Plasma Physics | PD 18 1242

Opportunity Information: Apply for PD 18 1242

This National Science Foundation (NSF) opportunity (PD 18-1242) covers investigator-initiated research in plasma physics within the NSF Division of Physics. The key administrative point is that most plasma physics proposals are not submitted directly under this program text as a standalone solicitation; instead, they must be routed to one of two broader NSF solicitations, depending on the nature of the work. 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. 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. Proposals governed by other NSF solicitations (such as CAREER) follow those specific rules.

Scientifically, the opportunity supports fundamental research on plasmas, meaning systems where collective behavior is dominated by interactions among large numbers of free charged particles. The program emphasizes understanding the core physical principles that govern plasma behavior, both to advance plasma physics as a discipline and to strengthen the scientific foundation needed by related fields. The description highlights that plasmas make up nearly all visible matter in the universe, and it underscores the broad relevance of plasma science to areas such as space physics and astrophysics, materials science, applied mathematics, fusion science, accelerator science, and multiple engineering domains.

The scope includes several overlapping subareas of plasma physics. Examples called out include magnetized plasmas (in laboratory settings as well as in space and astrophysical environments), 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. Across these topics, the unifying theme is discovery-driven work that clarifies how collective plasma processes operate, how they can be modeled or measured, and how the plasma state behaves under different conditions.

The NSF also signals flexibility in project duration. While many grants are commonly structured around three-year timelines, the program recognizes that certain plasma physics efforts may need more time to produce clear outcomes. For projects where a longer runway is genuinely necessary, principal investigators are encouraged to talk with the program director about proposing a 4- or 5-year award.

The notice also provides guidance on where to send proposals that are plasma-adjacent but primarily centered in other disciplines. Work focused on individual atoms or small numbers of atoms or molecules, or optical physics, belongs in the Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics program. Projects that primarily aim to understand astrophysical systems should go to the Division of Astronomical Sciences, while proposals centered on geospace and Sun-Earth interactions should go to the Geospace programs in Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences. Plasma-based materials development aligns more with the Division of Materials Research; plasma-assisted manufacturing fits Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation; and plasma uses tied to environmental or reaction engineering, sustainability, combustion, or biomedical engineering align with Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems. NSF notes that these programs coordinate with the Plasma Physics program on plasma-related aspects, so correct placement is mainly about ensuring the right primary review community.

From the funding opportunity metadata, this is a discretionary grant program under CFDA 47.049 (NSF Physics). 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. The posting indicates an expected number of awards around 25 and does not specify an award ceiling in the provided data. The opportunity record was created May 4, 2020, with an original closing date shown as November 16, 2020, so applicants would need to rely on the current, active NSF solicitations named above for up-to-date deadlines, requirements, and submission instructions.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Plasma Physics" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.049.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 04, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 16, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 25 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

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