Crosscutting Activities in Materials Research

The Crosscutting Activities in Materials Research (XC) program is administered by the Division of Materials Research (DMR) within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) at the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF is a federal agency committed to promoting scientific progress in the United States through various research and education funding initiatives. The XC program was established in 2016, succeeding the former Office of Special Programs in Materials Research (OSP), to support efforts that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries within materials research. The primary objective of the XC program is to coordinate and support activities across NSF and within DMR that emphasize diversity and inclusion, international collaboration, and education. XC funds activities such as institutes, workshops, conferences, and summer schools that do not fit neatly into other DMR programs. These activities are often community-wide efforts and are meant to be inclusive, fostering broad engagement from a diverse array of stakeholders in the materials research community. Notably, proposals that do not align with any other NSF programs but are still relevant to materials research and education are welcomed under XC. In terms of funding scope, the program does not support traditional research proposals, which should be directed to topical programs within DMR. Instead, XC focuses on broader community-building initiatives and integrative efforts that include experiential learning opportunities such as those offered at REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) and RET (Research Experiences for Teachers) Sites. The program also supports diversity-focused supplements like CLB (Career-Life Balance), AGEP-GRS (Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate - Graduate Research Supplements), and MPS-GRSV (Graduate Research Supplement for Veterans). Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities are also encouraged under the guidelines set in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. Eligibility for this program is broad, encompassing a variety of U.S.-based educational institutions and organizations involved in materials research. However, applicants are encouraged to consult with an XC Program Director before submitting a full proposal exceeding $50,000. The preferred initial contact method is by submitting a one-page summary or brief write-up of the proposed idea. For REU and RET supplements, applicants must coordinate with the Program Director of the original award. Although XC does not accept proposals with a primary international component, such elements may be included when submitted to disciplinary programs. Proposals can be submitted at any time through Research.gov or Grants.gov using the solicitation code PD 18-7222. However, submissions made after April are typically considered for funding in the following fiscal year, which begins on October 1. While there are no fixed deadlines for submission, this timing recommendation helps ensure proposals are considered within the appropriate budget cycle. Applicants are reminded to adhere to all relevant submission guidelines outlined in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. For further information, interested parties are encouraged to contact Program Director Krystle D. Wilson at kdwilson@nsf.gov or by phone at (703) 292-8129. Additional context and resources for applicants—including details about diversity, international efforts, and educational priorities—are accessible on the NSF website and through referenced Dear Colleague Letters and archived materials.

Contact the program director prior to submitting a full proposal exceeding $50,000.