Topology

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS), invites proposals for its Topology Program. NSF is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. This program is part of NSF's longstanding commitment to fostering cutting-edge research in mathematical sciences that underpins scientific and technological advancements in the United States. The Topology Program provides funding for research in a broad array of topological fields, including algebraic topology, geometric topology, low-dimensional topology, contact and symplectic structures, and topological quantum field theories. Supported subareas include homotopy and cohomology theories, K-theory, knot theory, bordism, transformation groups, and more recent topics such as topological data analysis and infinity categories. This reflects the program's focus on deep theoretical frameworks as well as emerging applications that may contribute to advances in other scientific disciplines. In addition to standard research proposals, the Topology Program welcomes submissions for conferences, workshops, and similar activities through a separate process. These must be submitted using proposal type “Conference” or “Travel” via Research.gov under solicitation PD 22-1267. Smaller conference proposals (with budgets not exceeding $50,000) must be submitted at least six months before the event, and larger requests (exceeding $50,000) must be submitted at least eight months in advance. Submission windows are open twice a year: September 1–30 and April 1–30. Proposals must follow the guidelines detailed in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) or the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide, depending on the submission platform used. Researchers are encouraged to consult these documents for requirements on formatting, documentation, and submission protocols. Proposers for international travel should take note of additional documentation and justification requirements. Program directors Swatee Naik (snaik@nsf.gov, 703-292-4876) and Paulo M. Lima Filho (plimafil@nsf.gov, 703-292-7972) are available for inquiries. Full proposals are accepted once a year with a target date of the first Tuesday in November, recurring annually thereafter. For the upcoming cycle, the target date is November 3, 2026. This recurring schedule allows researchers to plan ahead and improve the quality and scope of their submissions. The Topology Program's structured and recurring call for proposals helps sustain vibrant mathematical communities and supports foundational research that often plays a critical role in computational sciences, quantum physics, and other cross-disciplinary innovations.

Ensure proposals meet PAPPG guidelines and observe 6- or 8-month advance window rules for conference submissions.