Combinatorics
The "Combinatorics" grant from the National Science Foundation supports research on various aspects of combinatorics and discrete mathematics, and also funds academic events like conferences and workshops, with the aim of advancing understanding and application of these mathematical concepts.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Combinatorics program supports research on discrete mathematical structures. The program focuses on several areas within combinatorics, including algebraic, enumerative, existential, extremal, geometric, and probabilistic combinatorics, with graph theory being a notable field of interest. This program is designed to fund research that advances the understanding of these complex mathematical concepts, which have broad applications in both theoretical and applied mathematics, as well as in other scientific disciplines such as computer science and engineering. Researchers interested in organizing academic events, such as conferences, workshops, or summer and winter schools, are encouraged to submit proposals well in advance of the event—at least six months before the planned date. It is also advisable, where possible, to submit proposals within the same fiscal year, which starts on October 1. Principal Investigators should consult the program solicitation for "Conferences and Workshops in the Mathematical Sciences" to understand the specific requirements and expectations for event proposals. Proposals for research funding under the Combinatorics program must comply with the submission guidelines set out in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) for Research.gov submissions, or the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide for proposals submitted through Grants.gov. It is essential for proposers to ensure that their submissions meet all the criteria detailed in these guides. Submitting a proposal early does not absolve applicants from meeting the deadlines or compliance requirements. The program is overseen by the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS), through the Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS). For any questions or further guidance, researchers can contact program directors Stefaan De Winter or Tomek Bartoszynski. The next target date for full proposal submissions is September 23, 2025, and this deadline recurs annually on the fourth Tuesday of September. This grant opportunity is ideal for researchers in combinatorics and related areas of discrete mathematics, seeking funding to explore innovative theories and applications. The program fosters both individual research projects and collaborative events, helping to advance the field of combinatorics and build a vibrant community of scholars.
Award Range
Not specified - Not specified
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
The following organizations are eligible to submit proposals to NSF: (a) Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty members. IHEs located outside the U.S. fall under paragraph 2(c) below. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of U.S. IHEs If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a U.S. IHE (including through use of subawards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus and justify why the project activities cannot be Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide I-6 NSF 24-1 performed at the U.S. campus. Such information must be included in the project description. The box for “Funding of an International Branch Campus of a U.S. IHE” must be checked on the Cover Sheet if the proposal includes funding for an international branch campus of a U.S. IHE. (b) Non-profit, Non-academic Organizations Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. (c) Tribal Nations The term “Tribal nation” means an American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges as a federally recognized tribe pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. §§ 5130- 5131. 2. The following organizations may be eligible to submit proposals to NSF: (a) For-profit Organizations U.S.-based commercial organizations, including small businesses, with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or education and a passion for innovation. An unsolicited proposal from a for-profit organization may be funded when the project is of special concern from a national point of view, special resources are available for the work, or the proposed project is especially meritorious. NSF is interested in supporting projects that couple industrial use-inspired challenges and research resources with those of IHEs; therefore, the Foundation especially welcomes proposals for cooperative projects involving both IHEs and industry. Specific NSF funding opportunities also may make for-profit organizations eligible for submission of proposals to the Foundation. US-based affiliates or subsidiaries of foreign organizations must contact the cognizant NSF program officer prior to preparing and submitting a proposal to NSF. (b) State and Local Governments As programmatically necessary and as provided for in a solicitation, State and local governments may be eligible to submit proposals.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
March 29, 2018
Application Closes
September 23, 2025
Grantor
National Science Foundation (NSF)
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