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FAQs: NSF "Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics" (PD 11 1286)

What is this NSF grant opportunity?

This is an NSF grant opportunity titled "Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics" with Funding Opportunity Number PD 11 1286. It supports research in elementary particle theory aimed at understanding the behavior of fundamental particles and forces across a wide range of energy scales.

What kinds of research does the program support?

The program supports theoretical research in modern high-energy physics, including the development and application of widely used frameworks such as quantum field theory, effective field theories, lattice field theory, and phenomenology. It also includes string theory when it is focused on physics-driven questions rather than primarily mathematical development.

How does the program treat string theory proposals?

String theory is within scope when it is aimed at physics-driven questions (for example, work connected to particle phenomenology or testable implications). If a proposed project is mostly mathematical in nature within string theory, the notice advises applicants to consider the NSF Mathematical Physics program, since certain formal aspects of string theory are handled there.

Is connecting theory to experiments a priority?

Yes. A major emphasis is linking theory to current and upcoming experimental efforts. The program values predictions and calculations that help interpret experimental data and that can identify or constrain possible "new physics" beyond the Standard Model.

Which experiments or facilities are specifically referenced?

The description highlights work relevant to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and also references other experimental contexts, including the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and Jefferson Laboratory. It additionally notes connections to astrophysical phenomena where particle theory intersects with cosmology, neutrinos, cosmic rays, and related areas.

What example research topics are mentioned for physics beyond the Standard Model?

Examples listed include supersymmetric model building, grand unified theories, scenarios with extra dimensions, and string-inspired phenomenology.

Does the program support high-precision Standard Model calculations?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly values high-order (high-precision) Standard Model calculations in strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions, because more precise theoretical predictions help interpret experimental results and distinguish subtle signals of new phenomena.

Is computational and numerical theory included?

Yes. The program places strong importance on computational and numerical theory, particularly lattice gauge theory simulations of quantum chromodynamics (QCD). These simulations are described as crucial for interpreting present and future collider results by enabling high-precision calculations of non-perturbative strong-interaction effects.

Does the program support research beyond collider physics?

Yes. Alongside collider-focused theory, the program supports work tied to other experimental and observational settings, including RHIC and Jefferson Lab, as well as astrophysical and cosmological contexts involving neutrinos, cosmic rays, and related topics.

Does the opportunity fund community or "infrastructure" activities?

Yes. Beyond individual research projects, the opportunity supports activities intended to strengthen the research community. Examples include short- and long-term visitor programs, workshops, and research centers that bring together external scientists from universities, national laboratories, and industry, and that involve graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

Are interdisciplinary projects relevant to this program?

Yes. The description notes a considerable number of interdisciplinary awards and emphasizes that elementary particle theory often overlaps with areas such as nuclear physics, astrophysics, condensed matter methods, computation, and mathematics.

What is the broader goal of the program?

The program is designed to advance fundamental theory, encourage concrete model building and testable hypotheses, and support both analytic and computational work that helps interpret experiments and shape future directions in high-energy physics.

What NSF category and CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

Administratively, it was a discretionary NSF grant opportunity under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category, within CFDA 47.049 (Mathematical and Physical Sciences).

When was this opportunity posted, and what were the proposal target dates?

The posted date was May 13, 2011. The original full proposal target date was December 1, 2011, and then the first Thursday in December annually thereafter.

Was cost sharing required?

No. The record indicates there was no cost sharing requirement.

Who was eligible to apply?

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

Is this funding opportunity still active?

No. The opportunity is archived and was later replaced by PD 14 1286. The listing also shows expected awards and estimated total funding as 0, which is consistent with an archived opportunity record rather than an active, currently funded call.

If the opportunity was replaced, what replaced it?

The archived opportunity indicates it was replaced by PD 14 1286.

Why might the listing show zero expected awards and zero estimated total funding?

The record shows expected awards and estimated total funding as 0, and the description indicates the opportunity is archived. This combination is consistent with an archived listing rather than an active solicitation with current funding totals shown.

Where should someone get help with access issues related to grants.gov for this notice?

For access issues, the notice directs applicants to NSF grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.