Plasma Physics

The Plasma Physics program at the National Science Foundation (NSF), administered by the Division of Physics within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, supports fundamental research in the physics of plasmas. As 99.9% of the visible universe consists of plasma, this field plays a critical role in advancing knowledge across multiple scientific domains including space physics, astrophysics, fusion energy, materials science, and various branches of engineering. This program invites investigator-initiated proposals addressing the fundamental principles and behavior of plasmas in various settings such as laboratory, astrophysical, and high-energy-density environments. The program covers a wide spectrum of plasma-related research. Areas of interest include but are not limited to: magnetized plasmas, non-neutral plasmas, dusty and strongly coupled plasmas, low-temperature plasmas, and intense field-matter interactions. Submissions that focus on plasma-assisted applications in manufacturing, sustainability, and biomedicine are often redirected to more appropriate NSF divisions. For example, proposals centered on plasma applications in materials development, combustion systems, or environmental engineering should be directed to respective divisions such as Materials Research or Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems. This ensures a targeted approach to funding based on disciplinary focus. Researchers may submit proposals through the NSF-wide solicitation titled “Division of Physics: Investigator-Initiated Research Projects” (NSF 23-615). The core program does not issue a dedicated solicitation document and instead refers to this overarching mechanism for submissions. Applications must comply with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) that is effective at the time of the proposal deadline. The program also participates in several NSF cross-disciplinary initiatives, such as the ECosytem for Leading Innovation in Plasma Science and Engineering (ECLIPSE), and Windows on the Universe: The Era of Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (WoU-MMA). NSF explicitly encourages principal investigators to incorporate efforts aimed at broadening participation of underrepresented groups in STEM and to contribute to educational initiatives such as developing or enhancing plasma physics curricula, especially at institutions currently lacking such offerings. The agency recognizes the long-term nature of some research and allows for project durations of up to five years, upon consultation with the program director. Submissions are evaluated through NSF’s standard merit review process. Under existing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), NSF may share proposals with other U.S. and international funding bodies for co-review and possible joint funding. Current partners include the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, National Nuclear Security Administration, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and international organizations like the Czech Science Foundation and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Proposals to this program are due annually on the third Monday in November; the next cycle deadline is November 16, 2026. This recurring deadline structure allows for regular entry points into the program. Prospective applicants may contact Program Directors Vyacheslav Lukin or Jeremiah D. Williams for further clarification. Proposals must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov using the solicitation ID PD 23-1242 and must adhere to the submission guidelines specified in the PAPPG or the Grants.gov Application Guide, respectively.