Opportunity Information: Apply for PD 20 1242
This National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity, titled Plasma Physics (PD 20-1242), supports investigator-initiated research that advances the fundamental science of plasmas, meaning systems where collective behavior is dominated by interactions among large numbers of free charged particles. The program emphasizes basic understanding of plasma phenomena, recognizing that plasmas make up the overwhelming majority of the visible universe and that plasma physics underpins major areas such as space and astrophysical physics, fusion science, accelerator science, applied mathematics, materials science, and multiple engineering fields. Rather than being a standalone solicitation with its own submission pathway, this opportunity mainly clarifies where plasma physics proposals in the Division of Physics should be submitted when they are not covered by other NSF solicitations (for example, CAREER). Depending on the project’s scope and partnership needs, proposals should go either to the Division of Physics Investigator-Initiated Research Projects solicitation or to the NSF/DOE Partnership in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering solicitation.
A key point is that the correct submission route depends on the project’s collaborative and programmatic context. Plasma science proposals that are strongly multidisciplinary and well-suited to Physics-led partnerships with NSF programs in Geosciences or Engineering, or that are intended for joint consideration with the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, Fusion Energy Sciences (DOE/SC/FES), should be submitted through the NSF/DOE Partnership in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering solicitation. In contrast, plasma physics proposals that fit NSF “meta-programs” (such as Windows on the Universe: The Era of Multi-Messenger Astrophysics, WoU-MMA, and the Computational and Data-enabled Science and Engineering program, CDSampE), proposals that seek joint review with agencies other than DOE/SC/FES, and proposals involving longer-duration efforts or midscale instrumentation investments should be directed to the Division-wide Investigator-Initiated Research Projects solicitation.
In terms of scientific scope, the Plasma Physics program supports a wide range of overlapping sub-areas. These include magnetized plasmas (in laboratory devices as well as space and astrophysical settings), high energy density plasmas, low temperature plasmas, dusty plasmas and other strongly coupled systems (including ultra-cold plasmas), non-neutral plasmas, and intense field-matter interaction in plasmas. Across these topics, the program’s core goal is to build deeper, principle-level understanding of plasma behavior arising from collective interactions, while also strengthening the foundational plasma knowledge needed to enable progress in other branches of science and engineering.
The opportunity also highlights broader impacts expectations that are especially encouraged for this community. Principal Investigators are urged to include concrete activities that broaden participation and improve diversity within plasma physics and STEM more broadly, particularly efforts that engage under-represented groups. NSF also explicitly encourages education-focused components, such as creating new undergraduate or graduate plasma physics curricula, or integrating plasma topics into existing courses at institutions where plasma coursework is limited or absent.
On project duration, NSF notes that some plasma physics research may require more time than the typical three-year award to produce clear, demonstrable outcomes. For projects where a longer timeline is justified, investigators are encouraged to discuss the possibility of 4- or 5-year proposals with the relevant Program Director before submitting.
Finally, the announcement clarifies boundaries with other NSF programs so applicants can route proposals to the best-fit home. Work focused on the properties of individual atoms or molecules, or optical physics, should go to the Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics program. Projects primarily aimed at understanding astrophysical systems belong in the Division of Astronomical Sciences, while studies centered on geospace or Sun-Earth interactions should be submitted to appropriate programs in Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences. Proposals focused on developing new materials using plasmas should go to Materials Research; plasma-assisted manufacturing aligns with Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation; and plasma applications in environmental and reaction engineering, sustainability, combustion, or biomedical engineering should be directed to programs within Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems. Even when proposals are submitted elsewhere, NSF notes that these programs coordinate plasma-related aspects of their portfolios with the Plasma Physics program.
Administrative details included in the source indicate this is an NSF discretionary grant opportunity (CFDA 47.049) with unrestricted eligibility (open to any entity type, subject to any special eligibility language in the full solicitation). The opportunity was created August 11, 2020, with an original closing date of November 16, 2020. NSF anticipated around 25 awards, and no formal award ceiling is listed in the provided data (shown as 0, which typically indicates “not specified” rather than a literal cap).Apply for PD 20 1242
- The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Plasma Physics" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.049.
- This funding opportunity was created on Aug 11, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 16, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 25 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - NSF Plasma Physics (PD 20-1242)
What is the NSF Plasma Physics (PD 20-1242) opportunity?
This opportunity is an NSF (National Science Foundation) grant program area titled "Plasma Physics (PD 20-1242)" that supports investigator-initiated research advancing the fundamental science of plasmas (systems where collective behavior is dominated by interactions among many free charged particles).
What types of research does this program support?
The program supports basic, principle-level understanding of plasma behavior arising from collective interactions. It emphasizes fundamental plasma phenomena and foundational knowledge that enables progress across other science and engineering areas.
Why does NSF emphasize plasma physics as a research area?
The program notes that plasmas make up the overwhelming majority of the visible universe, and plasma physics underpins major areas including space and astrophysical physics, fusion science, accelerator science, applied mathematics, materials science, and multiple engineering fields.
Is this a standalone solicitation with its own submission portal or pathway?
No. The information provided indicates this is not a standalone solicitation with its own submission pathway. Instead, it clarifies where Division of Physics plasma physics proposals should be submitted when they are not covered by other NSF solicitations (for example, CAREER).
Where should plasma physics proposals be submitted under this opportunity?
Depending on project scope and partnership needs, proposals should be submitted to one of two routes: (1) the Division of Physics Investigator-Initiated Research Projects solicitation, or (2) the NSF/DOE Partnership in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering solicitation.
How do I choose between the two submission routes mentioned?
The correct route depends on the project’s collaborative and programmatic context. Proposals intended for certain partnerships or joint consideration (including with DOE/SC/FES in specific cases) are directed to the NSF/DOE Partnership solicitation, while other categories (including certain NSF meta-program contexts and midscale instrumentation) are directed to the Division-wide Investigator-Initiated Research Projects solicitation.
When should a proposal go to the NSF/DOE Partnership in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering solicitation?
Based on the information provided, proposals should be submitted through the NSF/DOE Partnership solicitation when they are strongly multidisciplinary and well-suited to Physics-led partnerships with NSF programs in Geosciences or Engineering, or when they are intended for joint consideration with the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, Fusion Energy Sciences (DOE/SC/FES).
When should a proposal go to the Division of Physics Investigator-Initiated Research Projects solicitation?
Plasma physics proposals should be directed to the Division-wide Investigator-Initiated Research Projects solicitation when they fit NSF "meta-programs" (examples provided include Windows on the Universe: The Era of Multi-Messenger Astrophysics, WoU-MMA, and the Computational and Data-enabled Science and Engineering program, CDSampE), seek joint review with agencies other than DOE/SC/FES, or involve longer-duration efforts or midscale instrumentation investments.
What scientific sub-areas are included within the Plasma Physics program scope?
The program supports a wide range of overlapping sub-areas, including magnetized plasmas (in laboratory devices and in space/astrophysical settings), high energy density plasmas, low temperature plasmas, dusty plasmas and other strongly coupled systems (including ultra-cold plasmas), non-neutral plasmas, and intense field-matter interaction in plasmas.
Does the program support both laboratory and space/astrophysical plasma studies?
Yes. The scope explicitly includes magnetized plasmas in laboratory devices as well as in space and astrophysical settings.
What is the core goal across the different plasma topics supported?
The core goal is to develop deeper, principle-level understanding of plasma behavior that arises from collective interactions, while strengthening foundational plasma knowledge that supports progress in other branches of science and engineering.
Are broader impacts addressed, and what kinds are encouraged?
Yes. The opportunity highlights broader impacts expectations that are especially encouraged for this community. PIs are urged to include concrete activities that broaden participation and improve diversity within plasma physics and STEM more broadly, particularly efforts engaging under-represented groups.
Does NSF encourage education or curriculum development components in plasma physics proposals?
Yes. NSF explicitly encourages education-focused components such as creating new undergraduate or graduate plasma physics curricula or integrating plasma topics into existing courses, particularly at institutions where plasma coursework is limited or absent.
What is the typical project duration, and can projects be longer?
The opportunity indicates that some plasma physics research may require more time than a typical three-year award to produce clear, demonstrable outcomes. For projects where a longer timeline is justified, investigators are encouraged to discuss the possibility of 4- or 5-year proposals with the relevant Program Director before submitting.
Should applicants contact a Program Director about longer (4- or 5-year) proposals?
Yes. For longer-duration proposals (4 or 5 years) that are justified by the research plan, investigators are encouraged to discuss this possibility with the relevant Program Director prior to submission.
What kinds of projects are considered out of scope for this Plasma Physics program and should be routed elsewhere at NSF?
The announcement clarifies that certain topics should be submitted to other NSF programs: work focused on properties of individual atoms or molecules, or optical physics (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics); projects primarily aimed at understanding astrophysical systems (Division of Astronomical Sciences); studies centered on geospace or Sun-Earth interactions (programs in Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences); developing new materials using plasmas (Materials Research); plasma-assisted manufacturing (Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation); and plasma applications in environmental and reaction engineering, sustainability, combustion, or biomedical engineering (programs within Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems).
If my proposal is submitted to another NSF program, will plasma-related aspects still be considered appropriately?
Yes. The information provided states that even when proposals are submitted elsewhere, the relevant NSF programs coordinate plasma-related aspects of their portfolios with the Plasma Physics program.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed is 47.049.
What type of grant opportunity is this described as?
It is described as an NSF discretionary grant opportunity.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any entity type), subject to any special eligibility language in the full solicitation.
When was this opportunity created, and what was the original closing date?
The opportunity was created on August 11, 2020, and the original closing date listed is November 16, 2020.
How many awards did NSF anticipate making?
NSF anticipated around 25 awards, according to the administrative details provided.
Is there an award ceiling (maximum award amount) listed?
No formal award ceiling is listed in the provided data. The ceiling is shown as 0, which the provided information indicates typically means "not specified" rather than a literal cap.
Does this opportunity apply when a proposal is covered by another NSF solicitation (like CAREER)?
The description indicates this opportunity mainly clarifies where plasma physics proposals should be submitted when they are not covered by other NSF solicitations (with CAREER given as an example). It does not describe replacing or overriding those other solicitations.
Does the program mention joint review with agencies beyond DOE?
Yes. It states that proposals seeking joint review with agencies other than DOE/SC/FES should be directed to the Division-wide Investigator-Initiated Research Projects solicitation.
What is meant here by "meta-programs," and which ones are named?
The opportunity references NSF "meta-programs" and provides examples including Windows on the Universe: The Era of Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (WoU-MMA) and the Computational and Data-enabled Science and Engineering program (CDSampE). Proposals fitting these contexts are directed to the Division-wide Investigator-Initiated Research Projects solicitation.
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