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Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)

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Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)

Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)

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The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) is one of the preeminent federal forces behind over 75 years of major scientific breakthroughs and innovations — from the discovery of new properties of energy and matter to the creation of entirely new fields of mathematics.

NSF MPS supports fundamental research in astronomical sciences, chemistry, materials, mathematical sciences and physics. MPS also manages ambitious, multidisciplinary research centers and institutes focused on major scientific challenges. The directorate supports fundamental science and research infrastructure that advances scientific knowledge and enhances the nation's economic growth, security and quality of life.

MPS investments are also building the scientific workforce of the future by providing specialized training, education and mentorship opportunities in labs across the U.S.

Learn more about MPS

MPS updates

IPA program director job opportunities at NSF MPS

June 16, 2026

NSF-supported researchers expand storage capabilities of DNA

March 6, 2026

New leadership roles and appointments in NSF MPS

February 2, 2026

A message from NSF MPS leadership on reorganization and merit review changes

December 17, 2025

Tiny crystals, huge impact — NSF launches new nanocrystals research center

August 25, 2025

View more updates

MPS news

NSF News

July 30, 2026

Building the future, atom by atom — NSF deploys $108M for materials science at 6 research centers

Podcast

July 15, 2026

Podcast: New security and communications materials

NSF News

July 7, 2026

NSF launches Project Triad to advance quantum technology for real-world applications

More MPS news

Upcoming events

Friday, August 14, 2026, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

MPS Chemistry Quarterly Office Hours

Q&As and information sessions

NSF MPS holds quarterly office hours to share information with chemistry researchers, administrators and others in the U.S. chemistry research community.

Friday, November 13, 2026, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

MPS Chemistry Quarterly Office Hours

Q&As and information sessions

NSF MPS holds quarterly office hours to share information with chemistry researchers, administrators and others in the U.S. chemistry research community.

View all MPS events

View all past MPS events

Recent funding opportunities

Program

Unlocking Dataset Value for AI-Enabled Scientific Discovery (AI Datasets)

Next Required Due Date: November 4, 2026

PostedJuly 21, 2026

Program

Gravitational Physics (GP)

PostedMay 7, 2026

Dear Colleague Letter

Advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Agent Ecosystems through the National Science Foundation Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (NSF PESOSE) Program

Next Required Due Date: See letter for details

PostedFebruary 20, 2026

Program

Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE)

Next Required Due Date: September 1, 2026

PostedFebruary 19, 2026

View all MPS opportunities

What we support

Astronomical sciences

MPS supports the ground-based exploration of space. From asteroids to black holes, this work enables the discovery and understanding of objects and phenomena within our solar system, the Milky Way galaxy and other galaxies, and the entire universe.

Chemistry

MPS supports fundamental discovery, invention and innovation in the chemical sciences. This work creates a strong scientific foundation for future technologies and the chemical industry, which is central to the U.S. economy and our daily lives.

Materials research

MPS supports fundamental understanding of materials, their properties and their potential applications. Materials research provides critical building blocks for technology and innovation, from new types of electronics and batteries to medical devices and body armor.

Mathematical sciences

MPS supports multiple research programs at the frontiers of discovery in theoretical and applied mathematical sciences. Mathematical sciences play an essential role in all fields of science and technology and underpin many aspects of society and security, from weather forecasting to cryptography.

Physics

MPS supports physics research that enables human understanding of the fundamental aspects of nature at all scales, from quantum-scale effects inside atoms to the dark energy that spans the entire universe. Breakthroughs in physics have led to technologies including GPS, MRI and quantum computers.

Research infrastructure

NSF supports research facilities that provide scientists with unique instruments and capabilities to explore the physical universe, including multiple astronomy observatories, the NSF National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, particle detectors at the Large Hadron Collider, and others.

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Publication date: July 6, 2021

Last updated: May 1, 2026

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