Internal Funding Sources

External Funding Sources

American Astronomical Society
American Meteorological Society (AMS)
American Society for Engineering Education
Argonne National Laboratory
Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association
Lucent Technologies Foundation
National Science Foundation, Physics Division
National Science Foundation, Math and Physical Sciences, overview
National Security Agency
National Training Systems Association
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
Semiconductor Research Corporation

Specific Programs

• AAS Chretien International Research Grants Program
• AAS Small Research Grants Program
• AFOSR--Physics and Electronics
• APS Arthur L. Schawlow Prize in Laser Science
• APS Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Physics Prize
• APS Shock Compression Science Award
• APS Travel Grants for Minority Speakers Program
• APS Travel Grants for Women Speakers Program
• APS W.K.H. Panofsky Prize in Experimental Particle Physics
• ARO--BAA--Physics Program
• CERN--Scientific Associateships
• MPS/ENG--NSF Scholar-In-Residence at NIH
• NASA--Ames Research Center--Unsolicited Proposals
• NASA--Goddard Space Flight Center--Unsolicited Proposals
• NASA--Jet Propulsion Laboratory--Unsolicited Proposals
• NASA--Marshall Space Flight Center--Unsolicited Proposals
• National Geographic Society--Research Grants
• NOAO--National Solar Observatory
• ONR--Electronics Research Program
• ONR--Science and Technology Research Program: Physical Sciences
• Smithsonian--Visiting Scientist Program at SAO
• Spencer Foundation Grants Program

Sponsor:American Astronomical Society
Deadline(s): April 1, annually

Objectives:
Support is provided to further international collaborative projects in observational astronomy. Emphasis is on long-term visits and the development of close working relationships with astronomers in other countries.

Eligibility:
Astronomers, throughout the world, with a Ph.D. or equivalent, are eligible to apply.

Sponsor:American Astronomical Society
Deadline(s): May 1, annually

Objectives:
The sponsor offers a small research grant program to cover costs associated with any type of astronomical research.

Restrictions:
Eligible applicants are astronomers with a Ph.D. or equivalent; graduate students are not eligible. Astronomers from smaller, less well-endowed institutions will be given priority; however, proposals will be accepted from individuals not associated with an institution. There are no citizenship restrictions.

Awards range from $500 to $5,000. Page charges, computing costs, equipment, shipping of equipment, travel to observatories, etc., are acceptable expenses. No salaries or overhead will be paid. For observing runs the amount of travel and subsistence costs may be requested, provided that theses costs will not be reimbursed. Awards will not be made to investigators holding other federal research grants except under special circumstances. Application forms and guidelines are available.

Sponsor:Department of the Air Force
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
Support is provided for research in physics and electronics directly related to the needs of the sponsor. The program is of substantial breadth, extending from plasma and quantum physics, to the understanding of the performance of novel electronic devices, to maintaining device integrity in the harsh environment of space, to engineering issues such as those found in microwave or photonic systems or materials processing techniques. One main objective of the program is to balance innovative science and Air Force relevance, the first element being forward looking and the second being dependent on the current state of the art. Research areas of interest to the sponsor include:

PLASMA PHYSICS--seeking innovative approaches for exploring novel concepts that exploit the collective interactions of charged particles with electromagnetic fields. The primary areas of interest encompass novel concepts for the electron-beam-driven generation of high-power microwave and millimeter-wave radiation, a better understanding of microwave interactions with collision-dominated sparse plasmas, and power efficient methods to generate and maintain significant free-electron densities in sea-level air. The high power microwave (HPM) research to be sponsored will be closely linked to the ongoing DoD Multidisciplinary Research Initiative (MURI) program on this topic as well as to active HPM efforts underway at Air Force and other defense laboratories and to relevant portions of New World Vistas.

These efforts look to primary applications in future directed energy weapons and electronics countermeasure systems. Possible applications for large area surveillance systems are also of interest. The overall HPM program draws particular strength from a close working relationship to the Naval Research Laboratory's Tri-Service Vacuum Electronics Initiative and to the vacuum industrial research community. The initiation in the Spring of 1997 of the DoD Air Plasma Ramparts MURI program has focused increased interest on the search for novel methods to reduce the prohibitive power budget currently required to generate and maintain appreciable free electron populations in the open atmosphere.

New ideas are sought to attack this difficult problem. Fresh ideas for completely new plasma research areas are always of interest as long as the sponsor can be postulated. Therefore, other proposed plasma research topics will be considered on a case by case basis. In general, this program is not interested in dense (strongly coupled) plasmas, fusion plasmas, or space plasmas, since those topics are already heavily funded by other agencies.

SPACE ELECTRONICS--addresses Air Force requirements for advanced high performance electronic devices. Depending upon the specific requirement, this calls for high efficiency, greater speed, higher power, lower noise, low voltage/low power performance. There is greater emphasis given to analog devices than to digital and optoelectronic structures. Emphasis is shifting away from more 'traditional' compound semiconductor materials, such as GaAs and InP, to emerging materials such as the wide bandgap GaN family. There is also interest in the understanding and electronic applications of so-called 'wet Al-oxides' formed by the oxidation of AlAs and related materials. The effects of radiation (natural and man made) on these and other electronic devices are important concerns.

ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS--involves experimental and theoretical research on the properties and interactions of atoms and molecules and forms the basic underpinning of a large range of technological applications in navigation, guidance, communications, atmospheric physics, low-and high-altitude nuclear weapons, effects phenomenology, directed-energy weaponry, and lasing mechanisms. Topics to be pursued include the following:

• trapping and cooling atoms and ions for high-resolution spectroscopy, studying cold-atom collisions, and developing advanced frequency standards
• studying ultraviolet emission cross sections of atmospheric species by electron impact
• observing interactions of atoms in strong electric, magnetic, and radiation fields; developing atomic physics fundamental to understanding plasma-enhanced deposition and microetching processes
• understanding antiproton capture, confinement, transport, injection, and annihilation processes.

IMAGING PHYSICS--investigates fundamental issues in imaging physics. These include issues concerning the image formation and propagation processes. Physical and mathematical problems in inversion/reconstruction and inverse scattering, as well as electromagnetic wave generation/propagation in various media, are central to this topic. New ways of representing object fields with a class of basis functions broader than sines and cosines and propagating these fields to distant planes can lead to advances in feature extraction and secure communications. Theoretical foundations for imaging diversity methods (e.g., wavelength diversity, phase diversity, polarization diversity) are of interest. Multi- hyperspectral techniques, data/sensor fusion, and smart sensors are being investigated.

The focus of these three areas is to evaluate the advantages of on-chip and on-sensor processing for space-based and ground based systems, as well as electronic mimicking of biological vision systems. The goal is to provide realtime information to the battlefield commander rather than raw data. Advances in image compression, integrated hardware and software parallelization, real-time response, and adaptive imaging controllers (e.g., neural networks) are sought for both ground-based and space-based sensing systems. Unconventional imaging methods are being developed to provide novel active (artificially illuminated) and passive (naturally illuminated) imaging and target recognition capabilities for war combatants. Initial unconventional imaging methods research will concentrate on synthetic aperture techniques, information recognition and extraction, and multiresolution imaging of and from space-based assets.

OPTOELECTRONIC INFORMATION PROCESSING: DEVICES AND SYSTEMS--includes investigations in two affiliated areas: (1) the development of optoelectronic devices and supportive materials, and (2) the insertion of these components into optoelectronic computational and information processing systems. Device exploration and architectural development for processors are coordinated; synergistic interaction of these areas is expected, both in structuring architectural designs to reflect advancing device capabilities and in focusing device enhancements according to system needs. Research in optical materials and optoelectronic devices emphasizes the insertion of optical technologies into computing, image-processing, and signal-processing systems.

To this end, this program continues to foster surface-normal interconnection capabilities, combining arrays of sources or modulators with arrays of detectors, with both being coupled to local electronic processors, often in "smart pixel" configurations. A related program thrust explores optical memory technologies that support page-oriented or holographic configurations. Capabilities of persistent spectral hole-burning systems for memory, as well as for processing, anchor this thrust. The spatiospectral attributes of this technology link "free-space" interconnect concepts to those of multispectral systems. Devices are being developed that emit, modulate, transmit, filter, switch, and detect multispectral signals, for both parallel interconnects and quasi-serial transmission.

Understanding the fundamental limits of the interaction of light with matter is important for achieving these device characteristics. Semiconductor materials and structures are the basis for the smart pixel technologies. In homogeneously broadened, generally cryogenic, optically resonant materials support the memory development. General themes for acceptable device approaches include high-bandwidth interface, low-energy consumption, demonstrable parallel access, and gain, logic, or memory attributes with prospects for array configurations. System-level investigations incorporate these devices into processing architectures that exploit their demonstrated and envisioned attributes and determine appropriate problem classes for optical and optoelectronic approaches.

The computational advantages and proper use of parallelism provided by optical implementations continue to guide architecture development. For example, the implementation of parallel compression and forward error correction techniques for storage or transmission of imagery is a current thrust. Computer interconnections continue to encounter increasing difficulty in signal transmission constrained by wire-crossing layout restrictions, electromagnetic interference, and cross-talk--impediments that may be circumvented by optical interconnect approaches. Illustrative is the time-honored Von Neumann bottleneck in memory-to processor data transfers; parallel access capability promised by optical technology may ameliorate this constriction.

Alternatively, a second program thrust emphasizes the use of the inherent, extremely high bandwidth of optical carriers by investigating systems that use multispectral data representations. Presently this thrust focuses on the incorporation of multispectral devices into transmission routing nodes to decrease latency and manage contention. Based on this prototypical application, future systems may satisfy computational functionalities. One architectural problem currently being investigated is optical access and storage in memory devices to obviate capacity, access latency, and input/output bandwidth concerns.

Another focus is on spectral domain processing to perform terabit-per-second multiplexing as well as data packet routing and byte-parallel transmission. This program supports Air Force requirements for information dominance by increasing capabilities in image capture; processing, storage, and transmission for surveillance; target discrimination; and autonomous navigation. In addition, high bandwidth interconnects enhance performance of distributed processor computations that provide real time simulation, visualization, and battle management environments.

LASER AND OPTICAL PHYSICS--research explores new ideas, knowledge, and insights in selected aspects of these areas. Novel lasers and laser arrays, as well as nonlinear optical devices and phenomena are of interest. Ultrafast optoelectronic techniques are being investigated with the hope of dramatically advancing the speeds and available power of electronic circuits. Picosecond and femtosecond optical pulses are being studied to generate very wide band signals, as well as to control and test electronic circuits at frequencies into the millimeter-wave range. Optical interconnect techniques are being investigated for application, especially to millimeter-wave circuits. These could significantly contribute to wide-band and impulse radar systems.

Very wide band, mode-locked semiconductor lasers are being devised and investigated as important devices in their own right, as well as for practical implementations of the ultra-high-speed electronic studies. Semiconductor laser arrays are being intensively investigated, especially in the mid-infrared, in support of ongoing important Air Force development programs. Directed energy beams, particularly laser beams, are being explored in a wide variety of direct-write materials-processing techniques that offer broad and extremely important new capabilities, particularly in microelectronics and micromechanics fabrication and packaging. Adaptive optical devices and techniques are of interest, including large and micro-optical adaptive mirrors and mirror arrays. Studies pertaining to high-resolution optics are of interest.

QUANTUM ELECTRONIC SOLIDS--focuses on materials that exhibit cooperative quantum electronic behavior, with the primary emphasis on superconductors, and any conducting materials with surfaces that can be modified and observed through the use of scanning tunneling, and related atomic-force microscopies. The program also focuses on device concepts using these materials for electromagnetic detection and signal processing in the sponsor's systems. The long-standing materials aspects of the program are based on the fabrication, characterization, and electronic behavior of superconducting thin films, which ultimately can lead to the discovery of new and improved electronic circuit elements.

Two main objectives are to understand the mechanisms that give rise to superconductivity in selected ceramics and to produce high-quality Josephson tunneling structures. Recently the program has been expanded to include bulk superconducting materials that can be useful in producing current-carrying wires in power applications. A continuing interest in this program is the search for new electronic device concepts that involve superconductive elements, either alone or in concert with semiconductors and normal metals; there is also interest in understanding high-power absorption in high-temperature superconducting materials at microwave frequencies.

A minor aspect of this program is the inclusion of scanning probe techniques to fabricate, characterize, and manipulate atomic-, molecular-, and nanometer-scale structures, with the goal of producing a new generation of improved sensors, resulting in the ultimate miniaturization of analog and digital circuitry.

SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS--is directed toward developing advanced optoelectronic and electronic materials and structures to provide those required improvements in future Air Force systems. The focus is currently on growth and use of semiconductors in bulk structures, single heterostructures, quantum wells, and quantum dots. Proposals are sought for significant advances in these areas of expansion to novel application of materials such as organic polymers, amorphous and polycrystalline materials, with estimate of potential improvements compared to present capabilities, and the impact on the sponsor's capabilities.

Innovative approaches are sought for lasers to provide, or advance, capabilities such as aircraft infrared countermeasures, laser communication, laser radar for precision guided munitions, illumination, chemical agent detection, missile warning sensor jamming, and laser array pumping. Innovative approaches are also sought for sensors for applications such as target and background phenomenology characterization, threat identification, warning, and tracking, and protection of aerospace vehicles from electro-optic, infrared, guided threats. Materials are needed to provide survivability to aircrews, sensor systems, aircraft, and space systems from directed energy threats.

ELECTROMAGNETIC MATERIALS--is directed toward developing advanced optoelectronic materials to provide those required improvements in future Air Force systems, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of tomorrow's warfighters. In particular, the sponsor seeks to generate the fundamental knowledge required for the growth and use of novel, as well as existing, optoelectronic materials and structures. No single material has the combination of properties required for all applications, so several classes of single crystal semiconductors, including a variety of heterostructure combinations, are currently under investigation. Similarly, quantum-well semiconductor heterostructures for electro-optical and nonlinear optical materials are also being studied.

Compound semiconductors and heterostructure combinations of such materials are the foundation of new generations of wavelength-diverse, highly efficient optoelectronics, and highly sensitive, frequency-agile electro-optics. These materials provide the properties necessary for advanced surveillance applications, and optoelectronic communication systems for a future command and control infrastructure. The overall emphasis is to combine materials science with solid-state physics to investigate the fundamental aspects of growth, defects, and physical properties of multilayer semiconductor structures. This will form the basis of an ability to engineer the energy band structure of semiconductors to achieve high-performance optoelectronic and electro-optical devices.

Restrictions:
Eligible applicants are researchers, institutions of higher education and organizations whose primary purpose is the conduct of scientific research. Funding amounts vary depending on the individual proposal. Indirect costs are allowed.

Sponsor:American Physical Society
Deadline(s): July 1, annually

Objectives:
Relevant areas of research are: nonlinear optics, ultrafast phenomena, laser spectroscopy, squeezed states, quantum optics, multiphoton physics, laser cooling and trapping, physics of lasers, particle acceleration by lasers, and short wavelength lasers.

Sponsor:American Physical Society
Deadline(s): July 1, annually

Objectives:
The prize is to recognize and encourage outstanding theoretical or experimental contributions to condensed matter physics.

Sponsor:American Physical Society
Deadline(s): July 1, annually

Objectives:
The award recognizes contributions to understanding condensed matter and non-linear physics through shock compression.

Sponsor:American Physical Society
Deadline(s): Open

OBJECTIVES:
The sponsor provides support to expand the opportunity for physics departments to invite minority colloquium speakers who can serve as role models for minority undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty. Invited speakers should be physicists or scholars in a closely related field, such as astronomy. The program also recognizes the scientific accomplishments and contributions of these minority physicists.

RESTRICTIONS:
Although the deadline date is open, institutions are encouraged to apply as early as possible; institutions will be notified of approval or rejection within two weeks. Eligible applicants are physics and/or science departments of U.S. colleges and universities. Invited minority speakers (African-American, Native American, or Hispanic) should be physicists or in a closely related field, such as astronomy. Speakers should currently be in the U.S. The sponsor maintains the Minority Speakers List, but selection of speakers need not be limited to this list. Speakers may not be faculty members of the host institution.

Colleges and universities will be reimbursed up to $500 for travel expenses for one minority speaker invited during the academic year. Reimbursement is for travel and lodging expenses only. Funds for this program are limited. Application forms and guidelines are available and should be submitted as soon as possible even if speaker and possible dates are only tentative.

Sponsor:American Physical Society
Deadline(s): Open

OBJECTIVES:
The sponsor provides support to expand the opportunity for physics departments to invite women colloquium/seminar speakers who can serve as role models for women undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty. Invited speakers should be women physicists or scholars in a closely related field, such as astronomy. The program also recognizes the scientific accomplishments and contributions of these women physicists.

Eligbility:
Although the deadline date is open, institutions are encouraged to apply as early as possible; institutions will be notified of approval or rejection within two weeks. Eligible applicants are physics and/or science departments of U.S. colleges and universities. Canadian and Mexican colleges and universities are also eligible, provided that the speakers they invite are currently employed by U.S. institutions. Invited women speakers should be physicists or in a closely related field, such as astronomy. Speakers should be currently in the U.S. The sponsor maintains the CSWP Colloquium/Seminar Speakers List of Women in Physics, but selection of speakers need not be limited to this list. Speakers may not be faculty members of the host institution.

Colleges and universities will be reimbursed up to $500 for travel and lodging expenses for one of two women speakers invited during the academic year. Funds for this program are limited. Application forms and guidelines are available and should be submitted as soon as possible even if speaker and possible dates are only tentative.

Sponsor:American Physical Society
Deadline(s): May 2007 (anticipated)

Objectives:
The prize recognizes and encourages achievements in Experimental Particle Physics.The prize consists of $5,000, an allowance for travel to the meeting at which the prize is to be awarded, and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. It is presented annually. The prize was established in 1985 by friends of W. K. H. Panofsky and the Division of Particles and Fields

Eligibility:
Nominations are open to scientists of all nations regardless of the geographical site at which the work was accomplished. The prize shall ordinarily be awarded to one person but the prize may be shared when all recipients have contributed to the same accomplishment. The prize will normally be awarded for contributions made at an early stage of the recipient's career. Nominations are active for three years.

Sponsor:Department of the Army
Deadline(s): Open
Objectives:
The sponsor provides support to develop and exploit the physics knowledge base for new needs and capabilities of the sponsor. In support of this goal, the interests of the physics division are primarily in the following areas: nanoscience; theoretical physics and nonlinear dynamics; quantum information science; and atomic, molecular, and optical physics. Physics disciplines which impact these areas include: condensed matter physics, interface/surface physics, atomic, molecular, and optical physics, materials physics, cross-disciplinary topics, and classical phenomenology.

Sponsor:CERN
Deadline(s): September 18, 2006 for November 21, 2006 committee; March 14, 2007 for May 31, 2007 committee; September 20, 2007 for November 20, 2007 committee.

Objectives:
The sponsor offers the use of its research facilities in Switzerland to scientific associates to participate in its programs covering experimental and theoretical particle physics, as well as various related activities in applied physics electronics, computing, and engineering.

Restrictions:
The Scientific Associates programme is open to established scientists, both of Member and Non-Member States, wishing to work at CERN. Associates must remain employed at their home institute during their appointment and are expected to receive their salary or a sizeable fraction of it, while CERN provides financial assistance.  The duration of the contract is at most one year. Extensions may be granted in exceptional cases, however the total duration of the appointment  shall not exceed two years. No Associateship can be awarded less than five years after the end date of an earlier CERN Paid Associateship or Fellowship or Staff position (for stays shorter than the standard contract duration for these statuses, the rule is applied pro rata).

Sponsor:National Science Foundation
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
Through a partnership between the sponsor and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), support is provided to enable investigators in the mathematical and physical sciences and engineering to develop research collaborations within the intramural research environment at the NIH. The activity will emphasize those efforts in which the expertise of mathematical and physical scientists and engineers can be utilized in the development of innovative applications of science and engineering in addressing significant research questions in the medical and biological sciences. The interaction will focus on the introduction of innovative new research directions, tools, and methodologies.

Restrictions:
Eligible applicants are mathematical and physical scientists and engineers who are interested in making connections between their research and current and future problems in the medical and biological sciences. Emphasis is placed on establishing new collaborations for scientists and engineers who are not well-coupled to these research communities. Applicants must hold tenured, tenure-track, or senior research faculty positions at U.S. academic institutions, and have had no funding from the NIH.

Funds will support summer salary, travel, and per diem costs for the visiting NSF Scholar while on the NIH campus, as well as travel costs associated with short-term visits to the NIH campus by students working with the Scholar at his/her home institution. It is expected that the home institution of the Scholar will cost share through sabbatical salary or other resources. NIH will provide office space, research facilities, research costs in the form of expendable and minor equipment purchases to the host laboratory, and the time of its research staff.

NSF will also, as appropriate, assist with funds for transporting specialized pieces of equipment between the Scholar's laboratory and NIH for use in the collaborative research. Participants in the program are expected to spend a minimum of six months to a maximum of one year, either consecutively or staggered within an 18-month time frame, working within the NIH intramural research program. NIH will host up to ten scholars in residence at any one time through the duration of this program.

Interested applicants should contact the designated Directorate coordinator to learn more about the procedures for application and evaluation; all applications must be accompanied by a letter of invitation from NIH. Submissions should be made to the disciplinary program in the participating Directorate in which the Principle Investigator would normally have his/her research supported. Submissions must be in accordance with the NSF Grant Proposal Guide (NSF 99-2). General questions may be directed to the NSF Directorate Coordinators - Dr. Denise Caldwell (listed above) or Dr. Rajinder Khosla, rkhosla@nsf.gov, Engineering; or the coordinator at NIH, Dr. Robert Bonner, bonner@helix.nih.gov.

Sponsor:National Aeronautics & Space Administration
Deadline(s):Open

Objectives:
The sponsor provides support for the submission of unique and innovative unsolicited proposals which will further the Agency's mission. In general, the unsolicited approach is most appropriate for research of a fundamental nature which has potential for advancing the state of the art in a particular area, contributes to knowledge of a specific phenomenon, or provides fundamental advances in engineering or the sciences.

At the Ames Research Center, unsolicited research proposals will be accepted in the following areas:

• Advanced Instrumentation
• Advanced Life Support
• Aeronautics
• Aerothermal Materials and Structures
• Aerothermodynamics
• Aircraft Conceptual Design
• Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Atmospheric Physics
• Bioregenerative Life Support
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Computational Materials Science
• Control Algorithm for Wind Tunnel Support Systems
• Earth Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics
• Ecosystem Science
• Ecosystem Science and Technology
• Engineering and Technical Services
• Experimental Aerodynamics
• Extravehicular Systems Research and Technology
• Flight Research
• HighSpeed Computer Architectures
• Human Factors
• Hypersonics
• Infrared Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Infrared Astronomy Projects and Technology Development
• Neuroscience
• Physical-Chemical Closed Loop Life Support
• Planetary Biology
• Planetary Science Rotary Wing Aeromechanics
• Rotorcraft Technology
• Scientific Visualization and Interactive ComputerGraphics
• Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
• Solar System Exploration
• Space Biology
• Space Physiology
• Space Projects
• Spacecraft Data Systems
• Telecommunications
• Theoretical Astrophysics
• Turbulence Physics
• Unsteady Viscous Flows
• Wind Tunnel Automation
• Wind Tunnel Composite Applications.

Restrictions:
There are no specific dates for the submission of unsolicited proposals. However, funding availability is greater during the start of the Government's fiscal year cycle beginning October 1 of each year. All proposals should be submitted at least six months in advance of the desired starting date. Eligible applicants are educational, nonprofit, industry and for-profit private sector institutions. Foreign organizations are also eligible. Collaborative applications are also acceptable; however the proposal should be submitted by only one of the organizations.

Proposals must state the funding level being requested accompanied by a cost plan with sufficient detail to permit an understanding of the basis of the funding request. As applicable, include separate cost estimates for the following:

• salaries, wages, and fringe benefits for each participant
• equipment
• expendable materials and supplies
• services
• domestic and foreign travel
• ADP expenses
• publication or page charges
• consultants
• subcontracts with budget breakdowns
• other miscellaneous identifiable direct costs
• indirect costs

By statute, cost sharing is usually required on contracts for basic or applied research projects resulting from unsolicited proposals. However, colleges and universities need not propose cost sharing.

The sponsor advises that contact between the proposer and NASA technical personnel is encouraged before an extensive effort is expended in preparing a detailed proposal. Organizations or individuals desiring more specific information relative to unsolicited proposals should contact the procurement office of the NASA Field Installation (listed above) or NASA Headquarters, Contract Management Division, Code HK, Washington, DC 20546-0001.

Sponsor:National Aeronautics & Space Administration
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
The sponsor provides support for the submission of unique and innovative unsolicited proposals which will further the Agency's mission. In general, the unsolicited approach is most appropriate for research of a fundamental nature which has potential for advancing the state of the art in a particular area, contributes to knowledge of a specific phenomenon, or provides fundamental advances in engineering or the sciences.

At the Goddard Space Flight Center, unsolicited research proposals will be accepted in the following areas:

• Advanced Data Systems and Avionics
• Astronomy and Solar Physics
• Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics
• Biogeochemical Cycles
• Biospheric Studies
• Climate Change
• Cryogenics
• Detector Technology (Gamma-ray, x-ray, UV, Visible, Infrared, Microwave, Radion)
• Environmental Sensors
• Experimental Instrumentation
• Flight Dynamics
• High Energy Astrophysics
• Hydrospheric Process
• Interdisciplinary Research
• Laser Instrumentation
• Microwave Sensors
• Ocean Bioproductivity
• Optics
• Planetary and Extraterrestrial Physics
• Precision Attitude Control
• SeaWiFS Project
• Sensor and Instrument Calibration
• Solid Earth Geophysics
• Space Geodesy
• Terrestrial Physics
• Thermal Systems
• Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM).

Restrictions:
There are no specific dates for the submission of unsolicited proposals. However, funding availability is greater during the start of the Government's fiscal year cycle beginning October 1 of each year. All proposals should be submitted at least six months in advance of the desired starting date. Eligible applicants are educational, nonprofit, industry and for-profit private sector institutions. Foreign organizations are also eligible. Collaborative applications are also acceptable; however the proposal should be submitted by only one of the organizations.

Proposals must state the funding level being requested accompanied by a cost plan with sufficient detail to permit an understanding of the basis of the funding request. As applicable, include separate cost estimates for the following:

• salaries, wages, and fringe benefits for each participant
• equipment
• expendable materials and supplies
• services
• domestic and foreign travel
• ADP expenses
• publication or page charges
• consultants
• subcontracts with budget breakdowns
• other miscellaneous identifiable direct costs
• indirect costs

By statute, cost sharing is usually required on contracts for basic or applied research projects resulting from unsolicited proposals. However, colleges and universities need not propose cost sharing.

The sponsor advises that contact between the proposer and NASA technical personnel is encouraged before an extensive effort is expended in preparing a detailed proposal. Organizations or individuals desiring more specific information relative to unsolicited proposals should contact the procurement office of the NASA Field Installation (listed above) or NASA Headquarters, Contract Management Division, Code HK, Washington, DC 20546-0001, phone 202-358-2090.

Sponsor:National Aeronautics & Space Administration
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
The sponsor provides support for the submission of unique and innovative unsolicited proposals which will further the Agency's mission. In general, the unsolicited approach is most appropriate for research of a fundamental nature which has potential for advancing the state of the art in a particular area, contributes to knowledge of a specific phenomenon, or provides fundamental advances in engineering or the sciences.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is NASA's lead center for Solar System exploration with robotic spacecraft. The laboratory has become the largest supplier of instruments to the Earth Observing System under NASA's Mission to Planet Earth. JPL also conducts advanced research and development tasks for NASA and is responsible for management and operation of the Deep Space Network. In addition, JPL conducts selected projects to develop and apply new technologies to the solution of problems on Earth as well as in space, including research and development in microelectronics, supercomputing and spacecraft power systems. Supporting research and advanced development have been conducted in electric propulsion, aero-thermodynamics, fluid physics and electrophysics, applied mathematics, space power generation, optical and radio astronomy, planetary atmospheres, fields and particles, long-range communications, guidance and control, and systems simulation and analysis techniques.

Eligibility:
There are no specific dates for the submission of unsolicited proposals. However, funding availability is greater during the start of the Government's fiscal year cycle beginning October 1 of each year. All proposals should be submitted at least six months in advance of the desired starting date. Eligible applicants are educational, nonprofit, industry and for-profit private sector institutions. Foreign organizations are also eligible. Collaborative applications are also acceptable; however the proposal should be submitted by only one of the organizations.

Proposals must state the funding level being requested accompanied by a cost plan with sufficient detail to permit an understanding of the basis of the funding request. As applicable, include separate cost estimates for the following:

• salaries, wages, and fringe benefits for each participant
• equipment
• expendable materials and supplies
• services
• domestic and foreign travel
• ADP expenses
• publication or page charges
• consultants
• subcontracts with budget breakdowns
• other miscellaneous identifiable direct costs
• indirect costs

By statute, cost sharing is usually required on contracts for basic or applied research projects resulting from unsolicited proposals. However, colleges and universities need not propose cost sharing.

The sponsor advises that contact between the proposer and NASA technical personnel is encouraged before an extensive effort is expended in preparing a detailed proposal. Organizations or individuals desiring more specific information relative to unsolicited proposals should contact the procurement office of the NASA Field Installation (listed above) or NASA Headquarters, Contract Management Division, Code HK, Washington, DC 20546-0001.

Sponsor:National Aeronautics & Space Administration
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
The sponsor provides support for the submission of unique and innovative unsolicited proposals which will further the Agency's mission. In general, the unsolicited approach is most appropriate for research of a fundamental nature which has potential for advancing the state of the art in a particular area, contributes to knowledge of a specific phenomenon, or provides fundamental advances in engineering or the sciences.

At the Marshall Space Flight Center, unsolicited research proposals will be accepted in the following areas:

• Aeronomy
• Astrophysics and Space Physics
• Atmosphere/Land Surface Interface
• Audion Systems
• Biophysics
• Climate Modeling with the CMI
• Cloud Scattering of Lightning Discharges
• Combustion Devices and Turbomachinery
• Communications Systems
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Control Mechanisms
• Control for Vehicles
• Cosmic Ray Research
• Cryogenic Physics
• Crystal Growth in Fluid Field and Particle Dynamic Evaluation
• Docking/Berthing Sensors
• Electrical Systems
• Electronics, Sensors, Robotics
• Gamma Ray Astronomy
• Geophysical Fluid Dynamics and Modeling
• Global Hydrology and Climate
• Hypervelocity Impact Design and Analysis
• Infrared Astronomy
• International Space Welding Experiments (ISWE)
• Liquid Propulsion Dynamic Analysis
• Low Gravity Science
• Magnitospheric and Plasma Physics
• Microgravity
• Model Studies of Storm Electrical Processes
• Nonmetallic Materials Research
• Optical Systems
• Payload Utilization
• Physical Climate Analysis
• Pointing Control Systems
• Process Engineering Research
• Quality Engineering
• Reliability Engineering
• Solar Physics
• Space Environmental Effects
• Space Propulsion
• Space Environmental Effects on Materials
• Space Optical Systems
• Space Vehicle Environments
• Stratospheric and Mesospheric Studies
• Structural Assessment
• Structural Analysis
• Structural Design
• Structural Dynamics
• Surface Properties/Atmospheric Boundaries Interactions
• Thermal Analysis: Liquid Propulsion Systems
• Thermal Analysis: Solid Rocket Motor
• Thermal/Environmental Computational Analysis
• Transportation System Development
• Tropospheric Wind Profiling
• Vibracoustics
• X-ray Astronomy.

Restrictions:
There are no specific dates for the submission of unsolicited proposals. However, funding availability is greater during the start of the Government's fiscal year cycle beginning October 1 of each year. All proposals should be submitted at least six months in advance of the desired starting date. Eligible applicants are educational, nonprofit, industry and for-profit private sector institutions. Foreign organizations are also eligible. Collaborative applications are also acceptable; however the proposal should be submitted by only one of the organizations.

Proposals must state the funding level being requested accompanied by a cost plan with sufficient detail to permit an understanding of the basis of the funding request. As applicable, include separate cost estimates for the following:

• salaries, wages, and fringe benefits for each participant
• equipment
• expendable materials and supplies
• services
• domestic and foreign travel
• ADP expenses
• publication or page charges
• consultants
• subcontracts with budget breakdowns
• other miscellaneous identifiable direct costs
• indirect costs

By statute, cost sharing is usually required on contracts for basic or applied research projects resulting from unsolicited proposals. However, colleges and universities need not propose cost sharing. The sponsor advises that contact between the proposer and NASA technical personnel is encouraged before an extensive effort is expended in preparing a detailed proposal. Organizations or individuals desiring more specific information relative to unsolicited proposals should contact the procurement office of the NASA Field Installation (listed above) or NASA Headquarters, Contract Management Division, Code HK, Washington, DC 20546-0001, phone 202-358-2090.

Sponsor:National Geographic Society
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
The sponsor provides support for basic, original, scientific field research in disciplines including anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, biology, botany, geography, geology, oceanography, paleontology, and zoology. Particular emphasis is placed on multi-disciplinary projects that address environmental issues (e.g., loss of biodiversity and habitat, effects of human population pressures).

Restrictions:
There is no deadline for applications, but applicants should allow a minimum of eight months from proposal submission for a decision from the sponsor.Eligible applicants are expected to have advanced degrees (Ph.D. or equivalent) and be associated with an educational organization or institution. Independent researchers or those pursuing a Ph.D.-level degree may apply, but competition is keen and awards to non-Ph.D. applicants are rare. As a general rule, all applicants are expected to have published a minimum of three articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. There are no citizenship restrictions. Researchers planning work in foreign countries should include at least one local collaborator as part of their research teams.

Grants vary in amount and duration depending upon the need and nature of the project, but average between $15,000 and $20,000 (US) per year. Multi-year grants are limited. Funds may be used for transportation, supplies, and daily subsistence. Laboratory expenses are acceptable, provided the laboratory work is a logical extension of the field research. Grants may not be used for expenses that are not directly related to the project. Funds may not be used for travel to scientific/professional meetings or conferences, or for publication of research results. Grants are generally intended to function as complementary support, and the sponsor encourages applicants to seek additional, concurrent funding from other agencies. Potential candidates must submit a short preproposal and a curriculum vitae. Those whose projects are deemed appropriate will receive an application form. Guidelines are available.

Sponsor:National Optical Astronomy Observatories
Deadline(s): November 15, February 15, May 15, and August 15, annually

Objectives:
Large optical telescopes, observing equipment, and research support services are made available to qualified researchers and graduate students at the National Solar Observatory, at Sacramento Peak in Sunspot, New Mexico, or Kitt Peak in Tucson, Arizona. A resident staff of astronomers, engineers, and various support personnel are available to assist visitors.

Restrictions:
The deadline for the Fall Quarter is August 15; the Winter Quarter is November 15; the Spring Quarter is February 15; and the Summer Quarter is May 15. Eligible applicants are qualified researchers and graduate students. Applications will not be accepted from graduate students unless accompanied by a letter from a responsible faculty member certifying observational competence and academic standing. Graduate students have to be affiliated with a United States institution. Travel support is generally limited to graduate students having approved observing program directly related to their thesis work. Only one round-trip fare, per proposal, per observing quarter, will be made for each graduate student. Applicants are advised to contact the sponsor prior to proposal submission. Mail submissions are no longer accepted.

Sponsor:Office of Naval Research
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
The sponsor supports basic and applied research in electronics of importance to naval operations, including the growth of electronic materials, understanding of surfaces and interfaces, semiconductor and magnetic material theory, microelectronics, nanoscale electronic devices, nanolithography, novel electronic device concepts, memory, high power RF and switching components, vacuum electronics, high temperature superconductor electronics, optoelectronics, solid state lasers and light emitters, multiband IR and UV sensors, ionospheric effects, and innovative electronic circuits.

Sponsor:Office of Naval Research
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
The sponsor supports basic and applied research in the physical sciences of importance to naval operations. General areas of interest include:

PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY--develops relationships between fundamental atomic and molecular properties and macroscopic physical states and chemical reactivity. Primary areas of interest include research relating to the chemistry and physics of sliding contacts and the development of a molecular-level understanding of lubrication.

ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS--seeks primarily to understand and exploit the interactions of light, atoms, ions, and molecules. Areas supported at present include laser cooling and trapping of both ions and neutral atoms; Bose-Einstein condensation; atom laser concepts; coherent control, e.g. of chemical reactions; femtosecond pulse shaping; quantum computing; and quantum state teleportation. Also supported are novel theoretical methods for computational electronic structure.

ELECTROCHEMICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY--develops a foundation of electrochemical sciences and technology and exploits this knowledge for energy and power systems. Areas of interest include new electrode and catalyst materials and processing, interfacial structure and dynamics, and small domains. Specific challenges being addressed include in-situ diagnostics, improved electrocatalysts and membranes, and higher specific energy and power systems.

NONLINEAR DYNAMICS--seeks to exploit dynamical instabilities and resonances to improve the control and performance of devices. Areas of support include control of chaos, detection via nonlinear resonances, nonlinear wave dynamics, ocean wave dynamics, and dynamical signal analysis.

PHYSICAL ACOUSTICS--seeks to discover and apply innovative acoustic techniques for determining fundamental and engineering properties of materials and processes for naval applications. Areas supported include ultrasonic measurements, nonlinear acoustics, and thermoacoustic processes.

LASERS AND ELECTRO-OPTICS--to conceive and develop new laser concepts, and apply ideas involving quantum optics. Areas of specific concern include atomic interferometry (atom optics), squeezed states, and lasing without inversion.

PLASMA PHYSICS--seeks to develop and exploit a predictive capability with regard to the collective and nonlinear dynamics of plasmas. Areas of interest include nonneutral plasmas in traps and laboratory experiments related to space plasmas.

Restrictions:
Eligible applicants are U.S. and foreign researchers, for-profit institutions, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is the conduct of scientific research. Both direct and indirect costs are allowed. Preliminary correspondence with the sponsor is encouraged to establish areas of mutual interest. Applicants should consult the sponsor's website for more detailed information.

Sponsor:Smithsonian Institution
Deadline(s): Open

Objectives:
The sponsor makes visiting scientist appointments at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory for the purpose of expanding the scholarly exchange of scientific information in the areas of atomic and molecular physics; infrared, optical, radio, and X-ray astronomy; planetary sciences; geophysics; solar and stellar physics; and theoretical astrophysics. Visitors come for a well-defined scientific purpose which may be in collaboration with a specific individual, to access unique data, or to use the sponsor's specialized facilities.

Restrictions:
Eligible applicants are scientists from all over the world; there are no citizenship restrictions. Visits may vary from a few days to several weeks or months, or, in some cases, for up to one year in duration. Stipend support varies with the length of the visit and the amount of support being provided by the visitor's home institution or other fellowship support. Application is made by directly contacting a member of the research staff to request support. More information on the program can be obtained from the sponsor.

Sponsor:Spencer Foundation
Deadline:Open
Objectives:
The sponsor's mission is to fund activities, anywhere in the world, which foster new ideas in education and encourage creativity. The sponsor prefers to fund specific initiatives that conform to the mission statement.

Eligibility:
The sponsor funds activities from anywhere in the world.