Mathematical Sciences Infrastructure Program

The Mathematical Sciences Infrastructure Program is administered by the National Science Foundation within its Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences and the Division of Mathematical Sciences. The program was created to maintain the vitality and long-term sustainability of the U.S. mathematical sciences research community. Its primary goal is to strengthen infrastructure across the mathematical sciences while complementing the Division’s Workforce Program, which aims to expand the number of well-prepared U.S.-based individuals pursuing careers in mathematics and related professions. The program provides opportunities for projects that establish new infrastructure or significantly improve existing structures at a regional or national scale. The program supports three types of projects. First, it funds novel projects that create or transform research infrastructure in mathematics. These efforts must demonstrate broad, lasting impact extending beyond the proposing institution or event location. Projects often involve collaborations across multiple mathematical subdisciplines or with other scientific areas. Second, the program accepts training projects that do not fall within other solicitations under the Workforce Program. These must include a core research component, address national or regional needs, and incorporate initiatives such as model replication, partnerships with minority-serving institutions or community colleges, or efforts to broaden participation in mathematics. Training proposals must outline goals, measurable outcomes, assessment methods, participant recruitment plans, sustainability strategies, and a budget proportionate to the activity. Third, the program allows proposals for conferences, symposia, workshops, working sessions, and travel support. Such submissions must demonstrate broad disciplinary scope, national-level significance, and meet lead-time requirements: at least six months before a domestic meeting requesting $50,000 or less, nine months for larger domestic meetings, and twelve months for international participation. Eligibility is broad and includes higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other entities capable of conducting or supporting mathematical sciences research and training. Proposals must show engagement in enhancing mathematical research infrastructure with particular attention to professional development, student and early-career researcher involvement, and broadening participation. All proposals must comply with the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide and are evaluated for their regional or national impact, sustainability, and contribution to the mathematical sciences community. The program accepts full proposals aligned with two annual target dates: the first Tuesday in February and the first Tuesday in August. For 2026, these dates are February 3 and August 4, with subsequent annual cycles continuing thereafter. Applications must be submitted through Research.gov following NSF PAPPG guidelines, or through Grants.gov following the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide. Conference and workshop proposals are evaluated under additional criteria set by the dedicated NSF solicitation for mathematical sciences meetings. Evaluation emphasizes the significance of the proposed infrastructure or training activity, its potential for national impact, and the quality of planning, outcomes, and assessment. Projects must clearly demonstrate how they will expand opportunities within the U.S. mathematical sciences community and provide evidence of sustainability after NSF funding ends. Applicants should note that NSF awards made after October 1, 2024, are governed by revised terms aligned with federal assistance guidance. The program is overseen by multiple program directors within the Division of Mathematical Sciences, including Tomek Bartoszynski (tbartosz@nsf.gov, 703-292-4885), Troy D. Butler (tdbutler@nsf.gov, 703-292-2084), James M. Douglass (mdouglas@nsf.gov, 703-292-2467), and Wing Suet Li (winli@nsf.gov, 703-292-4630). The NSF headquarters is located at 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia. Interested applicants are encouraged to consult program materials, prior awards, and related initiatives for guidance before preparing proposals.