Physics Frontiers Centers | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - NSF Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC)

What is the NSF Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC) program?

The NSF Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC) program is a large-center grant opportunity designed to support university-based centers or institutes that use a coordinated, team-driven model to push physics research into genuinely new territory. The program is intended for research challenges where the center structure itself is essential to achieving transformational outcomes.

What kind of research model does a PFC support?

PFCs are built around a shared, collaborative environment where a larger group of researchers can combine expertise, complementary skills, cross-training approaches, and specialized infrastructure. The emphasis is on integrated teamwork and synergy rather than a collection of separate projects operating independently.

Why does NSF emphasize a center or institute structure for this program?

The program targets problems where a center-scale approach is necessary, not merely convenient. Proposals are expected to justify the need for a center by showing value-added outcomes, synergy, shared platforms, coordinated research themes, intentional collaboration mechanisms, and an integrated plan for people and infrastructure that would be difficult to achieve through single-investigator or small-group awards.

Which physics research areas are eligible under the PFC program?

PFC proposals may span essentially the full range of physics research areas supported by NSF's Division of Physics. The opportunity description specifically includes atomic, molecular, and optical physics; plasma physics; elementary particle physics; nuclear physics; particle astrophysics; gravitational physics; and biological physics.

Are interdisciplinary proposals allowed?

Yes. Interdisciplinary proposals are encouraged, particularly at the interfaces between the listed physics areas and other disciplines. However, the main thrust of the proposed center must remain rooted in one or more physics subfields within the NSF Division of Physics purview, rather than becoming primarily a non-physics center.

What does NSF expect a competitive PFC proposal to demonstrate?

Based on the opportunity description, competitive proposals are expected to address four major elements: (1) a strong case for enabling profound advances at the frontiers of physics (high-impact, plausibly field-shaping research rather than incremental work); (2) creative and substantive activities in education, broadening participation and diversity, and public outreach (not treated as an afterthought); (3) credible broader impacts (for example, influence on other fields, transferable tools or methods, workforce training, and longer-term societal benefits); and (4) a clear justification for why the center model is necessary, including demonstrable synergy and outcomes not achievable through separate projects.

What does "frontiers of physics" mean in the context of this program?

In this context, "frontiers of physics" refers to research that aims for profound advances and transformational results that could shape or redefine parts of a field, rather than producing incremental progress.

How important are education, diversity, and outreach activities in a PFC proposal?

They are a core expectation. The opportunity description states that centers should include creative, substantive activities that strengthen education, broaden participation and diversity, and provide meaningful public outreach. These elements are positioned as integral to the center, not optional add-ons.

What kinds of broader impacts are highlighted for PFCs?

The description highlights broader impacts such as influencing other scientific or engineering fields, developing tools or methods that can be used beyond the center, training an advanced workforce, and delivering tangible societal benefits over time.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this PFC competition?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed for this opportunity is 16-561.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 47.049.

What type of grant competition is this?

This is listed as an NSF discretionary grant competition in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling) listed?

The posted opportunity details list an award ceiling of $5,000,000.

How many awards were anticipated?

The opportunity details indicate that approximately six awards were anticipated.

When was the opportunity posted and created?

The opportunity was posted and created on May 4, 2016.

What was the closing date for this opportunity?

The original and current closing date shown is January 30, 2017.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with additional clarification referenced in the full solicitation. The opportunity description indicates that interested institutions should confirm institutional eligibility and any special conditions directly in the NSF program announcement.

Is this program aimed at individual investigators or teams?

The program is explicitly designed around a coordinated, team-driven approach within a center or institute structure. It is meant for situations where the collective effort and shared environment are expected to be decisive in achieving transformational results.

Does NSF expect specialized infrastructure to be part of a PFC?

The program description emphasizes access to combined expertise and specialized infrastructure that would be difficult to assemble or sustain through standard single-investigator or small-group awards, indicating that shared infrastructure can be a key part of the center rationale.

What distinguishes a PFC from a "loose collection of separate projects"?

The opportunity description distinguishes a PFC by its integrated structure: shared platforms, coordinated research themes, intentional collaboration mechanisms, and an integrated plan for people and infrastructure, producing synergy and outcomes that separate projects would not achieve on their own.

Does the program cover the full range of physics, or only certain topics?

It is described as covering essentially the full range of physics research areas supported by NSF's Division of Physics, with specific examples listed in the opportunity description.