MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)
Posted
- Opportunity number
- 26-522
- Agency
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National Science Foundation
- Applications due
- Not on record
- Award size
- Not on record
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Grant
- Category
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- Science and Technology and other Research and Development
- Eligible applicants
-
- Unrestricted
- Points of contact
- Full announcement
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences seeks applicants for foundational astronomical sciences research and instrumentation programs, with applications due October 7, 2026. The opportunity is unrestricted as to applicant type and encompasses three core program tracks: Astronomical Sciences Core Research, Astronomical Sciences Technology & Instrumentation, and Astronomical Sciences Innovations.
NSF MPS prioritizes intellectually ambitious and potentially transformative foundational research that advances fundamental understanding of the universe. Supported research includes exploration of solar storm prediction, discovery of potentially habitable exoplanets, and investigation of extreme astrophysical objects such as black holes. Proposals need not promise near-term products, deployment, or commercial outcomes to be competitive.
Funding is provided through the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049), which historically supports research project grants ranging from $45,000 to $1.26 million, with typical research project awards in the $200,000 to $500,000 range. Within NSF's broader Mathematical and Physical Sciences portfolio, the Division of Astronomical Sciences obligates approximately $2.16 billion across 1,666 awards. Applications must follow NSF's standard grant application procedures, including biographical sketches prepared in SciENcv format, current and pending support documentation, data management and sharing plans, and collaborators and affiliations disclosures. All attachments must be submitted in PDF format. Organizations and principal investigators must maintain active NSF registrations with valid Unique Entity Identifiers and System for Award Management registrations prior to submission.
Synopsis
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) supports multiple research programs in the astronomical sciences. NSF MPS funds foundational astronomical sciences research and instrumentation focused on exploring space and advancing fundamental understanding of the universe.
The programs covered by this funding opportunity are:
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Astronomical Sciences Core Research
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Astronomical Sciences Technology & Instrumentation
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Astronomical Sciences Innovations
Research supported by these programs is essential for ongoing discovery in a range of fields. The programs provide a strong scientific foundation for America's capabilities in multiple areas: predicting solar storms, discovering potentially habitable planets in other solar systems, understanding the physical workings of extreme astrophysical objects like black holes, and more.
NSF MPS is particularly interested in intellectually ambitious and potentially transformative foundational research. Proposals need not promise a near-term product, deployment, or commercial outcome, nor need they address later-stage development to be competitive.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| PKG00293978.pdf |
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