Plasma Physics | PD 23 1242

Opportunity Information: Apply for PD 23 1242

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Plasma Physics opportunity (PD 23-1242) supports investigator-initiated research that advances fundamental understanding of plasmas, meaning physical systems dominated by the collective behavior of large numbers of free charged particles. In practical terms, the program is aimed at basic plasma science: identifying and explaining the core principles that govern how plasmas form, evolve, transport energy and particles, generate fields, become unstable, and interact with boundaries, radiation, and matter. NSF frames the intellectual motivation broadly, noting that plasmas are believed to make up about 99.9 percent of the visible universe and that plasma physics underpins or connects to fields like space physics and astrophysics, fusion science, accelerator science, materials science, applied mathematics, and a wide range of engineering applications. The emphasis, however, remains on the fundamental plasma physics questions rather than purely application-driven development.

Administratively, proposals that fall within plasma physics and are being submitted to the NSF Division of Physics, but are not covered by another NSF solicitation (for example, CAREER), are routed through the Division of Physics Investigator-Initiated Research Projects solicitation. Within that umbrella, the Plasma Physics program also participates in several NSF-wide or cross-cutting meta-programs, including ECLIPSE (ECosystem for Leading Innovation in Plasma Science and Engineering), WoU-MMA (Windows on the Universe: The Era of Multi-Messenger Astrophysics), and CDS&E (Computational and Data-enabled Science and Engineering). That matters because a plasma physics proposal with strong ties to, say, advanced computation, data-driven discovery, or multi-messenger astrophysical connections may align with these broader NSF efforts in addition to fitting the Plasma Physics program itself. The solicitation also flags that plasma-appropriate proposals may be submitted in response to specific NSF Dear Colleague Letters, such as those focused on sustainability themes (for example, Critical Aspects of Sustainability and Innovative Solutions to Sustainable Chemistry).

In terms of scientific scope, NSF describes several major, overlapping sub-areas that the program is prepared to support. These include magnetized plasmas in laboratory, space, and astrophysical settings; high energy density plasmas; low temperature plasmas; dusty, ultra-cold, and more generally strongly coupled plasmas; and non-neutral plasmas as well as intense field-matter interactions in plasmas. The common thread across these topics is that the research should illuminate plasma behavior arising from collective effects, rather than focusing narrowly on single-particle or small-ensemble physics. NSF also signals flexibility on project length: while many NSF awards are three years, investigators whose plasma research realistically needs a longer runway to produce demonstrable outcomes are encouraged to talk with the program director about proposing a 4- or 5-year project.

The opportunity is open in terms of eligible applicants (listed as “Unrestricted,” subject to any specific eligibility notes that may appear in the broader Division-wide solicitation). NSF anticipates around 25 awards. The listing shows an award ceiling of 0, which typically indicates that a fixed maximum is not specified in this summary record and applicants should rely on the main solicitation and program guidance for typical budget ranges and expectations. The original closing date shown for this posting is November 20, 2023, and the agency is the National Science Foundation under CFDA 47.049, categorized as science and technology research and development, using the grant funding instrument.

A notable feature of this program is its explicit encouragement of Broader Impacts activities that strengthen and diversify the plasma physics community. Investigators are urged to consider concrete efforts to broaden participation of underrepresented groups in STEM as part of the project’s broader impacts plan. NSF also highlights educational capacity-building as a valued contribution, especially developing new undergraduate or graduate plasma physics curricula, or integrating plasma physics content into existing courses at institutions that do not currently offer substantial plasma coursework.

The solicitation also clarifies boundaries with other NSF programs to help applicants avoid misdirected submissions. Projects centered on the properties of individual atoms or molecules, or on optical physics, are generally better suited for the Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (AMO) program. Proposals primarily aimed at understanding astrophysical systems should go to the Division of Astronomical Sciences, while work focused on geospace, Sun-Earth interactions, or the near-Earth environment belongs in the Geospace Section within Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences. If the main thrust is developing new materials using plasmas, NSF points to the Division of Materials Research; if the emphasis is plasma-assisted manufacturing, to the Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation. Similarly, proposals focused on plasmas as tools for environmental or reaction engineering, sustainability engineering, combustion systems, or biomedical engineering applications are directed toward the relevant programs in the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems. The practical takeaway is that NSF wants plasma physics proposals in this program to be anchored in plasma science fundamentals, even when the motivation involves applications.

Finally, NSF notes that, when allowed under memoranda of understanding (MOUs), it may share proposal information for potential joint funding considerations and may allow personnel from partner organizations to observe merit review panels. MOUs relevant to this program currently include major U.S. science and defense research entities (Department of Energy Office of Science, National Nuclear Security Administration, and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research) as well as several international research partners (the US-Israel Binational Science Foundation, the Czech Science Foundation, Germany’s DFG, and the Swiss National Science Foundation). This signals opportunities for coordination or co-funding in areas of mutual interest, while still keeping NSF’s merit review and programmatic fit requirements central to the decision process.

• 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 29, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 20, 2023. (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 23 1242

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: