Algebra and Number Theory

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences and specifically the Division of Mathematical Sciences, administers the Algebra and Number Theory program. NSF is an independent federal agency established to promote the progress of science by supporting research across diverse fields. This program aligns with NSF’s mission by advancing fundamental research in algebra, algebraic and arithmetic geometry, number theory, and representation theory. By fostering new discoveries in pure mathematics, the program aims to expand the boundaries of knowledge while contributing to the training of researchers in these specialized areas. The scope of the Algebra and Number Theory program is both research-oriented and community-building. It supports individual and collaborative research projects within the program’s thematic focus areas. In addition to research grants, the program also funds activities such as conferences, workshops, and seasonal schools designed to build networks among researchers, enhance dissemination of results, and encourage collaboration across institutions. These supplemental opportunities allow for broad participation from mathematicians at different career stages and provide platforms for mentorship and training. Proposals for conferences, workshops, and similar events follow specific submission guidelines. Events requesting budgets not exceeding $50,000 are reviewed internally and should be submitted in May for activities planned for January through April of the following year, or in October for those scheduled between May and December. Events with budgets exceeding $50,000 require external review and should be submitted nine to twelve months before the event date to allow adequate review time. For these submissions, applicants must use the “Conference” proposal type on research.gov and apply under program designation PD 20-1264. For research proposals, applicants are expected to submit by the annual target date, which falls on the second Friday of October. The upcoming deadline is October 10, 2025, with this date recurring annually thereafter. Extensions may be granted under extenuating circumstances, but only if approved by the cognizant Program Director prior to the deadline. Research proposals are considered full proposals and must comply with the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) or the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide, depending on the submission platform. Eligibility is broad and encompasses a range of U.S. institutions and organizations, including public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and state and local government entities. Proposals must adhere to NSF’s general requirements for submission, and no specific restrictions beyond NSF’s standard eligibility guidelines are stated in the program notice. The program is open nationwide, supporting proposals from all U.S. states and territories. Applicants should consult the PAPPG to ensure compliance with formatting, submission, and review requirements. Applications are evaluated through NSF’s merit review process, which emphasizes intellectual merit and broader impacts. Intellectual merit assesses the potential to advance knowledge within mathematics, while broader impacts evaluate the project’s contribution to society and scientific workforce development. Program Directors may seek internal or external reviewers depending on the scope and budget of the proposed activity. NSF also emphasizes compliance with new research security requirements, including training obligations and prohibitions related to foreign talent recruitment programs. Program contacts are available for applicants seeking clarification. Current contacts include J. Matthew Douglass (mdouglas@nsf.gov, 703-292-2467), Adriana Salerno (asalerno@nsf.gov, 703-292-2271), and Emily E. Witt (ewitt@nsf.gov, 703-292-2976), all within the Division of Mathematical Sciences. The NSF headquarters is located at 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare proposals in advance of deadlines and communicate with program officers for guidance on appropriateness and alignment of proposed research or event activities with the program’s priorities.