Division of Chemistry: Disciplinary Research Programs
Last verified by NonDilute: 2026-06-08. Official notice and agency instructions control.
Core NSF chemistry funding for academic researchers pursuing fundamental work in catalysis, synthesis, imaging, and nanomaterials—the standard federal grant for chemistry labs.
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What this is
This is NSF's primary funding mechanism for academic chemistry research across six disciplinary areas. It supports fundamental research projects at universities and eligible research institutions, with proposals submitted annually through this single solicitation (with exceptions for CAREER, RUI/ROA, EAGER, RAPID, RAISE, and conferences). The program runs through September 2026 and covers competitive areas like catalysis, chemical imaging, synthesis, and nanomaterials—typical entry point for chemistry faculty and established research groups seeking federal R&D funding.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants include universities, colleges, and other NSF-approved research institutions; individual researchers must be affiliated with eligible organizations. CAREER-track faculty should use the separate CAREER solicitation; primarily undergraduate institution researchers should apply through RUI/ROA. Award amounts and specific budget limits not detailed in the provided text.
Eligible applicant types
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Full description — from the agency
This solicitation applies to six (of the nine) CHE Disciplinary Research Programs: Chemical Catalysis (CAT); Chemical Measurement and Imaging (CMI); Chemical Mechanism, Function and Properties (CMFP); Chemical Synthesis (SYN); Environmental Chemical Sciences (ECS); and Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry (MSN). All proposals submitted to these six CHE Disciplinary Research Programs (other than the following exceptions) must be submitted through this solicitation, otherwise they will be returned without review. Exceptions: Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) proposals should be submitted through the CAREER solicitation (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503214) by the CAREER deadline date specified. Facilitating Research at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions: Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) and Research Opportunity Awards (ROA) proposals should be submitted through the RUI/ROA solicitation (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5518) during the window for the appropriateCHE Disciplinary Research Program. In addition to the requirements of the RUI program, proposals should follow the guidance in this solicitation. Proposals for Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), Grants for Rapid Response Research (RAPID), Research Advanced by Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering (RAISE), and conferences can be submitted anytime after consultation with the cognizant NSF Program Officer. Supplemental funding requeststo existing grantscan be submitted anytime after consultation with the cognizant NSF Program Officer.
Topics: chemistry research grants · NSF chemistry division · chemical catalysis funding · chemical synthesis grants · nanochemistry research · environmental chemistry
Public-source funding discovery only. This summary is generated from public agency data and may be incomplete or stale. NonDilute is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government agency. Official notices and agency instructions control. NonDilute does not determine eligibility, provide grant-writing advice, or guarantee funding.