Electronics, Photonics and Magnetic Devices

The National Science Foundation’s Electronics, Photonics, and Magnetic Devices (EPMD) Program supports fundamental research on novel devices based on principles of electronics, optics, photonics, optoelectronics, magnetics, opto- and electromechanics, and electromagnetics. The program focuses on advancing micro-, nano-, and quantum-based devices operating within the electromagnetic spectrum. These technologies are intended to address challenges and opportunities in key application domains, including information and communication systems, imaging, sensing, healthcare, the Internet of Things, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Research areas emphasize emerging technologies for miniaturization, integration, energy efficiency, and materials innovation to enable functionalities such as flexibility, tunability, and enhanced reliability. The program is organized into three primary focus areas: electronic devices, photonic devices, and magnetic devices, with cross-cutting technologies spanning these categories. Research in electronic devices may include nanoelectronics, semiconductor devices, flexible and printed electronics, thermoelectric and ferroelectric devices, and devices based on carbon-based technologies. Photonic device research encompasses optical emitters and detectors, quantum photonics, nonlinear and ultrafast photonics, nanophotonics, optical imaging, and optomechanical nanodevices. Magnetic device research addresses biomagnetic systems, spin electronics, quantum magnetic devices, and next-generation logic and memory devices. Cross-cutting research areas include two-dimensional material devices, bioelectronic technologies, metamaterial-based devices, sensor technologies, and photovoltaic energy-harvesting systems. The EPMD program encourages interdisciplinary, convergent research that integrates diverse fields, methods, and perspectives. Investigators are urged to discuss their research concepts with program directors before proposal submission to ensure alignment with program goals. Proposals exploring emerging fields, novel methodologies, and transformative approaches are particularly encouraged. Proposals must adhere to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) when submitted through Research.gov or follow the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide when submitted via Grants.gov. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, and investigators are required to consult the program director for special funding mechanisms such as Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) and Rapid Response Research (RAPID). Proposals for workshops or supplemental funding may also be submitted at any time with prior consultation. Applications are evaluated based on NSF’s standard merit review criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Intellectual Merit assesses the research's potential to advance knowledge in the field, while Broader Impacts evaluate societal contributions, including promoting STEM workforce diversity, enhancing public scientific literacy, and supporting scientific infrastructure. Proposals must outline clear research objectives, an innovative approach, and a well-justified methodology while addressing both merit review criteria effectively. The EPMD program is managed within the Directorate for Engineering (ENG) and the Division of Electrical, Communications, and Cyber Systems (ECCS). Researchers are encouraged to contact program directors, including Supriyo Bandyopadhyay, Premjeet Chahal, Dominique Dagenais, Ananth Dodabalapur, Margaret Kim, Matthew McCune, Richard Nash, and Usha Varshney, for guidance and pre-submission discussions. Additional resources, including examples of funded projects, are available on the NSF EPMD program webpage.