sustainability.

What makes a proposal competitive for this program?

Based on the program description, competitive proposals tend to combine strong engineering science (clear hypotheses or governing principles, rigorous methods, and a strong technical foundation) with a credible pathway to practical impact (for industry, society, the environment, or health). The program emphasizes building mechanistic understanding and tools for design and control rather than only describing complex multiphase behavior.

Are collaborative or interdisciplinary proposals encouraged?

Yes. The program explicitly encourages collaborative and interdisciplinary proposals, particularly those that connect core multiphase science to major application areas.

Is there a preference for experimental, modeling, or combined approaches?

The program signals a preference for integrated efforts that combine experiments with theory and/or modeling. Proposals that are only experimental are described as less competitive than those blending experiments with analytical, computational, or multiscale modeling approaches.

Are industry partnerships encouraged?

Yes. Investigators are encouraged to pursue partnerships with industry and to consider GOALI (Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry) submissions when appropriate, as this can strengthen engineering relevance and translation potential.

What is GOALI in the context of this program?

GOALI refers to NSF's Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry mechanism. Within this program description, it is mentioned as a pathway investigators may consider when an industry partnership can enhance relevance and the potential to translate research outcomes.

How long are typical awards and what is the typical funding level?

Unsolicited research awards typically last one to three years, with a typical annual award size of about USD 100,000.

What happens if a proposal requests much more than the typical award size?

Proposals requesting substantially more than about USD 100,000 per year without first consulting the Program Director risk being returned without review. Early communication with NSF is described as especially important for larger-scope requests.

Does the program support equipment purchases?

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

Can I submit a project that is outside the listed focus areas?

NSF may consider innovative proposals outside the listed focus areas, but the guidance is to contact the Program Director before submitting if the work may fall outside the core scope, to reduce the risk of the proposal being returned without review.

What are NSF/CBET expectations for novelty or transformative potential?

Proposals should clearly explain what is novel or potentially transformative relative to prior work and why it matters to engineering science, including likely downstream impact on society and/or industry if successful. The solicitation emphasizes that the novelty or transformative angle should appear at minimum in the Project Summary, not only later in the proposal.

Are funding decisions based only on reviewer scores?

No. The solicitation notes that funding decisions may consider additional factors beyond reviewer scores, including portfolio balance across subfields, availability of funds, overlap with other funding, NSF-wide priorities, and program-level information such as prior award performance.

Are CAREER proposals allowed or encouraged under this program?

Yes. Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) proposals are strongly encouraged under this program area. The description notes that CAREER awards typically span five years and that engineering CAREER deadlines generally occur in July each year.

Are RAPID or EAGER proposals possible under this program?

NSF may consider RAPID and EAGER proposals when appropriate, but they require discussion with the Program Director before submission.

Does the program support conferences, workshops, or supplements?

Yes. Proposals for conferences, workshops, and supplements are ideally submitted during the regular annual window and also benefit from prior discussion with the Program Director.

What is the funding instrument and activity category for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a grant. The activity category is listed as science and technology and other R&D.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any clarifications in the full text of the solicitation.

Is cost sharing required?

No. Cost sharing is not required.

How many awards and how much total funding were anticipated for the archived cycle described?

For the specific archived cycle described in the source data, NSF anticipated around 47 awards with an estimated total funding level of USD 7.5 million.

When was this opportunity posted and what were the deadlines in the archived cycle?

The opportunity was posted April 19, 2012. The submission window included deadlines of January 15, 2013 and February 19, 2013 (due by 5 p.m. local time). The listing was archived March 19, 2013.

What does "due by 5 p.m. local time" mean in the context of the deadlines?

In the archived cycle described, proposals were due by 5 p.m. local time on the listed deadline dates (January 15, 2013 and February 19, 2013), meaning the deadline was tied to the applicant's local time zone rather than a single national time standard.