Division of Materials Research: Topical Materials Research Programs
Last verified by NonDilute: 2026-06-08. Official notice and agency instructions control.
If you're a materials researcher with a strong track record and institutional backing pursuing fundamental breakthroughs in material design or discovery, NSF's topical programs offer substantial federal funding.
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What this is
The Division of Materials Research (DMR) supports cutting-edge materials research that advances understanding of material properties, enables discovery of new phenomena, and develops novel synthesis and processing strategies. Funding covers fundamental science from atomic to macroscale, including electronic structure, nanoscale morphology, and materials-related mechanisms. This is basic research infrastructure for next-generation technologies and materials researchers, not commercial product development. Applicants should have credible research expertise and institutional affiliation.
Who can apply
University researchers and institutional researchers are the primary audience; eligibility varies by specific topical program within DMR. Solo founders without institutional affiliation or commercial intent should refer to the full eligibility section (IV), as this is academic/research-focused, not startup-oriented.
Eligible applicant types
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Full description — from the agency
Materials Research is the field of science where physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering naturally converge in the pursuit of the fundamental understanding of the properties of materials and the phenomena they host. Materials are abundant and pervasive, serving as critical building blocks in technology and innovation. Materials Research impacts life and society, as it shapes our understanding of the material world and enables significant advances spanning the range from nanoelectronics to health-related fields. The development and deployment of advanced materials are major drivers of U.S. economic growth. Research supported by the Division of Materials Research (DMR) focuses on advancing the fundamental understanding of materials, materials discovery, design, synthesis, characterization, properties, and materials-related phenomena. DMR awards enable understanding of the electronic, atomic, and molecular structures, mechanisms, and processes that govern nanoscale to macroscale morphology and properties; manipulation and control of these properties; discovery of emerging phenomena of matter and materials; and creation of novel design, synthesis, and processing strategies that lead to new materials with unique characteristics. These discoveries and advancements transcend traditional scientific and engineering disciplines. Projects supported by DMR are not only essential for the development of future technologies and industries that address societal needs, but also for the preparation of the next generation of materials researchers. Additional Information Eligibility rules apply for submissions; please see Section II. Program Description, Section IV. Eligibility Information, and Section V.A Proposal Preparation Instructions
Topics: materials research · materials discovery · fundamental science · materials characterization · nanomaterials · synthesis and processing
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.