Process Systems, Reaction Engineering and Molecular Thermodynamics | Apply Online

NSF PRM (PD 15-1403) Grant Opportunity FAQs

What is the NSF Process Systems, Reaction Engineering and Molecular Thermodynamics (PRM) program?

The NSF PRM program (Funding Opportunity Number PD 15-1403) supports fundamental engineering research that advances the science underlying chemical and biochemical reactions and uses that knowledge to improve engineering outcomes. This includes better understanding, modeling, and use of reaction rates and mechanisms to enable improved catalysts, reactors, materials, and manufacturing processes.

What kinds of outcomes is PRM trying to enable?

PRM aims to connect fundamental reaction science and molecular-level understanding to real engineering advances, including improved design and operation of complex chemical/biochemical reactors and process systems. The program emphasizes research that can help modernize chemical manufacturing, including work aligned with zero emissions, environmentally friendly production, smart manufacturing, and sustainable materials.

What major technical areas does PRM cover?

Based on the opportunity description, PRM spans four closely related areas: (1) chemical reaction engineering, (2) process design and control (including process intensification and smart manufacturing), (3) reactive polymer processing (with specific scope boundaries), and (4) molecular thermodynamics for functional materials and processes.

What topics fit under chemical reaction engineering in PRM?

PRM looks for research that links transport phenomena (heat and mass transfer) with kinetics in reactive environments and then applies that combined understanding to advanced reactor and bioreactor design. The scope includes emerging reactor platforms (such as membrane reactors, microreactors, and supercritical-fluid systems) and novel reaction activation or driving methods (including plasmas, acoustics, and microwaves).

Does PRM support miniaturized or integrated reactor/manufacturing concepts?

Yes. The program specifically highlights multifunctional, miniaturized, and integrated concepts such as lab-on-a-chip and factory-on-a-chip systems, as well as related approaches that improve how reactions are executed and optimized.

Are bioprocessing and fermentation topics relevant to PRM?

Yes. The description calls out bioprocess optimization, fermentation technology, and other approaches that improve execution of biochemical reactions at scale as part of the reaction engineering scope.

Are energy-related reaction systems a priority area?

Yes. Energy-related reaction systems are stated as a priority, including reactor types relevant to fuel cells, batteries, and other technologies connected to renewable energy.

What is PRM looking for in process design and control research?

PRM supports research on the design, optimization, and control of process systems and unit operations. The program places high priority on process intensification (PI) and smart manufacturing (SM), including methods and theory that improve sustainability, performance, and deployability of chemical and biochemical process systems.

What does PRM mean by process intensification (PI) priorities?

For PI, PRM is looking for methods to discover and evaluate intensified pathways; integrate sustainability into synthesis and design; manage uncertainty; address scale-up challenges; and treat operability and controllability as part of the design problem (rather than something handled only after a process concept is chosen).

What does PRM emphasize under smart manufacturing (SM)?

For SM, PRM calls out robust control for large-scale and complex systems, hierarchical and distributed control architectures, and approaches that can incorporate large volumes of industrial data, including unstructured data. The program also encourages theory and algorithms for fault-tolerant systems and systems that are stochastic, nonlinear, and hybrid.

Does PRM support multi-scale approaches that connect molecular behavior to plant-wide decisions?

Yes. The program states interest in multi-scale system approaches that connect nano-scale and short-time behavior to plant-wide and long-time behavior. This includes enterprise-wide planning, scheduling, and control with an eye toward global industrial deployment.

Is reactive polymer processing within the PRM scope?

Yes, but with a specific boundary. Polymer-related projects should integrate polymer synthesis (polymerization chemistry) with processing steps that shape polymer structure and properties (for example, orientation and annealing of melts). Projects focused on polymer topics without that synthesis-processing integration may fall outside the described scope.

Are paints and coatings topics mentioned as examples?

Yes. A representative polymer topic mentioned is emulsion and miniemulsion polymerization for paints and coatings, framed within an overall push toward environmentally responsive processes and production of tailored molecules and materials.

What is included under the molecular thermodynamics track?

PRM supports research that uses thermodynamics and molecular theory to guide design of functional materials such as polymers, solvents, and colloids, including sensor applications. The scope can include thermodynamic modeling; experiments linking molecular dynamics to macroscopic properties; computational chemistry; simulation and visualization; and computational screening of chemicals/materials for targeted properties.

What benefits or impacts does PRM expect from molecular thermodynamics research?

The described intended payoffs include improved process economics, more environmentally benign processing, improved water quality, and new materials relevant to biomedical uses.

Can proposals be submitted under a sustainable chemistry or sustainable engineering emphasis?

Yes. The solicitation notes that proposals tied to sustainable chemistry or sustainable engineering can be submitted to PRM and, when appropriate, labeled in the proposal title as "SusChEM: [Title of Your Proposal]" to align with NSF sustainability-related efforts.

What happens if a proposal does not fit the PRM focus areas?

The opportunity notes that investigators are encouraged to contact the Program Director before submitting if an idea falls outside the stated focus areas. Misaligned proposals may be returned without review.

Is cost sharing required for PRM awards?

No. PRM is described as a discretionary grant program under NSF Engineering (CFDA 47.041) and does not require cost sharing.

What is the typical award duration and annual budget level?

Unsolicited awards are typically 1 to 3 years in duration, with a typical award size around $100,000 per year.

What if a proposal needs substantially more than the typical annual amount?

The description states that proposals seeking substantially more than the typical ~$100,000 per year are expected to involve prior consultation with the Program Director to avoid being returned without review.

What total funding and minimum award size are listed for this opportunity?

The archived opportunity information lists an estimated total funding of $4.9 million and an award floor of $300,000.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open broadly to applicant types), subject to any additional eligibility language in the full announcement.

What does PRM expect in terms of novelty and significance?

Like most NSF CBET programs, proposals are expected to clearly explain what is new or potentially transformative relative to prior work, why it matters for engineering science, and the likely societal and/or industrial impact if the research succeeds.

Does PRM encourage NSF CAREER proposals?

Yes. The program encourages CAREER proposals (five-year awards) and notes an annual July deadline for Engineering CAREER submissions.

Are other NSF proposal mechanisms allowed (RAPID, EAGER, GOALI, etc.)?

Yes. The program indicates that RAPID, EAGER, conference/workshop proposals, supplements, and GOALI (industry-linked) proposals may be appropriate. The description also notes that certain mechanisms typically require pre-submission discussion.

What compliance requirements are called out as mandatory?

Compliance with the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and submission within the announced proposal window are described as mandatory. Proposals that do not meet these requirements will be returned without review.