Plasma Physics | PD 18 1242

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this NSF opportunity (PD 18-1242) about?

This NSF opportunity covers investigator-initiated fundamental research in plasma physics within the NSF Division of Physics. It supports discovery-driven work aimed at understanding the core physical principles that govern plasma behavior, including how collective plasma processes operate, how they can be modeled or measured, and how plasmas behave under different conditions.

2) Is PD 18-1242 a standalone solicitation where I submit my proposal?

In most cases, no. The key administrative point is that most plasma physics proposals are not submitted directly under this program text as a standalone solicitation. Instead, proposals must be routed to one of two broader NSF solicitations, depending on the nature of the work.

3) Which solicitation should I use if my plasma project is multidisciplinary or involves a DOE partnership?

If the project is multidisciplinary and fits a Physics-led partnership with NSF programs in the Directorates for Geosciences or Engineering, or if it is intended for joint consideration with the Department of Energy Office of Science, Fusion Energy Sciences (DOE/SC/FES), it should be submitted to the NSF/DOE Partnership in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering solicitation.

4) Which solicitation should I use if my project fits NSF-wide meta-programs or needs longer duration or midscale instrumentation?

If the proposal is aimed at NSF-wide meta-programs (for example, Windows on the Universe: The Era of Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (WoU-MMA) or Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering (CDSandE)), involves joint review with agencies other than DOE/SC/FES, or requests longer-duration efforts and midscale instrumentation investments, it should go to the Division of Physics Investigator-Initiated Research Projects solicitation.

5) What if my proposal is submitted under another NSF solicitation (like CAREER)?

Proposals governed by other NSF solicitations (such as CAREER) follow those specific rules, rather than the routing guidance described for most plasma physics proposals under this opportunity notice.

6) What does NSF mean by “fundamental research on plasmas” in this program?

The program focuses on plasmas as systems where collective behavior is dominated by interactions among large numbers of free charged particles. The emphasis is on clarifying the underlying physics of plasma behavior to advance plasma physics as a discipline and to strengthen the scientific foundation that supports related fields.

7) Why does NSF highlight plasma science as broadly relevant?

The notice emphasizes that plasmas make up nearly all visible matter in the universe and notes that plasma science connects to many areas, including space physics and astrophysics, materials science, applied mathematics, fusion science, accelerator science, and multiple engineering domains.

8) What plasma physics subareas are within scope?

The scope includes several overlapping subareas, including magnetized plasmas (both laboratory and space/astrophysical), high energy density plasmas, low temperature plasmas, dusty and ultra-cold plasmas and other strongly coupled plasma regimes, non-neutral plasmas, and intense field-matter interactions in plasmas.

9) What is the unifying theme across the different plasma topics?

Across the included topics, the unifying theme is discovery-driven work that improves understanding of collective plasma processes, along with advances in modeling and measurement approaches that clarify plasma behavior across different regimes and conditions.

10) What project duration does NSF expect for plasma physics grants?

Many awards are commonly structured around three-year timelines. However, the program signals flexibility and recognizes that some plasma physics efforts may need more time to produce clear outcomes.

11) Can I propose a 4- or 5-year project under this opportunity?

Yes, when a longer duration is genuinely necessary. Principal investigators are encouraged to talk with the program director about proposing a 4- or 5-year award.

12) Where should “plasma-adjacent” proposals go if the primary focus is in another discipline?

The notice provides routing guidance for plasma-adjacent work that is primarily centered in other disciplines. Correct placement is mainly about ensuring the right primary review community, and NSF notes that these programs coordinate with the Plasma Physics program on plasma-related aspects.

13) If my work is focused on individual atoms, small numbers of atoms or molecules, or optical physics, where should it be submitted?

Work focused on individual atoms or small numbers of atoms or molecules, or optical physics, belongs in the Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics program.

14) If my project primarily aims to understand astrophysical systems, where should I submit?

Projects that primarily aim to understand astrophysical systems should go to the Division of Astronomical Sciences.

15) If my proposal focuses on geospace and Sun-Earth interactions, where does it belong?

Proposals centered on geospace and Sun-Earth interactions should go to the Geospace programs in Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences.

16) Where should plasma-based materials development proposals be submitted?

Plasma-based materials development aligns more with the Division of Materials Research.

17) Where should plasma-assisted manufacturing proposals be submitted?

Plasma-assisted manufacturing fits within Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation.

18) Where do plasma uses tied to environmental or reaction engineering, sustainability, combustion, or biomedical engineering fit?

Plasma-related proposals tied to environmental or reaction engineering, sustainability, combustion, or biomedical engineering align with Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems.

19) Does this opportunity say anything about coordination between programs?

Yes. NSF notes that the programs listed for plasma-adjacent work coordinate with the Plasma Physics program on plasma-related aspects. The main purpose of routing is to ensure proposals are reviewed by the most appropriate primary community.

20) What is the CFDA number and program classification for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed as a discretionary grant program under CFDA 47.049 (NSF Physics).

21) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning any type of applicant may apply as long as they meet any specific requirements stated in the relevant solicitation used for submission.

22) How many awards does NSF expect to make under this opportunity record?

The provided metadata indicates an expected number of awards around 25.

23) Is there an award ceiling listed in the provided information?

No award ceiling is specified in the provided data.

24) What dates are associated with this opportunity record, and how should applicants interpret them?

The opportunity record was created on May 4, 2020, and shows an original closing date of November 16, 2020. Because this record is dated, applicants would need to rely on the current, active NSF solicitations named in the notice for up-to-date deadlines, requirements, and submission instructions.

25) Where can I find the current submission instructions and deadlines?

This notice indicates that proposals should be submitted through the currently active NSF solicitations it references (for example, the NSF/DOE Partnership in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering or the Division of Physics Investigator-Initiated Research Projects). The most current deadlines and requirements are expected to be in those active solicitations rather than in the older opportunity record metadata.