The Division of Materials Research: Topical Materials Research Programs (DMR-TMRP) supports fundamental research to advance the understanding, discovery, design, synthesis, and characterization of materials. The program emphasizes exploring material properties and phenomena across scales, from the atomic to the macroscale, with a focus on addressing key scientific challenges and driving technological innovation. Research areas include electronic, atomic, and molecular structures, mechanisms governing material behaviors, emerging phenomena, and strategies for creating novel materials with unique functionalities. Projects are expected to have cross-disciplinary impacts, transcending traditional scientific boundaries while contributing to workforce development and preparing the next generation of materials researchers.

The solicitation applies to the following seven Topical Materials Research Programs: Biomaterials (BMAT), Ceramics (CER), Condensed Matter Physics (CMP), Electronic and Photonic Materials (EPM), Metals and Metallic Nanostructures (MMN), Polymers (POL), and Solid State and Materials Chemistry (SSMC). Each program supports research within its specific focus area, but collectively they aim to deepen fundamental knowledge and foster innovation in materials science. Proposals submitted to these programs must align with the unique objectives and priorities of the selected focus area, with emphasis placed on originality, transformative potential, and broader societal impacts.

Research efforts may address advanced material synthesis and characterization methods, multi-scale modeling, and integration of data-intensive approaches, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, to facilitate material predictions and accelerate discoveries. Investigators are encouraged to articulate how their work advances scientific understanding, aligns with societal needs, and contributes to the broader materials research community. Data Management Plans must outline how research outputs will adhere to FAIR principles—Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable—and researchers are encouraged to use NSF’s DMR-provided Data Management and Sharing Plan template.

Eligibility is open to accredited U.S. institutions of higher education, nonprofit non-academic organizations, and similar entities associated with research and educational activities. Investigators are limited to one proposal submission per fiscal year across all DMR-TMRPs, including submissions under Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI), Facilitating Research at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (RUI/ROA), and Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering (CDS&E). Exceptions include proposals under the Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) program and other NSF-wide programs such as DMREF, MRSEC, and PREM. Investigators must consult program officers before submitting proposals under RAPID, EAGER, or other discretionary mechanisms.

Proposals are accepted at any time, but investigators are advised to avoid submissions between April 15 and June 15 to ensure optimal review scheduling. Awards typically range from $85,000 to $160,000 per year, with durations of two to four years, depending on program priorities and funding availability. Larger budgets may be considered with prior approval from the program director. Proposals must follow the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and include required documents such as Project Descriptions, Data Management Plans, and suggested reviewers.

The evaluation process focuses on two core NSF review criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Intellectual Merit assesses the potential of the proposed work to advance knowledge, creativity, and technical excellence. Broader Impacts consider societal benefits, including diversity in STEM, education, public engagement, and economic contributions. Reviewers also evaluate the appropriateness and responsiveness of Data Management Plans. Multidisciplinary proposals spanning multiple DMR-TMRPs or other NSF programs may undergo co-review if appropriately indicated during submission.

Proposals that fail to align with program objectives, lack required documentation, or violate submission constraints will be returned without review. Investigators are encouraged to consult program officers for guidance on program fit and submission requirements before preparing their proposals.