At a glance
MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro) is a federal competitive grant from U.S. National Science Foundation for the science & technology sector. Funding: $100M total. Eligible applicants: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility". The application deadline is November 16, 2026. Apply via the official listing at www.grants.gov.
- Amount
- $100M total
- Deadline
- Nov 16, 2026
- Type
- Competitive
- Status
- Open
About this program
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) supports multiple research programs in the astronomical sciences. NSF MPS funds foundational astronomical sciences research and instrumentation focused on exploring space and advancing fundamental understanding of the universe.The programs covered by this funding opportunity are:Astronomical Sciences Core ResearchAstronomical Sciences Technology & InstrumentationAstronomical Sciences InnovationsResearch supported by these programs is essential for ongoing discovery in a range of fields. The programs provide a strong scientific foundation for America's capabilities in multiple areas: predicting solar storms, discovering potentially habitable planets in other solar systems, understanding the physical workings of extreme astrophysical objects like black holes, and more.NSF MPS is particularly interested in intellectually ambitious and potentially transformative foundational research. Proposals need not promise a near-term product, deployment, or commercial outcome, nor need they address later-stage development to be competitive.
Who can apply
Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
How to apply
Apply through Grants.gov using funding opportunity number 26-522. Register your organization (SAM.gov + Grants.gov) before the deadline, then submit the application package listed in the official notice.
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