The NSF MPS (Mathematical and Physical Sciences) Directorate supports foundational research in mathematics, physics, chemistry, materials science, and astronomy. These core scientific disciplines underpin nearly every modern technology—from quantum information systems and advanced materials to spectroscopy, biotechnology, and precision measurement. Unlike translational or mission-driven programs, MPS prioritizes fundamental discovery: new theories, quantitative models, experimental breakthroughs, and conceptual frameworks that expand our understanding of the physical universe. 

NSF MPS consists of five major divisions. The Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) funds pure and applied mathematics, statistics, computational mathematics, and mathematical biology, with proposals expected to advance the fundamental understanding of structures, analysis, modeling, or computation. The Division of Physics (PHY) supports quantum materials, particle physics, plasma physics, high-energy astrophysics, gravitational physics, atomic and molecular physics, and precision measurement science. The Division of Chemistry (CHE) funds theoretical and computational chemistry, catalysis, chemical structure and dynamics, biomolecular processes, and chemical measurement technologies. The Division of Materials Research (DMR) focuses on condensed-matter physics, nanomaterials, polymers, electronic and photonic materials, crystal growth, and instrumentation for user facilities. Finally, the Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) supports observational, theoretical, and computational astrophysics as well as access to major facilities such as NOIRLab, ALMA, and other national observatories. 

Eligibility follows standard NSF guidelines: applicants must be affiliated with a qualified U.S. institution such as a university, nonprofit research organization, or eligible small business. For-profit entities may apply when the proposed work is fundamental research, not commercial development. International collaborators may contribute through subawards or parallel arrangements but cannot receive direct NSF funds as lead investigators. MPS proposals must clearly articulate how the research advances basic scientific understanding, opens unexplored directions, or provides new analytical or experimental capabilities. 

Competitive proposals demonstrate rigorous methodology, clear scientific questions, strong theoretical or experimental justification, and compelling broader impacts. Broader-impact components often include STEM outreach, research training, open data resources, diversity initiatives, or community-based scientific engagement. Large projects involving instrumentation or computational infrastructure must include detailed management and data-sharing plans. 

ScienceDocs Can Help 

ScienceDocs assists researchers preparing high-level NSF MPS proposals, including theory development, experimental design, computational modeling, and broader-impact strategy. 
Begin at https://www.sciencedocs.com/quotes.