Process and Reaction Engineering | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NSF Process and Reaction Engineering program focused on?

The NSF Process and Reaction Engineering program is a research grant opportunity that supports work advancing the science and engineering foundations of chemical and biochemical reactions, including how reactions behave, how reaction rates and mechanisms are understood, and how that understanding translates into improved reactors, processes, catalysts, and materials.

What kinds of research does the program support: fundamental, applied, or both?

The program supports both fundamental and applied research. A central emphasis is connecting mechanistic insight (for example, reaction mechanisms and rate behavior) to practical outcomes such as design rules, scale-up strategies, and performance improvements in chemical and biochemical process systems and specialized materials.

What scientific topics are emphasized in this program?

Key scientific and engineering topics called out include reaction rates and mechanisms (for catalyzed and uncatalyzed systems), surface and interface phenomena, electrochemical and photochemical processes with engineering or commercial relevance, and the coupling of chemical reactions with transport effects (heat, mass, and momentum) in realistic reactive environments.

How is the program scope organized?

The scope is organized into three main research areas: (1) Chemical Reaction Engineering, (2) Process Design and Control, and (3) Reactive Polymer Processing.

What fits under the Chemical Reaction Engineering area?

Chemical Reaction Engineering covers research on how kinetics and transport phenomena interact in reactive systems and how that knowledge enables design and optimization of complex chemical and biochemical reactors. The program also highlights interest in non-traditional reactor platforms and novel activation methods, and it includes themes such as miniaturized and multifunctional systems and bioreactor/bioprocess development.

What non-traditional reactor platforms does NSF highlight?

The description highlights interest in platforms such as membrane reactors, microreactors, and reaction systems operating in supercritical fluids.

What novel activation methods are mentioned for reactive systems?

Examples of novel activation methods mentioned include plasmas, acoustic fields, and microwaves.

Are miniaturized or multifunctional reactor/process concepts within scope?

Yes. The program references multifunctional and miniaturized concepts such as "lab on a chip" and "factory on a chip" approaches.

Is bioprocessing included (bioreactors, fermentation, optimization)?

Yes. The Chemical Reaction Engineering scope includes bioreactor design, bioprocess optimization, and fermentation technology.

Does the program include energy-related research?

Energy-related work is relevant when it involves new approaches for generating energy from renewable resources or improving emerging reaction and manufacturing pathways.

Is advanced manufacturing or microelectronics processing mentioned as relevant?

Yes. The description mentions advancing atomic layer deposition methods for microelectronics as an example within broader innovation in reaction-enabled processing.

What fits under the Process Design and Control area?

Process Design and Control emphasizes the design, optimization, dynamic modeling, and control of complex chemical and biochemical processes, spanning individual unit operations through integrated plants and up to decision layers relevant to supply-chain considerations.

What priority topics are called out in Process Design and Control?

Priority topics include simultaneous product and process design (including bioprocesses) and methods to improve plant efficiency using algorithms that communicate across design levels and address multiple criteria at once.

What kinds of multi-criteria objectives does the program mention for design and control?

Examples of criteria include profitability, safety, operability, environmental sustainability, and broader societal concerns.

Does the program encourage new sensor technologies?

Yes. The program is interested in sensor technologies that can measure composition and key product/property attributes, including morphology and other structure-related measures.

Is multi-scale or systems integration part of the program interests?

Yes. The description emphasizes systems approaches that connect multiple scales (from nano to mega) and integrate planning, scheduling, and globalized industrial constraints.

Does the program encourage the use of modern computing or cyberinfrastructure?

Yes. Use of modern cyberinfrastructure is explicitly encouraged, including high-performance computing resources at tera- and peta-scale.

What fits under the Reactive Polymer Processing area?

Reactive Polymer Processing focuses on projects that tightly couple polymer synthesis with polymer processing so that reaction pathways are linked to final material structure and properties. Proposals are expected to integrate polymerization chemistry and processing rather than treating them as separate steps.

How does processing relate to polymer structure in this program area?

The description highlights that processing operations such as orienting or annealing polymer melts can shape long-range chain conformations, which in turn influences material performance. Projects should account for these linkages.

What example topics are listed for Reactive Polymer Processing?

Example project types mentioned include emulsion and miniemulsion polymerization and reaction injection molding.

Are environmental considerations relevant in Reactive Polymer Processing?

Yes. A recurring theme is addressing environmental concerns while enabling tailor-made molecules and materials, including approaches that reduce waste, lower energy use, reduce hazardous inputs, or improve recyclability and lifecycle impacts.

What is the typical duration of an unsolicited research award?

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

What is the typical award size?

The program cites an average annual award size of about $100,000.

When are proposals due for unsolicited research submissions?

Proposals are expected to be submitted within an announced annual window; historically, that window has been mid-August through mid-September.

What happens if a proposal is submitted outside the specified annual window?

Proposals submitted outside the specified dates are returned without review, so timing functions as a compliance requirement rather than a general guideline.

What is the CAREER option and how does its timing differ?

CAREER proposals are intended for early-career faculty, run for five years, and follow the standard NSF Engineering CAREER deadline schedule, noted in the description as occurring in July each year.

Can conferences, workshops, or supplements be proposed under this program?

Yes. The program allows proposals for conferences, workshops, and supplements at any time, but they need to be discussed with the program director before submission.

Are RAPID or EAGER proposals allowed, and are there special steps?

Yes. RAPID and EAGER mechanisms are available for rapid-response or high-risk exploratory concepts, and they require prior discussion with the program director.

What proposal preparation rules apply?

Proposal preparation is expected to follow the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) referenced in the program description.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

This opportunity is identified as an NSF discretionary grant program under CFDA 47.041 (Engineering Grants).

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated for this program in the provided information.

Who is eligible to apply?

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

Is this program description current?

The listing referenced (PD 10-1403) reflects historical details and was later replaced by PD 11-1403. Applicants are expected to consult the current program description and any active solicitation guidance, using the older document primarily to understand scope and priorities.

What is the main takeaway for applicants regarding the document version?

The main takeaway is that while the document is useful for understanding what kinds of research the program wants to fund, applicants should rely on the current program description and active submission instructions for up-to-date requirements and timelines.