Foundations

The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers the Foundations program within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS), specifically managed by the Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS). NSF is an independent federal agency tasked with advancing scientific progress across disciplines. The Foundations program supports rigorous research in mathematical logic and the theoretical underpinnings of mathematics. It places a strong emphasis on areas such as proof theory, recursion theory, model theory, set theory, and infinitary combinatorics. These topics represent core pillars in the study of mathematical foundations and play a critical role in advancing both pure and applied mathematical sciences. The program’s purpose is to encourage advances in foundational theories that shape mathematical thought and methodology. By funding projects in proof theory and recursion theory, for example, NSF seeks to support deeper understandings of formal systems and computability, which have broad implications across computer science and logic. Similarly, research in model theory and set theory allows investigators to explore the structural basis of mathematics, with consequences for number theory, algebra, and theoretical computer science. Infinitary combinatorics is supported for its impact on large-scale structures and abstract frameworks in mathematics. Collectively, the program serves to strengthen the intellectual infrastructure of mathematics while ensuring that high-quality foundational work continues to advance. NSF permits support not only for individual research projects but also for conferences, workshops, and schools designed to advance scholarship and collaboration in these fields. Principal Investigators interested in hosting conferences or workshops must consult the program solicitation “Conferences and Workshops in the Mathematical Sciences.” Applications for conferences should be submitted approximately eight months before the proposed start date to allow sufficient time for review and approval. These supplemental opportunities are intended to cultivate scholarly exchange, foster collaboration among leading experts, and support the development of the next generation of mathematicians. Proposals submitted to the Foundations program must adhere to the requirements in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) current at the time of the relevant deadline. Applicants may choose to submit via Research.gov or through Grants.gov, but they must ensure all components conform with the agency’s preparation standards. Proposals are reviewed according to NSF’s established merit review criteria, which focus on intellectual merit and broader impacts. Award conditions will align with the revised 2 CFR financial assistance requirements that took effect on October 1, 2024, and must be followed by all successful applicants. The program operates on an annual cycle. The next full proposal target date is September 22, 2026, corresponding to the fourth Tuesday in September, and it will recur annually on that date. As of today, September 29, 2025, the next cycle is more than a year away, positioning current applicants in the early engagement stage for the 2026 deadline. Applicants should plan their preparation timeline accordingly to ensure timely submission and compliance with all federal guidelines. Notification of awards typically follows after merit review, and projects may span multiple years, depending on the proposed scope. The program is open to institutions of higher education and related research organizations across the United States. While no explicit match or cost-sharing requirement is indicated, applicants must comply with NSF’s policies on budgeting, financial reporting, and research integrity. Contacts for program-specific inquiries include Program Directors Tomek Bartoszynski (tbartosz@nsf.gov; 703-292-4885) and Stefaan G. De Winter (sgdewint@nsf.gov; 703-292-2599). Additional information, including access to program resources, previously funded awards, and guidelines for conference proposals, is available on NSF’s official website.