Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation

Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation
Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)
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NSF reorganization
Updates to reflect
the new organizational structure of MPS
are in progress. Some information on this page may no longer be current.
Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)
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The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) is one of the preeminent federal forces behind nearly 75 years of major U.S. scientific breakthroughs and innovations — from the discovery of new properties of energy and matter to the creation of entirely new fields of mathematics.
MPS supports research in astronomy, chemistry, materials, mathematics and physics and provides high-tech facilities for this work. The directorate supports fundamental research that advances scientific knowledge and enhances our nation's economic growth, security and quality of life. MPS also empowers the scientific workforce of the future through training, mentorship and research support across U.S. institutions and communities.
Learn more about MPS
MPS updates
NSF-supported researchers expand storage capabilities of DNA
March 6, 2026
New leadership roles and appointments in NSF MPS
February 2, 2026
A message from NSF MPS leadership on reorganization and merit review changes
December 17, 2025
Tiny crystals, huge impact — NSF launches new nanocrystals research center
August 25, 2025
NSF and industry partners fund new research to use emerging data analytics tools for more efficient polymer manufacturing
July 30, 2025
View more updates
MPS news
Podcast
April 14, 2026
Podcast: The future of quantum computing
Podcast
April 7, 2026
Podcast: AI-powered labs accelerating scientific discovery
NSF News
February 25, 2026
NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory launches real-time discovery machine for monitoring the night sky
More MPS news
Upcoming events
Friday, May 8, 2026, 3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
MPS Chemistry Quarterly Office Hours
Q&As and information sessions
NSF MPS holds quarterly office hours to share information with chemistry researchers, administrators and others in the U.S. chemistry research community.
Monday, June 1, 2026, 1:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee meeting (June 2026)
Advisory group meetings
View all MPS events
View all past MPS events
Recent funding opportunities
Dear Colleague Letter
Advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Agent Ecosystems through the National Science Foundation Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (NSF PESOSE) Program
Next Required Due Date: See letter for details
Posted
February 20, 2026
Program
Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE)
Next Required Due Date: September 1, 2026
Posted
February 19, 2026
Program
National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NQNI)
Next Required Due Date: May 14, 2026
Posted
February 13, 2026
Program
Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSEC)
Posted
November 26, 2025
View all MPS opportunities
Explore MPS
Division of Astronomical Sciences (MPS/AST)
Supports research in all areas of astronomy and astrophysics, related multidisciplinary studies and a network of world-class telescopes and observatories.
Division of Chemistry (MPS/CHE)
Supports research and education in the chemical sciences through strategic investments aimed at developing a chemistry workforce that engages all U.S. regions and communities.
Division of Materials Research (MPS/DMR)
Supports research into the nature and capabilities of matter spanning a broad range of materials-related fields, as well as research facilities, education and training.
Division of Mathematical Sciences (MPS/DMS)
Supports research and training in theoretical and applied mathematics and statistics and cross-cutting partnerships across all STEM fields.
Division of Physics (MPS/PHY)
Supports research, facilities and training enabling exploration and understanding of nature at all scales, from the quantum-scale to the entire universe.
Office of Strategic Initiatives (MPS/OSI)
Supports crosscutting research, education and infrastructure in areas of strategic importance for NSF's mission and the broader U.S. scientific enterprise.
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