ECosystem for Leading Innovation in Plasma Science and Engineering

The ECosystem for Leading Innovation in Plasma Science and Engineering (ECLIPSE) program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is designed to support translational research and workforce development that bridges fundamental plasma science with technological innovation. Plasma science, as a transdisciplinary field, encompasses plasma physics, plasma chemistry, materials science, and space science. The ECLIPSE program seeks to leverage this breadth by fostering an inclusive ecosystem that unites multiple NSF Directorates and cultivates scientific advances that serve societal and technological needs. The ECLIPSE meta-program aims to identify fundamental plasma science investigations with the potential to address real-world challenges in domains supported by the NSF. It promotes cross-disciplinary proposals that might not fit neatly into existing NSF programmatic boundaries. To qualify, proposals must clearly define a core scientific or engineering challenge in plasma science that is relevant to more than one NSF program, and demonstrate how solving this challenge addresses specific needs highlighted by research communities, policymakers, or other stakeholders. The program supports a wide array of topical areas, such as plasma surface interactions for advanced manufacturing, atmospheric pressure plasmas for microelectronics and clean energy, dusty plasmas for nanomaterials, novel sensor technologies for non-equilibrium plasmas, and modeling efforts for complex plasma systems. It also encourages novel work on plasmons for wireless communication and chemical measurement science for environmental and forensic applications. Importantly, proposals that lean more toward technology development commonly funded by other federal agencies will not be considered. ECLIPSE strongly promotes diversity and inclusion in STEM by encouraging submissions from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), and institutions in EPSCoR-eligible states. It welcomes collaborations aimed at broadening participation and enhancing STEM workforce development. Proposals must begin their title with "ECLIPSE:" and be submitted through one of the related NSF programs listed. Each submission should align with the receiving program's scope and deadlines, as non-compliant proposals may be returned without review. Submission formats and guidelines must follow those detailed in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide or the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide. Application windows vary by program division, with some requiring letters of intent or preliminary proposals. A comprehensive list of applicable due dates by division is available, such as deadlines for Chemical Measurement and Imaging, Plasma Physics, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities programs. Programmatic inquiries should be directed to any of the listed Program Officers who represent various divisions under NSF’s Directorates for Engineering, Geosciences, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, STEM Education, and the Office of Integrative Activities. All inquiries can be directed to eclipse@nsf.gov or through phone numbers listed individually for each officer. Additional information, including related programs and award history, is available on the NSF website.