Interfacial Engineering

The Interfacial Engineering program, administered by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) within its Directorate for Engineering and the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems (ENG/CBET), is a funding opportunity designed to support fundamental research on atomic- and molecular-scale interfacial phenomena. It operates within the broader Chemical Process Systems cluster, which includes complementary programs in Catalysis, Electrochemical Systems, and Process Systems. The overarching goal is to enhance our understanding of interfacial systems to ultimately improve efficiency and sustainability in industrial chemical and biochemical processes. The program specifically encourages research that investigates the thermodynamic, kinetic, and transport properties of interfaces and how these properties can be manipulated through engineering. Emphasis is placed on projects that not only pursue scientific novelty but also have a clear translational potential into practical applications. Proposals must demonstrate how insights from interfacial studies could lead to tangible improvements in chemical process systems, and interdisciplinary collaborations—particularly those integrating experimental work with theory or modeling—are welcomed and encouraged. Key research areas supported under this program include chemical separations involving scalable mass separating agents such as membranes and sorbents, and field-induced separation processes aimed at reducing energy or material use. Other interests include biological separations that improve the downstream processing of biologically derived products, and the design of engineered surfaces and interfaces for advanced molecular recognition and transport dynamics. The program also supports theoretical and modeling work related to nanoconfined systems and engineered surfaces. Applicants should take care to submit proposals that are well aligned with the core interests of the program. Proposals focused on areas such as electrochemical system performance or the biological/environmental interaction of nanomaterials may be better suited to other NSF programs. Applicants are advised to consult with program directors before submission to ensure the best programmatic fit and to avoid having proposals returned without review. Innovative projects outside the listed areas of interest may still be considered if their relevance and impact are clearly articulated. The program accepts full proposals at any time, with no specific annual deadline, and operates under a rolling submission model. Proposals should conform to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) requirements, and awards typically last up to three years for unsolicited applications. Single investigator awards generally provide funding for one graduate student and one month of PI time annually. Larger budgets should be discussed with the program director in advance. The program also welcomes proposals for the CAREER program, RAPID, EAGER, GOALI, and conference or workshop support, each of which has its own guidelines and eligibility. Primary program contacts are Catherine Walker ([email protected], 703-292-7125) and Sachin Velankar ([email protected], 703-292-2894). Applicants should reach out to these contacts for questions about fit or proposal preparation. While there is no set deadline for the main Interfacial Engineering program, deadlines for the CAREER program and other specialized tracks such as RAPID and EAGER vary and may be submitted throughout the year. Proposers are advised to refer to the PAPPG and individual opportunity descriptions for details about application mechanics, performance periods, and compliance requirements.