Windows On The Universe: The Era Of Multi-Messenger Astrophysics

The "Windows on the Universe: The Era of Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (WoU-MMA)" program by the National Science Foundation (NSF) represents a strategic initiative aimed at propelling scientific discovery through integrated, multi-messenger astrophysical exploration. This program is designed to leverage the unique capacities of electromagnetic waves, high-energy particles—including neutrinos and cosmic rays—and gravitational waves to study the universe. Recognizing the transformational potential of synthesizing observations across these modalities, WoU-MMA supports research that brings together these distinct observational approaches to reveal new insights into astrophysical objects and phenomena. The WoU-MMA program falls under the purview of the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS), including the Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) and the Division of Physics (PHY), along with the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) under the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO). The program builds on five years of prior investments and seeks to enhance both observational capabilities and theoretical integration across messenger types. Its strategic goals include fostering greater synergy between observations and theory, enabling coordinated observational campaigns, supporting studies of astrophysical events that may be sources of multiple messengers, and encouraging theoretical or computational models that explain or predict these phenomena. Proposals are expected to clearly address at least one of three key criteria: coordination of multi-messenger observations, execution of observations likely to yield data across multiple messengers, and interpretation of such data through theoretical or computational methods. The program is not intended to supplant existing funding mechanisms for single-messenger studies, but rather to augment efforts that distinctly contribute to a multi-messenger framework. Proposals submitted to the WoU-MMA program must begin with the identifier "WoU-MMA:" in the title, signaling intentional alignment with the program’s objectives. Funding under this program may be sought by submitting proposals to relevant NSF programs listed under "Related Programs." These include Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants, Antarctic and Arctic Research Opportunities, and several discipline-specific physics programs such as Gravitational Physics, Nuclear Physics, and Particle Astrophysics. Proposals that qualify for WoU-MMA consideration will be evaluated both within this context and by the primary disciplinary program to which they are submitted. Supplements to existing NSF-funded projects may also be considered if they incorporate multi-messenger objectives as defined by the program criteria. The submission window for full proposals extends from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with proposals due by 5:00 PM local time on the final day of submission. Proposals must adhere to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and may be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov, referencing program designation PD 23-5115. No pre-application steps such as Letters of Intent or Concept Papers are required. Proposals submitted outside the designated submission windows for participating programs may be returned as non-compliant, emphasizing the importance of aligning proposals with relevant program guidelines. Designated contacts for this program span the participating NSF divisions. Key personnel include Hans A. Krimm, Nigel A. Sharp, and Martin D. Still from MPS/AST; Vyacheslav Lukin and Pedro Marronetti from MPS/PHY; and Vladimir Papitashvili from GEO/OPP. Their contact information is publicly listed to support applicant inquiries. While the total available funding and specific award amounts are not disclosed in the source, past award information and a searchable database of funded projects are available through NSF resources. This grant opportunity is nationally scoped with no stated geographical restrictions and supports eligible U.S.-based research institutions contributing to the advancement of multi-messenger astrophysics.