Mathematical Sciences Infrastructure Program

The Mathematical Sciences Infrastructure Program, administered by the Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) within the National Science Foundation (NSF), is a funding initiative that aims to enhance and sustain the infrastructure necessary for advancing research across the mathematical sciences community in the United States. The program plays a key role in supporting NSF's broader goals of strengthening U.S. leadership in science and engineering by ensuring the robustness of the mathematical sciences research ecosystem. It aligns closely with NSF’s Workforce Program by seeking to expand and prepare a well-qualified U.S.-based workforce with deep expertise in the mathematical sciences, a field increasingly critical across multiple sectors. The program supports three core project types: novel infrastructure projects that aim to build or significantly enhance systems supporting mathematical sciences research; training projects that focus on workforce development beyond the scope of existing Workforce Program solicitations; and conference, workshop, and travel support requests with demonstrable national-scale impact or cross-disciplinary focus. All project types are expected to exhibit substantial engagement with broadening participation, professional development, and support for early-career researchers. For example, training projects must include a core research component, show regional or national impact beyond the submitting institution, and address criteria such as replication potential, partnerships with underrepresented institutions, or significant initiatives to broaden participation. Proposal requirements vary by project type. Novel infrastructure projects should seek to build or enhance research infrastructure that cuts across multiple sub-disciplines or engages in interdisciplinary work. Training projects must articulate goals, proposed activities, measurable outcomes, recruitment and retention plans (especially for underrepresented groups), evaluation methods, and sustainability plans. For conference and travel support, proposers must demonstrate that the event spans a broad segment of the mathematical sciences and falls outside the purview of existing disciplinary programs. For these proposals, lead time is critical: proposals under $50,000 for domestic meetings must be submitted at least six months before the event date; larger domestic requests require nine months’ notice; international participation requests require a 12-month lead time. All proposals must comply with the current NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and must be submitted through either Research.gov or Grants.gov. Submitting a proposal before the deadline does not guarantee compliance—applicants are responsible for ensuring that all proposal components meet current NSF standards. Projects must clearly communicate the scope and significance of their work beyond the proposing institution and articulate national-level outcomes or impacts. Applications to the Mathematical Sciences Infrastructure Program are evaluated based on their potential to improve the research infrastructure for mathematical sciences at a national or regional level, their inclusivity and training components, and their potential for long-term impact. Funding requests must include a detailed and appropriate budget, commensurate with the scope of the proposed activities. Though no match requirement is stated, sustainability plans are expected for training and infrastructure projects to show how goals will be pursued beyond NSF funding. The next target due dates for full proposals are February 2, 2027, and August 4, 2026. These dates follow a recurring schedule, falling on the first Tuesday of February and August each year. The program is managed by multiple NSF contacts, including Tomek Bartoszynski, Troy D. Butler, James M. Douglass, and Wing Suet Li, all reachable via their NSF email addresses and direct phone lines. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to these contacts with questions about eligibility or the alignment of proposed work with program goals.

Clearly demonstrate regional or national impact beyond the submitting institution; align proposal scope with infrastructure or training aims and include measurable outcomes.