Plasma Physics | PD 20 1242

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).

• 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.

Apply for PD 20 1242

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