ECosystem for Leading Innovation in Plasma Science and Engineering

The ECosystem for Leading Innovation in Plasma Science and Engineering (ECLIPSE) is a funding initiative administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. With a long-standing commitment to advancing multi-disciplinary research, NSF’s ECLIPSE meta-program was developed to bridge gaps between foundational plasma science and practical technological innovation, especially where projects do not neatly align with existing NSF directorates or programs. ECLIPSE fosters a community that promotes translational research by connecting fundamental plasma science with real-world technological and societal needs. This effort includes leveraging plasma science in areas such as advanced manufacturing, environmental remediation, nanomaterial development, and novel sensor systems. Other areas include the development of chemical measurement tools, study of plasma-related chemical reactions, and innovative modeling for space weather and plasma reactors. A distinguishing feature of ECLIPSE is its cross-cutting nature; it operates across multiple NSF directorates and divisions, enhancing organizational collaboration and creating new research opportunities in areas that may not have traditionally received focused support. Applicants must ensure their proposals demonstrate both a significant fundamental challenge in plasma science and a clear pathway to addressing a broader societal or technological issue. The proposal should also align with the priorities of NSF’s science and engineering portfolio. Projects primarily aligned with technology development typically funded by other federal agencies will not be considered. Strong emphasis is placed on proposals that incorporate broader impacts such as workforce development in STEM and increased participation from underrepresented communities, including institutions like Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), and those in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions. Proposals should be titled with the identifier “ECLIPSE:” and submitted through one of the participating NSF programs listed under “Related Programs.” Proposers are encouraged to consult the program descriptions and contact the appropriate Program Officers listed in the announcement to confirm the alignment and appropriateness of their submission. Each Division has specific proposal windows or deadlines that applicants must adhere to strictly. Submissions outside of these windows may be returned without review. The ECLIPSE program is not replacing existing NSF funding streams but rather offering a coordinated mechanism for addressing cross-disciplinary plasma science challenges. Where applicable and permissible through interagency Memoranda of Understanding, NSF may share proposals with other federal funding agencies for potential joint support. Proposal evaluation will follow NSF’s standard merit review process and incorporate considerations such as intellectual merit, broader impacts, and community inclusion. The primary point of contact for ECLIPSE proposals varies by NSF Division. All inquiries can be directed to the central email eclipse@nsf.gov or to individual Program Officers listed by Division. Deadlines are determined by the corresponding participating programs, with recurring proposal windows spanning various times of the year. Some key due dates include the second Tuesday of August, first Tuesday of October, third Tuesday of October, and third Monday of November annually, among others. Applications must follow the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide when submitted through Research.gov or the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide.

Contact program officer before applying. Review program descriptions and deadlines.