The Nanoscale Interactions program, part of the Environmental Engineering and Sustainability cluster of the National Science Foundation, aims to support research that advances a fundamental and quantitative understanding of how nanomaterials and nanosystems interact with biological and environmental media. This program is interested in a variety of nanomaterials, such as one- to three-dimensional nanostructures, nano-bio hybrid assemblies, dendritic and micelle structures, quantum dots, and other nanoparticles. These materials and systems often exhibit unique physical, chemical, photonic, electronic, and biological behaviors compared to their bulk-scale counterparts. The program encourages collaborative and interdisciplinary proposals.

Key research areas supported by the program include:

Characterizing interactions at the interfaces of nanomaterials and nanosystems, whether these are simple nanoparticles or complex composites, with surrounding biological and environmental media.

Developing predictive tools based on the fundamental behavior of nanostructures to advance cost-effective and environmentally friendly processing and engineering solutions across the full life cycle of materials.

Investigating the transport, interactions, and impact of nanostructured materials and nanosystems on biological systems and the environment.

Simulating nanoparticle behavior at interfaces, alongside experimental comparisons, and developing new theories and simulation methods to determine the transport and transformation of nanoparticles in various media.

Exploring quantum vibronic and spin phenomena, and understanding how these relate to nanoscale interactions and produce macroscopic changes, particularly in physiological and metabolic processes.

The research supported by this program aims to inform the design of nanostructured materials and heterogeneous nanosystems with optimized chemical, electronic, photonic, biological, and mechanical properties for sustainable manufacturing and utilization. Exploratory research projects that focus on the quantum effects and nanoscale interactions are encouraged to explain macroscopic outcomes, with a particular interest in generating quantitative data and evidence of quantum effects.

Studies focused on atomic- and molecular-scale interfacial phenomena that are geared towards industrial chemical or biochemical processes may be more appropriate for the Interfacial Engineering program. Principal investigators are encouraged to consult with the program directors before submission to determine programmatic suitability.

Proposals submitted to the Nanoscale Interactions program should highlight the novelty and potentially transformative nature of the proposed work compared to previous research. It is also essential to explain the significance of the proposed research in terms of engineering science, as well as its projected societal or industrial impact. The novelty or transformative aspects must be included in the Project Summary of each proposal.

Awards for unsolicited proposals under this program generally have a duration of up to three years. Single-investigator projects typically receive support for one graduate student and up to one month of principal investigator (PI) time per year. Proposals exceeding typical budget amounts should be discussed with the program director in advance. The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) program is strongly encouraged, with an award duration of five years and a submission deadline each July.

Principal investigators interested in submitting proposals for conferences, workshops, or supplements should discuss their requests with the program director before submission. Additionally, grants for Rapid Response Research (RAPID), Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), and Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) are considered when appropriate. These proposals can be submitted anytime during the year, but prior discussion with the program director is necessary. Specific details about RAPID, EAGER, and GOALI are available in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide.

Proposals must comply with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide, and non-compliant proposals will be returned without review. Full proposals can be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov, following the guidelines outlined for each system.

The program contact for the Nanoscale Interactions program is Nora F. Savage, reachable at NOSAVAGE@nsf.gov. Proposals are accepted year-round, and applicants are encouraged to review the latest guidance and announcements for up-to-date instructions on submission.